EB-1A Visa Process: A Complete Guide for Applicants from Bangladesh (2025)
Presented by TRW Law Firm
What is the EB-1A Visa?
The EB-1A visa is a prestigious, employment-based U.S. immigrant visa designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. Whether you are a scientist, artist, business leader, educator, or athlete, this visa allows you to live and work in the United States without requiring a job offer or labor certification. Applicants can self-petition, making the EB-1A visa one of the fastest and most flexible paths to a U.S. green card.
For top-tier Bangladeshi professionals, academics, and entrepreneurs aiming for permanent residency in the U.S., the EB-1A provides a powerful legal route—when properly prepared and strategically presented.
EB-1 Visa Categories at a Glance
There are three subcategories under the EB-1 employment-based visa:
- EB-1A: Individuals of extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics
- EB-1B: Outstanding professors or researchers
- EB-1C: Multinational executives or managers
This guide focuses specifically on the EB-1A visa, ideal for self-motivated Bangladeshi applicants who have achieved significant national or international acclaim in their domain.
EB-1A Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an EB-1A visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability, meaning you are among the top percentage of professionals in your field. You do this by meeting at least 3 out of 10 specific evidentiary criteria provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You may qualify if you have evidence of:
- National or international awards for excellence
- Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
- Published material about you in major media or professional journals
- Participation as a judge of others in your field
- Original contributions of major significance
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Display of your work in exhibitions or showcases
- Leading or critical role in prestigious organizations
- High remuneration compared to others in your field
- Commercial success in the performing arts
In 2024, USCIS updated its guidance to include team awards and former memberships as acceptable evidence.
Can I Apply Without a Job Offer?
Yes. Unlike EB-1B or EB-1C, the EB-1A visa does not require a job offer, labor certification (PERM), or employer sponsorship. This makes it ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, researchers, and independent professionals from Bangladesh who want more control over their U.S. immigration path.
EB-1A Filing Costs for 2025
| Form | Fee (USD) | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 | $715 | Immigrant Petition |
| Form I-485 (if inside the U.S.) | $1,440 | Adjustment of Status |
| Biometrics Fee (if required) | $85 | USCIS processing |
| DS-260 (if applying abroad) | $345 | Consular processing |
| Form I-864 (if needed) | $120 | Affidavit of Support |
Medical exams and translations are additional and vary by location.
EB-1A Processing Times
| Step | Timeline (Average) |
| Form I-140 (USCIS) | 7.6 months |
| Premium Processing Option | 15 calendar days |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | 6.9 months |
| Consular Processing | 4 to 6 months |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- File Form I-140: Submit your immigrant petition with supporting documentation
- Receive USCIS Notice: USCIS will confirm acceptance and later issue a decision
- Adjustment or Consular Processing:
- If in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust status
- If abroad, file Form DS-260 through the U.S. consulate
- Biometrics & Medicals: Attend fingerprinting and undergo a USCIS-approved medical exam
- Interview: Attend a consular interview or USCIS interview (if required)
- Receive Visa/Green Card: Once approved, you are a U.S. permanent resident
Types of Supporting Documents for EB-1A Applicants from Bangladesh
To build a strong case, submit high-quality documentation showing consistent recognition and impact. Examples include:
- National awards from Bangladeshi or international organizations (e.g., BASIS awards, National ICT Awards)
- Feature articles in leading news media (e.g., The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Dhaka Tribune)
- Proof of speaking engagements at global conferences
- Letters of support from credible experts outside your employer
- Copies of books, academic publications, citations (Google Scholar index)
- Salaries that exceed the industry norm in Bangladesh
TRW Law Firm will help curate, structure, and legally contextualize your documentation to USCIS standards.
What Happens After Approval?
- You will become a U.S. green card holder
- You can live, work, and travel freely in the United States
- After five years, you may become eligible for U.S. citizenship
- Your spouse and children under 21 may also apply for green cards as dependents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for EB-1A from Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladeshi citizens can self-petition and apply through the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
Q: Can I include my family in my application?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries.
Q: Can I change employers after receiving my EB-1A green card?
Yes. Since EB-1A is not tied to a job offer, you’re free to change employers after permanent residency is granted.
Q: Can I work while my application is pending?
If you filed Form I-485, you can file for a work authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole to travel.
Q: Can I apply for EB-1A while on a student visa or B1/B2?
Yes, but you must ensure dual intent is not violated, particularly if adjusting from a non-immigrant visa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting insufficient documentation for each claimed criterion
- Using letters of support that lack specificity or credibility
- Failing to demonstrate sustained acclaim rather than isolated achievement
- Not presenting the information in a legal framework USCIS adjudicators expect
Why Choose TRW Law Firm for Your EB-1A Petition?
Navigating the EB-1A visa requires strategic planning, precise documentation, and legal finesse. At TRW Law Firm, our immigration specialists:
- Assess your eligibility thoroughly
- Develop a tailored EB-1A strategy aligned with your profile
- Draft persuasive support letters and organize evidence to USCIS expectations
- Offer transparent, fixed-fee services
- Assist with post-approval green card filings for your family
Whether you’re a Bangladeshi innovator, professor, founder, or researcher—we guide you to U.S. permanent residency with clarity and confidence.
Contact TRW Law Firm
TRW Law Firm — U.S. Immigration Experts in Bangladesh
Dhaka Office: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
Dubai Office: Rolex Building, L-12, Sheikh Zayed Road
London Office: 330 High Holborn, City of London
Hotlines: +8801708000660
+8801847220062
+8801708080817
Emails: info@trfirm.com
info@trwbd.com
info@tahmidur.com
Step into the spotlight. Let TRW Law Firm turn your extraordinary accomplishments into U.S. permanent residency through the EB-1A visa.