Find Answers to Your Questions

Discover everything you need to know about EB1A and the Smart Green Card program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to some of the most common queries, covering a wide range of topics about the Green Card Focus program and the EB1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card.

Why Choose the EB1A Green Card?

The EB1A Green Card is the fastest path to U.S. permanent residency for Indians, with significantly shorter wait times compared to EB2 and EB3 categories. Unlike other options, it doesn’t require employer sponsorship—you can self-petition for your application. Additionally, the EB1A bypasses the labor certification process, saving you from the lengthy and complex PERM process.

How Does Green Card Focus Differ from a Law Firm?

While immigration attorneys excel at assessing EB1A eligibility, they:

  • Often reject cases if you’re not eligible yet.
  • Lack expertise in your specific field.
  • Cannot provide tailored guidance to strategically build your EB1A profile.

At Green Card Focus, we elevate your profile from where it is today to where it needs to be for EB1A eligibility. Led by our founder, Saiman Shetty—an EB1A recipient himself—and a team of experts, we provide hands-on support to enhance your accomplishments. While we are not a law firm and do not offer legal advice, we work alongside leading EB1A attorneys and can connect you with them when your profile is ready to file.

Can Students Join the Green Card Focus Program?

Yes! Students are in the perfect environment to prepare for an EB1A application, with ample resources and time. Joining Green Card Focus as a student can set you on the path to EB1A readiness by graduation, helping you skip the H1B process. Explore our student-friendly plans to get started.

 

What Is the Success Rate of Green Card Focus?

Our program boasts a 100% success rate for members who followed the program diligently and applied for EB1A.

What Is the Green Card Focus VIP Program?

The VIP program offers personalized support to strengthen your EB1A profile by highlighting your expertise. It includes:

  • A customized EB1A strategy.
  • Assistance with press coverage, publications, awards, and judging opportunities.
  • A dedicated project manager to guide you through your EB1A journey.
How Many EB1A Criteria Does Green Card Focus Help Satisfy?

USCIS requires you to meet at least 3 out of 10 EB1A criteria. At Green Card Focus, we aim for at least 5-7 criteria to ensure a robust, holistic profile, contributing to our 100% success rate compared to the general 50% USCIS approval rate.

 

Can I Qualify for EB1A Without an Advanced Degree?

Absolutely! Around 90% of our clients do not have PhDs, yet they’ve secured EB1A approval. Impact matters more than education, and our team knows how to showcase your accomplishments effectively.

How Long Will Green Card Focus Support Me?

Our support continues until your I-140 petition is approved. While we cannot guarantee outcomes, our VIP plan only accepts individuals who show strong potential to achieve readiness within a year.

What Is the Typical Timeline for EB1A Approval with Green Card Focus?

The timeline varies depending on your plan and case complexity. On average, it takes 8-12 months, though some clients have achieved success in as little as 5 months through our VIP plan.

Who Is Eligible for the VIP Plan?

The VIP plan is selective. We evaluate profiles to ensure candidates have the potential, mindset, and commitment to succeed. If your profile isn’t ready, we recommend starting with our Ultimate or Ultimate Pro plans and upgrading later.

When Is the Best Time to Join Green Card Focus?

The best time is NOW. Waiting means relying on uncertain paths like H1B or enduring long EB2/EB3 delays.

Is This Program a Hack or a Scam?

Neither. Green Card Focus helps you strategically build your EB1A profile with actionable steps like gaining press coverage and finding publication opportunities. This is not a done-for-you program—you must work hard and treat it like a second job to achieve success.

Does This Work for Different Fields?

Yes! Our program is tailored to individuals from various fields, including engineering, healthcare, and computer science. The core strategies apply universally.

Can This Program Help with O-1A Preparation?

Yes, the EB1A and O-1A criteria overlap significantly, though EB1A requires a higher burden of proof. Preparing for EB1A naturally positions you for O-1A as well.

Are Installment Plans or Group Discounts Available?

Yes! We offer group discounts for joint enrollments and 6-month installment plans for select tiers. Students can opt for extended multi-year payment plans with pre-payment benefits.

Can I Apply for EB1A with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes. USCIS does not require a specific degree for EB1A. The focus is on proving extraordinary ability, sustained acclaim, and intent to continue your contributions in the U.S.

Is Job Title Relevant for EB1A?

No, your job title is not a determining factor. USCIS evaluates evidence of extraordinary ability and acclaim, not your role title.

Can I Get a Profile Evaluation?

We assess profiles submitted through the VIP form to determine if we can support your EB1A journey. For a deeper review, our Decider Plan includes a 30-minute evaluation call with Arjun Patel to highlight strengths and improvement areas.

What Are the Costs for Obtaining an EB1A Green Card?

Government fees include:

  • $715 for Form I-140 filing.
  • $1,440 for Form I-485 adjustment of status (includes biometrics).
  • $630 for Advance Parole.
  • $260 for the Employment Authorization Document.

In total, expect $3,600–$4,500, including medical exams.

Are Recommendation Letters Necessary?

While not mandatory, recommendation letters strengthen your application by providing objective evidence of your extraordinary ability. They can be a powerful tool in your EB1A case.

EB1A Frequently Asked Questions

These questions address a wide range of topics, including fundamental aspects of the EB1A process and its requirements.

What is EB1A?

EB1A is a subcategory within the Employment-Based First Preference (EB1) green card category. It is specifically designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as arts, sciences, sports, business, and education.

The EB1A green card offers key advantages, including faster processing times, the ability to self-petition, and no requirement for labor certification.

What happens after receiving an RFE (Request for Evidence)?

Receiving an RFE is a routine part of the EB1A process, so there’s no need to panic. An RFE indicates that USCIS requires additional information to assess your eligibility. It’s essential to submit strong and relevant evidence to address the specific concerns raised. If you’re part of the Smart Green Card program, our team will assist you in identifying and addressing any deficiencies in your EB1A profile.

Can I apply for EB1A from outside the US?

Yes, you can apply for the EB1A green card even if you are not currently in the United States. The process involves filing your petition with USCIS and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Once approved, you will receive a one-time entry stamp in your passport, allowing you to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. Your green card will typically be issued within 90 days of your arrival in the U.S.

 

Can I include my spouse and children in my EB1A application?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can be included in your EB1A application. They will be eligible for derivative green cards, granting them permanent residency in the United States alongside you.

Can I apply for EB1A alongside EB2/EB3?

Yes, it is possible to file for EB1A while also applying under the EB2 or EB3 categories. These employment-based visa categories are independent of each other, and there are no restrictions on applying for multiple categories simultaneously.

What if I don’t have a lot of citations?

Having numerous citations is not the only factor in qualifying for EB1A. USCIS evaluates a variety of evidence, including awards, critical roles, media coverage, high salaries, professional memberships, and significant contributions to your field. Quality and impact are more important than quantity, so focus on showcasing the relevance and significance of your achievements.

Can I apply for EB1A if my degree is from outside the U.S.?

Yes, having a degree from outside the U.S. does not affect your eligibility for EB1A. The category does not require specific educational qualifications. Instead, it focuses on your achievements and contributions to your field.

Will applying for EB1A affect my H1B status?

No, filing for EB1A will not impact your H1B status. If you are currently in the U.S. on an H1B visa, you can continue working for your employer as long as your H1B status remains valid, regardless of your EB1A petition.

 

How long does it take to build an EB1A profile through Smart Green Card?

The time required to build a strong EB1A profile varies based on the plan you choose. Typically, it can take between six months to a little over a year. For a faster process, we recommend selecting the VIP plan.

Should I self-petition for EB1A or go through my employer?

If your employer is willing to sponsor your green card, that can be an option, but it makes you dependent on them for the process. Self-petitioning is often a better choice, as it gives you full control over the application process. Additionally, self-petitioning protects you from potential delays caused by changes in your employer’s priorities, layoffs, or limited expertise from their legal team.

How can I get more information?

If you have additional questions, please fill out the form below, and we’ll reach out to you via email.