Do I need to submit criminal background checks for EB-1?

Most likely yes. For EB-1, as with other U.S. visas, it is common for the process to require criminal background checks from the places where you have lived. This is part of the standard security screening, applied broadly, and is not a requirement specific to those with extraordinary ability.

These documents may be requested at different stages, such as during the petition phase or at a potential consular interview. The purpose is to allow the competent authority to confirm that there are no security-related or integrity-related impediments to the process.

A few points to help you prepare:

• Having a record in your history does not automatically mean a denial, but it does require attention and transparency.
• Requirements vary based on your background and the countries where you have resided.
• Keeping your documentation organized and complete helps avoid delays.

Since every case is unique, it is worth checking the latest guidance from the official source (USCIS) and, in situations involving a sensitive history, reviewing the circumstances with a specialist before filing.

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.