My EB1A Journey
My journey towards obtaining an EB1A visa started innocently enough at a family gathering. A friend of mine, deeply concerned about securing a Green Card for their children, shared the challenges faced by those who arrive in the USA with kids born in India. The looming risk of children aging out and losing their dependent status, coupled with the extensive backlog for Eb2 visas for Indians, estimated at more than 50 years, ignited a conversation about potential Green Card options. One of them is EB1. Among the various preferences within the EB1 category, EB1A stood out. What makes EB1A unique is its self-sponsored nature; it doesn't require any sponsorship or labor certification. My friend explained that meeting three out of ten specified criteria is crucial for approval, and our focus zeroed in on these criteria.
Having a background in IT could help establish a critical role and a high salary – a feasible feat in a country like the USA. However, I needed to satisfy an additional criterion. Reflecting on my college days, I recalled publishing an article and engaging in peer review with a professor – a task I continued before coming to the USA. My friend emphasized that scholarly article publication was another key criterion for me, prompting discussions about citations and their significance.
Navigating the intricacies of the EB1A criteria in 2022 posed its challenges. Thankfully, having a knowledgeable friend provided crucial insights into the requirements. However, grasping the criteria was just the initial step; the next phase, involving collecting the necessary evidence, demanded extensive research. Recognizing the complexity of this journey, my friend and I decided to enlist the expertise of an immigration attorney.
The quest for the right attorney led me to explore at least five different firms. I meticulously examined their websites, watched videos, and read reviews. My friend shared some valuable contacts, but after careful consideration, I opted for the same attorney he had chosen. Within a swift 25 days, I selected my attorney and finalized the contract. It was a moment of readiness even though the journey wasn't entirely planned. "I'm ready, not planned"
From that point onward, my focus shifted to evidence collection to fortify my profile. However, a twist emerged – I decided to file the petition myself, without direct assistance from my attorney. The struggle intensified after accumulating the evidence, creating a mental pressure that I faced head-on. In that challenging moment, I embraced the mindset of "I dared, not hesitated" For a more detailed account of my EB1A journey, along with materials and insights, refer to the EB1A guidebook
