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Can family members (spouse and children) be included in the EB-1?

The EB-1 does not only benefit the primary applicant: a spouse and unmarried minor children can be included as dependents and live lawfully in the United States. See how your family fits within the principal petition.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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The EB-1 is the green card pathway for individuals with extraordinary ability, as well as researchers, professors, and multinational executives across its subcategories. One of its key benefits is the ability to bring close family members along.

Once the EB-1 is approved, the primary applicant can include their spouse and unmarried minor children as dependents. They apply for status tied to the principal petition and may lawfully reside in the country while the primary applicant pursues the activity that justified the visa.

  • Each dependent goes through the admissibility and security screening processes required by law.
  • The dependents’ status follows that of the EB-1 primary applicant.

Age limits and dependency conditions are governed by applicable law, which changes over time. It is worth verifying the current requirements on the official source (USCIS) and confirming your family’s eligibility with a qualified specialist.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Can family members (spouse and children) be included in the EB-1?

The EB-1 does not only benefit the primary applicant: a spouse and unmarried minor children can be included as dependents and live lawfully in the United States. See how your family fits within the principal petition.

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