The EB1A visa is highly popular among high-caliber individuals. Despite its popularity, getting one is extremely difficult due to the highly competitive requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Your best shot at fulfilling some of these requirements is through PR Agencies. Here, we will discuss the EB1A visa in detail, along with the requirements and role of PR agencies.
What is an EB1A Visa?
The EB1A visa, for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, is one of the most sought-after visa options among individuals who have achieved exceptional success and popularity and are recognized nationally or internationally.
It comes under the Employment-Based Visa EB1. Other such visas are EB1B for researchers and professors and EB1C for extraordinary multinational executives and managers.
The Benefits of the EB1A Visa
Although the EB1A visa does not guarantee citizenship, it is a green card that gives you permanent residence in the United States. One of the key points that makes it so sought after is that you don’t need to be employed by a US-based business to get this Visa, which is the major attraction for extraordinary individuals from all areas who don’t have a US-based job.
There were almost 20,000 applicants in 2023, which shows the popularity of the EB1A visa despite the extremely strict requirements. Out of the applications received, nearly 60% were accepted.
Who can Apply for an EB1A Visa?
Only some people can apply for the EB1A visa, and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has established strict requirements for its approval.
Only people with extraordinary achievements, talents, and leadership in their respective industries who have received acknowledgement from peers and other well-known people in their respective industries can apply and hope for approval for the EB1A visa.
In addition to the achievements, you should have a minimum education of a master’s degree to apply for an EB1A visa. Holding an active job or being employed is unnecessary for an EB1A visa.
Requirements for Applicants of EB1A Visa
Here are the requirements for applying for an EB1A visa. To get approval, make sure you meet the criteria set beforehand. There are two separate criteria, and if you meet one of them, you can apply for an EB1A visa and hope for a chance of getting approval. These are:
- One time Achievement
- Three out of Ten Achievements
Let’s discuss them both.
One Time Achievement
These are one-time achievements of an international grade that give you fame and recognition and are proof of your expertise and being on top of your industry. These include:
- Receiving a Nobel prize.
- Receiving an Academy Award.
- Winning an Olympic medal.
If you have any of these achievements, you are directly qualified and eligible for the application for the EB1A visa, and you don’t have to worry about completing any other requirements.
Three out of Ten Achievements
These three out of ten achievements are for the other individuals interested in applying for the Eb1A visa. These achievements make sure that the individual is really at the top of their field and deserves to be awarded the EB1A visa or not.
1. Awards and Prizes
The individual applying for the EB1A visa should have won distinguished awards and prizes in their fields, which are recognized by that field as prestigious awards. Such prizes and awards tell a lot about a person’s success in their field.
2. Memberships
Membership in the association of their respective field stands at the top of that field and is respected and accepted as such by that field. Such associations require the members to have extraordinary achievements.
3. Published Materials
One of the achievements is having articles about the individual or being featured in any of the major media publications. This gives a huge boost to the authenticity and PR of such individuals.
4. Judge
The role of a judge in the judging panel is to judge the works of other peers. Only individuals with the highest skill sets, achievements, and recognition can sit on the judging panel.
5. Original Contributions
Having original contributions in the respective field, such as original research, inventions, case studies, and creations, is also a plus.
6. Authorship
Having articles and studies authored by the applicant and published in the major media. Only credible articles are published in the major media. Only some people can write an article and get it published on major media platforms.
7. Exhibitions and Showcases
The applicant has his work exhibited or showcased in a big event.
8. Leading Role
The applicant is playing a leading role in their respective industry and is recognized by the people of the industry.
9. High Salary
The applicant is earning a high average income or salary. Their salary must be significantly more than the average salary of the other people in their field to get this achievement as a part of their portfolio.
10. Commercial Success
The applicant is well known in their market and is commercially successful. For this, they must provide proof.
How can PR Agencies Help in the Approval of EB1A Visa?
The second criterion for approval of an EB1A visa is that individuals achieve three out of ten achievements. Well-known PR agencies can help a lot. They specialize in assisting individuals with extraordinary abilities and achievements by strategically generating PR for them, which allows them to get approval for their applications.
· Crafting Compelling Stories
PR agencies can craft compelling stories for the applicants that can be published in major media to get published material achievement, strengthening their case.
· Major Media Outreach
PR agencies have relationships with the top major media outlets. They use their connections and relations with top journalists to get you media outreach, which grants you fame and recognition in your field.
· Testimonials of Experts and Top Figures
PR agencies have many connections with experts and top figures, and they can help you gather testimonials from them, making you an acknowledged individual of extraordinary talent in your respected field.
· Leveraging the Help of Social Media
PR agencies nowadays use social media to boost their clients’ popularity and manage their social media handles to get the most out of social media.
· Creating Public Engagement
PR agencies excel at improving public relations and are adept at increasing their clients’ public engagement through press conferences, press releases, and networking.
What are the Types of Major Media?
We have been talking about major media. So, what is major media? Major media consists of top media outlets, whether big news channels, newspapers, magazines, or journals. They all fall under the umbrella of major media. Major media is extremely impactful and can drastically increase or decrease an individual’s PR.
· Professional Journals
Professional journals of a respected field come under the scope of the major media. They provide the latest developments in a specific field, such as technology or finance. The following are examples of professional journals:
· Trade Publications
These are also known as trade journals. These publications are related to a specific field and industry and provide the latest news and information to those working or interested in that field. Some examples of the trade publications are:
Design News A Trade Journal
Education Digest A Trade Journal
Traffic World A Trade Journal
· Mainstream Media
All the cable news channels, newspapers, and radio programs come under the umbrella of the mainstream media. This is the most powerful, effective, and strongest form of media with the greatest potential to reach the most people. Following are the examples of the mainstream media:
The New York Times
Secure EB-1A Visa Success with Expert Media Coverage – Start Today!
Partner with our PR experts for a personalized approach—contact us today to start your journey!
How to Secure Media Coverage?
PR agencies help you to secure media coverage. They allow you to secure media coverage in the following way.
· Press Releases
They allow you to make press releases. Press releases contain open and latest news and information about your respective field and are one of the best ways to secure media coverage.
· Networking
PR agencies help you with networking. Networking is one of the most effective ways to build positive relations and PR. Building ties with journalists enables you to secure media coverage.
· Publication Relations Firms
PR agencies can introduce you to public relations firms. These firms help you improve your PR with several tested strategies. Using their strategy will help you secure media coverage as they have good relations with Major media outlets.
What Hurdles Can Get in the Way of Getting Your EB1A Visa?
Getting an EB1A Visa can be met with some delays and hurdles. However, if you meet the requirements, you will most certainly be awarded your EB1A visa.
How long Does it Take to Get Your EB1A Visa?
Getting your EB1A visa can take nine to twelve months, which can vary from agency to agency.
Typically, USCIS takes six to twelve months to process your EB1A Visa application. This is a long wait, but it is ultimately worth it.
Some Factors That Can Delay Getting Your EB1A Visa
If you have a Visa backlog, it can cause delays in getting your EB1A visa. Other factors in your life, including moving to a new place or changing your job, can cause delays in getting your EB1A visa.
Conclusion
So, an EB1A visa is one of the best ways to get American PR without needing a job in the USA. Just choose a good immigration agent who can update you on every step of getting your EB1A visa.
