Is Fear of Failure Holding You Back From Pursuing an EB1A?

Accomplished professionals often hesitate to take the leap into the EB1A category, the "extraordinary ability" green card. You could just patiently wait for your EB-2 priority date to become current. But let me assure you: your fears might be holding you back more than you realize.

If fear of denial is stopping you from exploring this powerful immigration option, you're not alone.

Are You Underestimating Yourself Because of Your Surroundings?

After being on an H-1B for many years, waiting endlessly for your EB-2 priority date to become current, many professionals don't feel "extraordinary." It's also natural to second-guess your qualifications or accomplishments when you are surrounded by many other highly successful people.

Perhaps you're thinking thoughts like these:

• "Some of my own friends are more successful."
• "I can name others in my field who have more impressive resumes."
• "If I'm not the most accomplished person among my own circle, why would USCIS approve me?"
• "If I just work really hard at my job, I'll be better positioned to get my EB1A in a couple of years."

Here's the thing: your EB1A petition won't be in a direct competition against anyone else's. EB1A is about demonstrating your unique contributions in your field, not comparing yourself to your friends who might seem ahead of you in their careers.

Overcoming the "Fear of Rejection" Mindset

I've seen this so many times: someone waffles for months or years about starting an EB1A petition. Then their close friend obtains approval, and suddenly they gain enough confidence to finally explore it for themselves.

While it's fantastic when a friend's success motivates you, why wait until someone you directly know has succeeded? The truth is, your close circle isn't representative of the ~10,000 or so people who get their EB1A petitions approved each year. You don't need to wait for someone you personally know to "pave the way." Your story, and your successes, stand on their own merits.

To help adjust your mindset, keep these points in mind:

• Approval Criteria Are Broader Than You Think: USCIS adjudicators evaluate a diverse range of petitions from countless industries. You might be surprised by the broad spectrum of backgrounds and achievements represented in successful EB1A petitions.
• You Don't Have to Be the Very Best: Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be the #1 expert worldwide. You simply need to convince the adjudicator that you meet USCIS's specific regulatory criteria for extraordinary ability and are among the small percentage of experts at the very top level of your field.
• A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way: Reviewing your credentials objectively with an experienced immigration attorney can clarify your potential case strategy, highlight areas of accomplishments you may have overlooked, and give you insight into what you should be working on professionally if you aren't in a good position to file yet.

Exploring EB1A Safely: Dipping Your Toe In

If you're uncertain about your chances, start by gathering more information. A great way to dip your toe into understanding EB1A is by subscribing to resources designed specifically to help prospective applicants:

• Sign up for my email course: It's free and gives you actionable steps to take now to prepare to file.
• Schedule an initial consultation to get clarity on your unique profile and the strength of your potential filing in today's adjudicatory climate.

Final Thoughts: Don't Dismiss Your EB1A Potential Too Early

Many high achievers still underestimate their own potential and self-select out of EB1A. Do you have a 100% chance of winning? No one does. But your odds would be a lot higher than the 0% chance you are facing when you're afraid to try.

Remember, extraordinary talent isn't limited to Nobel Laureates. Every year, accomplished people from an enormous range of specialties, from science and IT to business, arts, and education, obtain EB1A petitions and get themselves into the fastest, shortest green card queue available through employment.

Don't let fear of rejection keep you stuck any longer. You've worked hard to build your career and life in the United States. Dream bigger and consider what EB1A could mean for your family and your career.

Locke Immigration Law helps American businesses hire skilled foreign nationals to work in the United States.

Follow Loren Locke on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenlocke/

Watch Loren on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKOZDiSIwLEFidGISrxX_Q

Book a consultation at https://calendly.com/locke-immigration/strategy-call

Contact us at hello@lockeimmigration.com

---

Want to learn how to strategically frame your achievements for the EB1A "Extraordinary Ability" visa?

My free 5-day email course, "5 Days to Your Compelling EB1A Story," provides the 'EB1A Storytelling Toolkit' to help you build a powerful case.

Sign up here: https://lockeimmigration.com/eb1a-email-course