For years, the EB-1 category (Priority Workers) was "Current" for almost everyone. It became the primary escape route for Indian and Chinese nationals stuck in the decade-long EB-2/EB-3 backlogs.
The EB-1 Categories
| Type | Who is it for? | Self-Petition? |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1A | Extraordinary Ability (Nobel prize, top awards, elite experts) | YES |
| EB-1B | Outstanding Professors & Researchers | NO (Employer) |
| EB-1C | Multinational Managers & Executives | NO (Employer) |
The New Reality: Retrogression
Unfortunately, so many people have "upgraded" to EB-1 that it is now facing its own backlog for India and China. It is no longer "Current", although the wait time is still much shorter (years) compared to EB-2 (decades).
The Bar is High
EB-1 is not just "EB-2 Plus". It requires a significantly higher standard of evidence. Simply having a high salary or being a "Manager" is often not enough. You must prove international acclaim or critical roles.
Is It Still Worth It?
Yes. Even with a 2-3 year wait, EB-1 is vastly superior to the indefinite wait of EB-2. If you qualify (especially for L-1A to EB-1C, or PhD to EB-1B), it is the most viable path to a Green Card.