The Two distantly Related EB-1A Criteria For IT Professionals

EB-1A visa is one of the most attractive opportunities for IT professionals dreaming of a US green card. The process is well known; one should qualify for at least 3 criteria out of 10 to be eligible for it.

But only 8 out of the 10 EB-1A criteria are applicable to IT professionals.

So, what about the other 2 criteria that limit IT professionals? Who is it applicable to? Is there a way to circumvent these two criteria to make them applicable to IT professionals?

Through this article, we discuss all of these questions and much more to ensure you have every information by your side to be EB-1A ready.

The Two Distantly Related EB-1A Criteria For IT Professionals

If you've been behind the EB-1A green card dream for a while, you know this already- 2 out of 10 of the eligibility criteria for the Einstein Visa are exclusively for those with an arts background. This privilege makes it easier for artists to acquire an EB-1A visa than for IT professionals or any other.

The 2 criteria dedicated to artists are:

1. Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases

This criteria is solely for EB-1A aspirants from the arts field, mainly because the US has always welcomed foreign arts to add to its diversity. According to this criteria, all those who have had their work displayed in prestigious art exhibitions or showcases are eligible.

The merit of the petitioner is gauged based on the significance of their work and the venue. For instance, if you are an actor in a play, here are some of the things your adjudicator looks into:

• Whether you played a lead or significant role in the play

• Where was it staged? Was it a prestigious or historically significant venue?

• Did any media cover the play?

If you are able to give proof for all of these, you are all set to succeed.

And yes, we remember claiming that fulfilling this criteria is easy. Here's why- the eligibility for EB-1A actor's visa isn't just limited to huge celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan. In fact, if you are specialized in some unique art forms, you'll have a greater chance of standing out in front of your EB-1A adjudicators. For example, a Kuchipudi dancer who performed in a couple of national events has a more significant edge than an actor who acted in a few movies that weren't blockbusters. The emphasis in this criteria remains on how significant your work remains rather than popularity or reputation.

2. Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts

This is another EB-1A green card requirement dedicated to artists. According to this, the petitioner should submit evidence of your commercial success through box office receipts, video sales, etc.

It isn't about the awards they have won or the prestigious venues in which they've performed, but about how much money they make. This is measured with careful consideration, and the scale of success varies from one art form to another. For example, an actor's commercial success is never compared with a singer's and vice versa. In fact, this criteria compares how much money the petitioner makes compared to the top professionals in the field.

And just like the criteria mentioned above, this one, too, doesn't demand you to be super famous. You can still find your way to be eligible if you play smart. For example, if you have worked as an assistant cameraman for a blockbuster movie, you can try to claim your eligibility. The secret lies in tying your worth to the movie's commercial success and making the adjudicator believe you were a significant part of the movie's success. This way, you are of relative importance in the field and eligible to apply for an EB-1A visa.

Bonus Criteria:

Evidence of published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media

This criteria isn't exclusively for actors or performers, but fulfilling this criteria along with the other 2 would make you eligible for EB-1A green card for actors or artists.

In this case, published material about you refers to news publications about your performances in major national dailies or magazines. This published material helps the adjudicators understand the significance of your contribution in your field of acclaim and gauge your extraordinary ability. For example, suppose a national daily covers the news of your Bharatanatyam performance at any national event. In that case, it proves that your performance was of significance to the culture and arts of your country.

You'll still have a chance even if your performance or work wasn't covered by newspapers but by dedicated magazines in your field. For example, certain dance forms may not be mainstream enough to secure a space in the national dailies, but if they are recognized and written about in magazines dedicated to those dance forms, it creates the same effect. Though one should be wary of selecting these publications as your eligibility relies heavily on the legitimacy of these publications.

Is there a way to circumvent these criteria to make them applicable to IT professionals?

The short answer is no. As we mentioned, the above-mentioned criteria are solely for artists. However, there are other ways to ensure you get your EB-1A green card as an IT professional.

One thing you can do is invest in an EB-1A green card coach. A coach analyzes your case, gives suggestions on building your EB-1A profile, and guides you throughout your EB-1A journey. This way, you can skip the trial and error, focus on what matters and get your hands on an Einstein visa faster.

Looking for an EB-1A green card coach to give wings to your American dream? Reach out to us today!