If you're at the very top of your field, nationally or internationally, the United States is willing to grant you a Green Card. This process is designed for those with “Extraordinary Ability.” But how does one prove they qualify? According to immigration regulations, you can either show that you’ve received a major international award, such as a Nobel Prize or an Olympic gold medal, or meet other specific criteria.
Extraordinary Ability: Requirements
The group of individuals who have won such prestigious awards is relatively small. However, the regulations provide ten other criteria, of which you must meet a minimum of three.
At Antonini & Cohen, the requirements we most commonly utilize include:
Receipt of a lesser nationally or internationally recognized award.
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement.
Published articles in trade journals or major national or international media.
High compensation relative to peers.
We have successfully obtained Green Cards for numerous track athletes by demonstrating that they are at the pinnacle of their field nationally. Competing in the Olympics, for example, often involves being among the top athletes in a country, which can be used to demonstrate the receipt of a lesser-recognized award.
Extraordinary Ability: Success Story
One of Marshall Cohen’s first cases involved a Romanian wrestler who defected from the 1996 Olympics. Although he didn’t achieve his desired outcome in the Olympics, he was recognized as one of the best in his field in Romania, and this recognition helped us secure his Green Card.
Please contact us if you believe you’re at the top of your field—whether as an athlete, photographer, scientist, or business professional. We’ll evaluate your case and work to help you achieve permanent residence status.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.