EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card
For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.
The EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad)) and processing time (~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card is for
For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card - eligibility criteria
- EB-1A: extraordinary ability with sustained acclaim (no job offer needed)
- EB-1B: outstanding professor or researcher with a US job offer
- EB-1C: multinational manager or executive transferring to the US
- Meet the documentary criteria for your subcategory
- Intend to work in your area of expertise
EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (United States) is ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad), with an indicative processing time of ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad) |
| Processing time | ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Many applicants also compare O-1 · O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa, EB-2 · EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card, L-1A · L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive). Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card pitfalls we fix
EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card cost?
The EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card government fee is ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Can I work on the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card?
For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority