<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="immigrant-visas" data-vt-code="EB-1"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/immigrant-visas">Immigrate</a><span>›</span><span>EB-1</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Immigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>No labor certification</span><span>Annual cap</span><span>Form I-140</span></div> <h1><span>EB-1</span> Priority Workers</h1> <p class="vt-lede">First-preference green card for people with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers or executives. No labor certification is required.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/eb-1">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">After arrival</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">After you arrive</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Result</dt><dd>Permanent residence (green card)</dd></div><div><dt>Annual numbers</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">28.6%</a> of the employment-based limit</dd></div><div><dt>Petition</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-140</a> — $715 paper / $665 online</dd></div><div><dt>Labor certification</dt><dd>Not required</dd></div><div><dt>Self-petition</dt><dd>Allowed for EB-1A only</dd></div><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15 or 45 business days</a></dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>India and China backlogs.</strong> EB-1 is current for most countries in the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">October 2026 Visa Bulletin</a>, but final action dates apply to China (July 1, 2023) and India (February 1, 2023). For October 2026, USCIS requires employment-based adjustment applicants to use the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dates for Filing chart</a> (EB-1: China and India July 1, 2024; all other countries current).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">EB-1 is the first employment-based preference category for permanent residence. It covers three groups: people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics (EB-1A); internationally recognized outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B); and certain multinational managers and executives (EB-1C).</p> <p class="b">None of the three subgroups needs a Department of Labor labor certification. EB-1A applicants may file for themselves without a job offer; EB-1B and EB-1C require a U.S. employer to file <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-140</a>. Congress sets the employment-based preference level at at least 140,000 visas a year; EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 each receive 28.6% of it, and EB-4 and EB-5 each receive 7.1% (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin, October 2026</a>). The per-country limit for FY 2027 is 25,620 preference visas.</p> <p class="b">After the I-140 is approved and a visa number is available, the worker either adjusts status inside the United States with Form I-485 or applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">EB-1A — extraordinary ability (self-petition allowed)</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Sustained national or international acclaim, shown either by a one-time major internationally recognized award (such as a Pulitzer, Oscar or Olympic medal) or by meeting at least 3 of 10 evidentiary criteria.</li><li>The criteria include lesser prizes or awards, membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement, published material about the person, judging the work of others, original contributions of major significance, scholarly authorship, artistic exhibitions, a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations, high salary, and commercial success in the performing arts.</li><li>The person must intend to continue working in the area of extraordinary ability in the United States.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">EB-1B — outstanding professor or researcher</h3> <ul class="b"><li>International recognition for outstanding achievements in a specific academic field.</li><li>At least 3 years of experience in teaching or research in that field.</li><li>Entering for a tenure or tenure-track teaching position or a comparable research position, with evidence meeting at least 2 of 6 criteria (major prizes, membership, published material about the work, judging, original research contributions, scholarly authorship).</li></ul> <h3 class="s">EB-1C — multinational manager or executive</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Employed outside the United States for at least 1 year in the 3 years before the petition (or before the most recent lawful nonimmigrant admission, if already working for the U.S. employer) by the same employer or a related company.</li><li>Coming to work in a managerial or executive role for the same employer, an affiliate or a subsidiary.</li><li>The U.S. employer must have been doing business for at least 1 year and have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Green card</th><td>10-year card, renewable; permanent residence does not expire if conditions are kept</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Conditional period</th><td>None for EB-1</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Naturalization</th><td>Generally after 5 years as a permanent resident (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Government fees for an EB-1 case, as published on October 1, 2026:</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-140 filing fee</td><td class="amt">$715 paper / $665 online</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Per <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Fee Schedule G-1055</a> (edition 10/01/26).</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-140)</td><td class="amt">$600 / $300 / $0</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$600 regular petitioner; $300 small employer or self-petitioner; $0 nonprofit. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907) for Form I-140</td><td class="amt">$2,965</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional; in effect since March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-485 (adjustment of status, age 14+)</td><td class="amt">$1,440 paper / $1,390 online</td><td>Each applicant</td><td>Applicants under 14 filing with a parent: $950 paper / $900 online. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765 (work permit while I-485 is pending)</td><td class="amt">$260</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Reduced fee applies if Form I-485 was filed with a fee on or after April 1, 2024 and is still pending. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Immigrant visa application processing fee (consular processing)</td><td class="amt">$345</td><td>Each applicant</td><td>For applications based on an approved I-140 or I-526/I-526E petition. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dept fees</a></td></tr> <tr><td>USCIS Immigrant Fee</td><td class="amt">$235</td><td>Each immigrant visa holder</td><td>Paid after the immigrant visa is issued, to produce the green card. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Fees change; confirm on the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Fee Schedule</a> and the State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visa fee page</a> before paying. A biometrics fee is not listed separately for these forms in G-1055.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing — EB-1A, EB-1B</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS premium processing</a></dd></div><div><dt>Premium processing — EB-1C</dt><dd>45 business days</dd><dd class="n"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS premium processing</a></dd></div><div><dt>Final action date (most countries)</dt><dd>Current</dd><dd class="n">China: Jul 1, 2023 · India: Feb 1, 2023 (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oct 2026 bulletin</a>)</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Regular processing times vary by form and service center; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>. Waiting time for a green card also depends on the monthly <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Assemble evidence</div><div class="tx">Gather proof for the chosen subgroup: awards, publications, judging, salary or role evidence for EB-1A/EB-1B, or proof of qualifying overseas employment and corporate relationship for EB-1C.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-140</div><div class="tx">The worker (EB-1A) or employer (EB-1B, EB-1C) files <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-140</a> with fees; premium processing may be requested with Form I-907.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Check visa availability</div><div class="tx">Compare the priority date against the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a> chart USCIS designates for the month.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Adjust status or apply abroad</div><div class="tx">Inside the United States, file Form I-485 (concurrently with the I-140 if a visa is available). Abroad, complete National Visa Center processing and a consular interview.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Biometrics, interview and decision</div><div class="tx">Attend biometrics; USCIS or the consulate may interview. On approval, a green card is issued (after entry, for consular cases).</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>Common evidence</h3><ul><li><span>Evidence of a one-time major award or of at least 3 EB-1A criteria (or 2 EB-1B criteria)</span></li><li><span>Letters from experts or employers describing achievements</span></li><li><span>For EB-1B/EB-1C: job offer letter and evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the offered wage</span></li><li><span>For EB-1C: organizational charts, proof of the corporate relationship and of 1 year of qualifying employment abroad</span></li><li><span>Passport, birth certificate and civil documents for Form I-485 or the immigrant visa application</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may immigrate as derivatives in E-14 (spouse) or E-15 (child) status (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS EB-1</a>). They share the principal’s priority date and file their own Form I-485 or immigrant visa application.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">After you arrive</h2> <p class="b">EB-1 leads directly to permanent residence. After arrival or approval of adjustment:</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Receive the green card</div><div class="tx">Consular immigrants pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee so the card can be produced and mailed.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Keep permanent residence</div><div class="tx">Maintain the United States as the permanent home; long absences can raise abandonment questions.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Naturalize</div><div class="tx">Most permanent residents may apply for citizenship after 5 years (3 if married to and living with a U.S. citizen) (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</div></div></div> <p class="b">Since May 21, 2026, <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS policy memo PM-602-0199</a> tells officers to treat adjustment of status as extraordinary, discretionary relief. It recognizes dual-intent nonimmigrant categories (such as H-1B and L-1) as an exception, but states that holding dual-intent status is not by itself enough for a favorable decision. Nationals of countries covered by <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proclamations 10949 and 10998</a> face a suspension of immigrant visa issuance (with limited exceptions); a separate <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">75-country immigrant visa pause</a> that began January 21, 2026 ended on August 21, 2026 under a court order.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/eb-2"><div class="c">EB-2</div><div class="n">Advanced degree / exceptional ability</div><div class="tx">Second preference, including the self-petitioned National Interest Waiver.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-1a"><div class="c">O-1A</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability (temporary)</div><div class="tx">Nonimmigrant work visa often used before an EB-1A petition.</div></a><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A</div><div class="n">Intracompany manager or executive</div><div class="tx">Temporary transfer status that often precedes EB-1C.</div></a><a href="/visa/gold-card"><div class="c">Gold Card</div><div class="n">Gold Card program</div><div class="tx">Gift-based petition that uses the EB-1 or EB-2 classification.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-5"><div class="c">EB-5</div><div class="n">Immigrant investor</div><div class="tx">Green card through qualifying investment and job creation.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Does EB-1 require a job offer?</summary><p>Only EB-1A does not; a person of extraordinary ability can self-petition. EB-1B and EB-1C require a U.S. employer to file Form I-140.</p></details><details><summary>Is a PERM labor certification needed?</summary><p>No. None of the EB-1 subgroups requires labor certification (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p></details><details><summary>How fast is premium processing for EB-1?</summary><p>15 business days for EB-1A and EB-1B, and 45 business days for EB-1C multinational managers and executives, for a $2,965 fee (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p></details><details><summary>Is EB-1 backlogged?</summary><p>In the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">October 2026 Visa Bulletin</a>, EB-1 final action dates are current for most countries, with cutoffs for China (July 1, 2023) and India (February 1, 2023).</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Visa Bulletin for October 2026</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · PM-602-0199: Adjustment of Status Is a Matter of Discretion (May 21, 2026)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New Form I-485 edition required.</strong> USCIS rejects the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 if postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026; only the 09/18/26 edition is accepted, with no grace period. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-publish-new-edition-of-form-i-485-older-editions-will-be-rejected-starting-sept-18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>2022 public charge rule rescinded.</strong> A DHS final rule (91 FR 45324) rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations took effect September 18, 2026. It applies to applications for admission made, and adjustment applications postmarked or electronically submitted, on or after that date; USCIS lists employment-based categories among those subject to the public charge ground. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14539/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 24, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court enjoins USCIS adjudication holds for nationals of 39 countries.</strong> In Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Edlow (N.D. Cal.), the court enjoined PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194 for a certified class of citizens or natives of the countries listed in Proclamations 10949 or 10998 (or the Palestinian Authority) and ordered USCIS to adjudicate their applications in the normal course. USCIS says it will follow the order pending further judicial review. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/recent-court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa pause for 75 nationalities ends.</strong> Under the court’s order in CLINIC et al. v. Rubio et al., the January 2026 pause of immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries is no longer in effect as of August 21, 2026. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 5, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court vacates USCIS benefit-hold memos agency-wide.</strong> In Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS (D.R.I.), the court vacated PM-602-0192, PM-602-0194 and PA 2025-26, which had put on hold benefit requests (including adjustment of status) from nationals of the countries listed in Proclamations 10949 and 10998. Final judgment was entered June 11, 2026, and USCIS says the vacatur applies agency-wide. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">May 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>PM-602-0199: adjustment of status treated as “extraordinary” discretionary relief.</strong> USCIS policy memo directs officers to weigh that adjustment of status is an act of administrative grace not meant to replace consular processing. It acknowledges exceptions for dual-intent nonimmigrant categories, but says dual-intent status alone does not warrant a favorable exercise of discretion. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee for Form I-140 rises to $2,965.</strong> Final rule published January 12, 2026 (91 FR 1059) adjusted premium processing fees for inflation; the Form I-140 fee rose from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa issuance paused for nationals of 75 countries.</strong> The Department of State paused immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries while reviewing public-charge screening. The pause ended August 21, 2026 under a court order. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 entry restrictions take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10998 (signed December 16, 2025) took effect January 1, 2026, fully suspending visas, including all immigrant visas, for nationals of 19 countries plus Palestinian Authority travel documents, and suspending all immigrant visas for nationals of 20 more countries (for 19 of them, also B, F, M and J visas), subject to listed exceptions. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Presidential Proclamation 10949 suspended visa issuance, including immigrant visas, for nationals of designated countries; it was later expanded by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/eb-1">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Immigrate", "item": "https://visatypes.com/immigrant-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "EB-1", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/eb-1"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Does EB-1 require a job offer?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Only EB-1A does not; a person of extraordinary ability can self-petition. EB-1B and EB-1C require a U.S. employer to file Form I-140."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is a PERM labor certification needed?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. None of the EB-1 subgroups requires labor certification (USCIS)."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "How fast is premium processing for EB-1?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "15 business days for EB-1A and EB-1B, and 45 business days for EB-1C multinational managers and executives, for a $2,965 fee (USCIS)."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is EB-1 backlogged?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "In the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, EB-1 final action dates are current for most countries, with cutoffs for China (July 1, 2023) and India (February 1, 2023)."}}]}]</script> <script>(function(){var l=[].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.vt-toc a'));if(!l.length||!window.IntersectionObserver)return;var m={};l.forEach(function(a){m[a.getAttribute('href').slice(1)]=a});var cur=null;function on(id){if(cur)cur.classList.remove('on');cur=m[id];if(cur)cur.classList.add('on')}on(l[0].getAttribute('href').slice(1));var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(x){if(x.isIntersecting)on(x.target.id)})},{rootMargin:'0px 0px -70% 0px'});Object.keys(m).forEach(function(id){var el=document.getElementById(id);el&&io.observe(el)})})();</script>