EB-1A

EB-1A Immigrant Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The EB-1A visa is an employment-based immigrant visa for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This visa allows qualified applicants to permanently live and work in the United States and leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon approval and entry.
The EB-1A category remains available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens and is not subject to labor certification requirements.

EB-1A is part of the first employment-based preference and is designed for top-tier professionals with sustained national or international recognition.

Who qualifies for the EB-1A visa

An applicant may qualify for an EB-1A visa if:

• They demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field

• Their achievements are recognized at a national or international level

• They intend to continue work in their field of expertise in the United States

• Their entry will substantially benefit the United States

A permanent job offer is not required.

Evidence of extraordinary ability

Applicants must show sustained acclaim through evidence such as:

• Major internationally recognized awards or

• Meeting at least three of the regulatory criteria, including:

  • Lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards

  • Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement

  • Published material about the applicant

  • Participation as a judge of the work of others

  • Original contributions of major significance

  • Scholarly articles or publications

  • Leading or critical roles in distinguished organizations

  • High salary or remuneration compared to peers

  • Commercial success in the arts

Final evaluation focuses on overall merit, not checklist counting.

What the EB-1A visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without restrictions or employer dependency

• Self-employment or entrepreneurship

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

Permanent resident status begins upon approval and entry.

What the EB-1A visa does NOT allow

• Approval without meeting the extraordinary ability standard

• Immigration based solely on potential or future success

• Avoidance of immigration compliance obligations

• Misrepresentation of achievements or credentials

Fraud or exaggeration leads to denial and possible bans.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They meet the extraordinary ability standard

• Their achievements are well documented

• They plan to continue work in their field in the U.S.

• They can demonstrate future benefit to the United States

No U.S. employer or sponsor is required.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Level and credibility of achievements

• Objective recognition within the field

• Consistency and authenticity of evidence

• Sustained acclaim over time

• Overall merit of the petition

EB-1A cases are judged holistically, not mechanically.

Petition and processing structure

The process includes:

• Filing a self-sponsored immigrant petition

• Review by USCIS under EB-1A standards

• Possible request for evidence

• Approval or denial

• Immigrant visa interview (if processing abroad)

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Premium processing may be available.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Approval grants eligibility for permanent residence

• Green Card allows unlimited residence and employment

• Long absences may affect resident status

• Permanent residence carries legal obligations

EB-1A holders are not tied to any employer.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability

• Weak or subjective documentation

• Lack of sustained recognition

• Poor case structure or presentation

• Inconsistencies or exaggeration

Quality of evidence is decisive.

Important note for 2026

• EB-1A visas are available in 2026

• No labor certification is required

• Processing is generally faster than lower EB categories

Unsure if you qualify for EB-1A?

Before applying, it is recommended to objectively assess achievements, evidence strength, and long-term career plans.
A professional evaluation helps determine whether EB-1A or another category is more appropriate.