Why You Shouldn't Self-Reject from the Extraordinary Ability Visa (EB1A)

Even after years of success in your education and career, it's surprisingly common to doubt whether you're truly "extraordinary" enough for the EB1A. Here are a few common reasons you may be second-guessing yourself:

• Unrealistic comparison: You compare your profile against colleagues or stories you've seen online about recently approved EB1A applicants. You might even compare yourself to Einstein himself, given the nickname of this visa category.
• Fear of rejection: Facing possible rejection feels risky. You've accumulated success up to this point and might feel unsure if your ego can handle a denial. And would it sabotage your slow-but-steady EB-2 path? (it wouldn't).
• The desire for perfection: Some applicants assume it's safer to wait until they achieve more recognition, publish more papers, win more awards. But the bar they set internally may be higher than reality.

Trust me, I've seen this happen repeatedly in my practice—clients holding off because of a skewed sense of what the USCIS actually expects or requires.

Why You Don't Need to Wait for the "Perfect" EB1A Case

If you're concerned you aren't quite there yet, it’s important to realistically evaluate your achievements with an immigration lawyer, rather than guessing.

For some people, more time spent refining credentials might boost their case—but this isn't true for everyone. Often, "more time" simply delays the necessary steps you could be taking today to secure your future in America.

Extraordinary ability isn't about matching or topping someone else's profile. It's about demonstrating how your unique professional history, expertise, contributions, and recognition fit the EB1A criteria defined by USCIS.

You may already meet enough criteria to qualify—or maybe you're very close. Either way, a professional evaluation could give you clarity.

Getting Comfortable with Professional Evaluation and Feedback

I understand that approaching immigration attorneys for an EB1A evaluation can feel intimidating and vulnerable. No one enjoys feeling scrutinized or being judged by someone outside of their industry.

Remember this key insight, though: regardless of who initially assesses your case, it's ultimately not up to them to decide your future in this country. It's up to USCIS, guided strictly by their criteria.

Why It's Your Responsibility to Pursue Your Extraordinary Future

If obtaining an EB1A green card is your ultimate objective, the responsibility is yours to explore how viable that path truly is.

Here's what I recommend you do if you're still hesitating:

1. Evaluate yourself honestly and realistically against the official EB1A criteria.
2. Consult a lawyer for guidance and an objective viewpoint.
3. Form a clear, practical plan to either apply now or identify specific steps you can implement to strengthen your application.

An EB1A can unlock incredible possibilities, freedom, and opportunity for you and your career. But first, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and genuinely explore whether now is your time.

Take the Next Step in Your EB1A Application Journey

I want to help guide you toward making smart, confident decisions about your immigration future. If you're looking to dive deeper into precisely how you can achieve EB1A success, consider signing up for my free EB1A email course.

In this course, I'll break down essential EB1A strategies, share practical tips, and help you confidently understand how to leverage your personal and professional achievements effectively in your application.