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EB-1A Visa Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-1A visa for?

The EB-1A visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, art, education, business, or athletics, who want to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in the U.S.

How can I demonstrate "extraordinary ability"?

You must provide extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in your field, such as awards, publications, or other notable achievements.

Do I need a job offer to apply for an EB-1A visa?

No, you do not need a specific job offer or employer sponsorship to apply for an EB-1A visa. It is a self-petitioning category.

What are the main criteria for the EB-1A visa?

You need to meet at least three out of ten criteria to qualify, including evidence of awards, publications, significant contributions to your field, and a substantial body of work.

How long does the EB-1A visa application process take?

Processing times can vary, but it generally takes several months to receive a decision on your EB-1A petition and longer for consular processing if you are outside the United States. If you apply for premium processing it will take two weeks.

Can I include my family members in the EB-1A application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your EB-1A application. They can obtain green cards as derivative beneficiaries.

Can I apply for an EB-1A visa while in the U.S. on a different visa status?

Yes, you can apply for an EB-1A visa while in the U.S. on a different visa status. You can also apply if you are outside the U.S.

Can I apply for a green card (permanent residency) directly with the EB-1A visa?

Yes, the EB-1A visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that leads to lawful permanent residency (a green card) without the need for a labor certification or employer sponsorship.

Can I work for any employer in the U.S. with an EB-1A visa?

Yes, once you receive your green card through the EB-1A category, you are not restricted to a specific employer or job. You have the freedom to work for any employer or start your own business.

Can I travel outside the U.S. while my EB-1A petition is pending?

Yes, you can travel while your petition is pending, but you should have the necessary travel documents, and it’s essential to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your immigration status.
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Apoorva Chintalacheruvu
Apoorva Chintalacheruvu
Davidson Law Group has been my attorney for over 1.5 years, and my experience has been consistently positive. They successfully processed two LCAs for me and handled my PERM application efficiently. All interactions have been smooth, and they always respond promptly to any questions or concerns. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking professional and responsive legal support.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
deepti yadav
deepti yadav
Thank you for making the U.S. petition filing process so seamless. From document collection to the VISA interview, the entire experience was smooth. I received support at every step, especially with the DS-160 process, and was guided throughout. I truly appreciate how easy and efficient you made everything.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
Supriya Malla
Supriya Malla
They helped me with STEM OPT Extension filing and H1B filing and their entire process was seamless! They are very professional and prompt with any queries I had. I definitely recommend their services! Thank you so much Davidson Law Group for all your help!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
Ana C
Ana C
So grateful for the team over at Davidson Law Group. They were knowledgeable and responsive, and made a stressful application process so much easier. All of our concerns were quickly addressed and we were given clear instructions every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
Krishan Kohli
Krishan Kohli
These guys are literally the best.Leyla helped me in like everything, from my L1b to i140, and then guided me for my wife’s visa as well and was always extremely patient to all by questionings. They are very quick in communications and will always be there to help.Thank you entire firm 🙂
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
Jeff Kung
Jeff Kung
Dana, Leyla, and Melisa have been diligent and responsive to questions. Would recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Davidson Law Group. We truly appreciate your feedback and are grateful for your trust in our services!
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Dana Davidson - Full Bio

Dana T. Davidson holds degrees from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and State University of New York at Stony Brook and has been practicing immigration law since 2003 in New York and nationwide. She represents corporations, individuals, and families in a broad range of immigration matters. Attorney Davidson has offices in New York City and Glen Cove.
 

Education

  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, New York, New York
  • Juris Doctor – 1988
  • Honors: Moot Court Board, Member, Judge
  • State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
  • Bachelor of Arts – 1982
  • Major: Political Science
  • Concentration: Business


Pro-Bono Activities

  • Safe Passage Project, Volunteer Attorney, 2013-Present
  • Educating the Educators, Founder, 2012-Present
  • Momentum Project, Board Member, 1991-1994 Bar Admission
  • New York, Eastern District
  • New York, Southern District
  • Washington, D.C.

Speaking Engagements
 
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2018, Berlin, Germany, Speaker on “Public Charge” panel
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Fall Conference 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa, Speaker: “Practice Management in the New Age” panel
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2018, Madrid, Spain, Speaker: “El Traje de Luces: Self-Sponsored Petitions – EB-1A and NIW”  AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2017, Brussels, Belgium, Speaker: “Continuing Blanket L Challenges”
  • Safe Passage Project, March 2017, Speaker: “Representing Unaccompanied Minors: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and the Effects of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration”
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Fall Conference 2016, Speaker: “It’s Not About Money: I-864”
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2016, Vienna, Austria, Speaker: “K-Visa: Differences Between K-1 and I-130 Processing”
  • New York Institute of Technology’s Center for Entrepreneurship, January 2016, Entrepreneur/Executive-in-Residence
  • AILA Fall Conference 2015, London, UK, Speaker: Impact of joint sponsors on family-based cases
  • Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Business Education Program, October 2014, “What is required to grow a business?”
  • Dowling College, May 2013, Keynote Speaker at the first annual Latino Summit at Dowling College
  • International Taxation Conference, 2010