What Is EB-1 / Who Is Eligible
The EB-1 classification (Employment-Based First Preference) is designed for exceptional individuals to secure U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) more rapidly. Key categories include:
- Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A): Individuals who can self-petition without needing a job offer, showing international or national acclaim.
- Outstanding Professors & Researchers (EB-1B): Requires a qualifying job offer, and evidence of significant contributions in academia or research.
- Multinational Managers / Executives (EB-1C): For those transferring to a U.S. position who have held a key management role abroad.
These routes bypass the usual labor certification requirement and can be faster than many other employment-based Green Card paths.
Application Process & Timeline
- File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) Either your U.S. employer files it, or in the case of EB-1A, you may self-petition.
- If a visa is available, file for Adjustment of Status (I-485) If you’re already in the U.S., you can apply to switch from a nonimmigrant visa to permanent residence.
- Concurrent Filing Often for EB-1 categories, you can file I-140 and I-485 simultaneously, expediting the process.
- Await Approval & Green Card Issuance Once approved, you become a Green Card holder. Processing times vary depending on backlog and whether you use regular or premium processing.
In favorable circumstances, there may be no wait time under the Visa Bulletin for EB-1 applicants—meaning you can immediately proceed.
Costs & Fees to Expect
- I-140 Filing Fee: ~$700 USD
- Premium Processing (optional): ~$2,500 USD
- I-485 (Adjustment of Status): ~$1,140 USD + ~$85 biometric fee
- Additional Costs: Document translation, notarization, agency / legal services, dependent Green Cards, travel, shipping.
Who pays these can sometimes be negotiated—some employers may cover parts of the processing fees.
How Dogpay Can Support EB-1 Payment / Cross-Border Financial Needs
During your EB-1 Green Card application process, multiple payments or financial flows may cross borders. Dogpaycan assist in the following ways:
- Paying USCIS / Filing Fees If your funds are abroad, Dogpay enables you to convert your local currency and send the required USD amounts to USCIS or agent lockboxes, with transparent rates and lower hidden costs.
- Funding Legal, Translation & Document Services You’ll often need legal counsel, document translation, certification, courier, and expert opinion services. If these are provided outside the U.S., Dogpay helps you remit to these providers reliably.
- Adjusting payment flows during relocation If part of your process takes place before you arrive in the U.S., Dogpay can help bridge payments (e.g. for service providers, document handling) from your home country to U.S. providers.
- Receipts & Audit Trails Every Dogpay transaction comes with timestamped receipts and exportable logs—helpful when USCIS requests proof of fees or when you reconcile your expenses.
- Minimizing Hidden FX / Bank Transfer Costs Compared to traditional international bank wires (which often embed exchange markups and multiple intermediary fees), Dogpay helps reduce leakage so more of your funds reach the intended targets.
