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EB-1A assessment · Meritocrat Case Studio

EB-1A assessment: see where your extraordinary ability case stands

Map your achievements to the ten EB-1A criteria, see which ones your evidence supports today, and find out what to strengthen before you file.

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Preparation tool, not legal advice. AI outputs require your review.

Who the EB-1A is for

EB-1A is an employment-based green card category for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, shown through sustained national or international acclaim. You can self-petition on Form I-140 without a job offer, as long as you intend to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States.

What USCIS looks for in an EB-1A petition

You need either a one-time achievement (a major, internationally recognized award) or evidence that meets at least three of these ten criteria:

  1. AwardsLesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field
  2. MembershipMembership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members
  3. Published material about youIn professional or major trade publications or other major media
  4. JudgingParticipation as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field
  5. Original contributionsOriginal scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance
  6. Scholarly articlesAuthorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media
  7. ExhibitionsDisplay of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
  8. Leading or critical roleFor organizations or establishments with a distinguished reputation
  9. High salaryA high salary or other significantly high remuneration compared with others in the field
  10. Commercial successCommercial success in the performing arts, such as box office receipts or sales

Meeting three criteria is not the end of the review. USCIS currently evaluates EB-1A petitions in two steps: first whether the evidence meets the criteria, then a final merits determination of whether the evidence as a whole shows sustained acclaim and that you are among the small percentage at the very top of your field. (A 2026 federal district court decision questioned this two-step framework for one petitioner; USCIS continues to apply it.)

How the EB-1A assessment works

  1. Complete your context

    Tell Case Studio about your field, background, and achievements so the workspace reflects your situation.

  2. Choose the criteria you plan to pursue

    Add or remove criteria based on the evidence you have or can realistically build.

  3. Review your readiness

    See which parts of your case look well supported and where evidence is thin, so you know what to strengthen first. Readiness is a preparation indicator, not an approval probability.

  4. Keep building in Case Studio

    Move on to Discover, Research, Analyze, Draft, and Strategy to connect documents to claims and develop your petition with human review.

  • Evidence connected to each claim
  • You review and approve
  • Human review stays in the loop

EB-1A assessment FAQ

Can I file an EB-1A petition without an employer?

Yes. EB-1A allows self-petitioning on Form I-140, and no job offer is required. You do need to show that you intend to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States.

How many EB-1A criteria do I need to meet?

At least three of the ten regulatory criteria, unless you have a one-time achievement such as a major, internationally recognized award. USCIS then looks at the evidence as a whole in its final merits determination.

Does the readiness score predict whether my petition will be approved?

No. The readiness score reflects how complete and well supported your preparation appears based on the information in your workspace. It is not an approval probability and does not predict a USCIS decision.

Is this legal advice?

No. Meritocrat is a preparation tool, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice or representation. AI outputs require your review. For legal advice, consult qualified immigration counsel.

What does it cost?

The assessment is the first stage of Case Studio. Get Case Studio for $499 as one of our first 50 users. Regular pricing is $999 per case. No monthly or annual subscription.

Related reading

Other assessments

Sources

See where your EB-1A case stands.

Start with the assessment, then keep building your case in one connected workspace.

Start your EB-1A assessment

Meritocrat is a preparation tool, not a law firm, and does not replace qualified legal counsel. AI outputs require your review. Readiness scores are preparation indicators, not approval probabilities.