San Francisco, CA immigration attorney Mary Jane Weaver talks about EB-1 visas. She explains that immigration law is filled with acronyms, which can seem confusing to those new to the process. When individuals come to the U.S. to work, she often tells them they will need to learn a whole new language, and it only begins to make sense once they understand the underlying principles of the different visa categories.

She highlights the EB-1 visa, which falls under the employment-based first preference category for immigrant visas. This category is designed for highly qualified individuals, often referred to as “priority workers.” It allows eligible candidates to pursue permanent residency in the United States. EB-1 petitions are typically available for outstanding researchers or professors, individuals with extraordinary ability, and managers or executives transferring from a foreign company to a related U.S. entity.

Because EB-1 is a high-priority classification, it is often a more straightforward path to U.S. immigration compared with other visa categories, which can have higher demand and longer wait times. She notes that for individuals who are extraordinary in their field, outstanding in research or academia, or hold senior positions with substantial independent authority, an EB-1 petition provides an excellent opportunity to immigrate to the United States efficiently and securely.