USCIS's own quarterly data tells a striking story about the EB-1A extraordinary ability green card this year. Approval rates have fallen from roughly 66.9% for all of FY 2025 to about 47.5% in the first quarter of FY 2026, then to roughly 41.7% in the second quarter, and down to approximately 32%...
An EB-1A extraordinary ability petition can satisfy every regulatory requirement on paper and still come back denied. That outcome catches a lot of applicants off guard, and the reason usually traces back to a single legal standard: Kazarian.
EB-1A has become an especially active filing option lately, particularly for...
For many professionals working in the United States, obtaining permanent residence is a major long-term goal. Employment-based green cards provide several pathways to achieve that objective, but not every category is designed for the same type of applicant.
The three employment-based classifications most frequently used by foreign professionals are...
For many professionals, executives, researchers, and entrepreneurs, obtaining a U.S. green card can be a lengthy process involving employer sponsorship, labor certification requirements, and years of waiting.
However, certain individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professions may qualify for a faster immigration pathway through the EB-1 category.
For many highly skilled professionals, long-term immigration success in the United States requires more than simply filing an application when the time comes. Strong O-1, L-1, EB-1, and National Interest Waiver (NIW) cases are often built gradually over time through professional achievements, leadership experience, industry recognition, and careful documentation.
A recent federal court decision has generated discussion among individuals considering or pursuing the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability green card. As summaries of the decision circulate online, some applicants are left wondering whether EB-1A approvals have suddenly become easier or automatic.
The reality is more measured. The decision reinforces how...
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a long-anticipated upgrade: EB-1A Extraordinary Ability and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions can now be submitted online through a secure USCIS digital platform.
For years, these highly technical petitions required large paper submissions and lengthy mailing times. With this new development, applicants and...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual following the release of Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This Executive Order directs the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the entry of male athletes seeking to compete in female athletic categories...
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program offers opportunities for international scholars, researchers, trainees, interns, and physicians to come to the United States for temporary, purpose-driven stays. But for many J-1 holders, life and opportunities in the U.S. evolve — and the question becomes: Can I apply for a green card from J-1 status?
For foreign nationals at the top of their field, the U.S. immigration system offers unique pathways to live and work in the United States. But success isn’t just about being gifted — it’s about proving it with the right documentation and legal strategy.
At NPZ Law Group, we help...
