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Do I need to submit income tax returns for the EB-1A?

Income tax returns are not required for the EB-1A, which is decided by your extraordinary ability. Learn when tax documents can help strengthen your case and how to build a solid evidence package.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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Submitting income tax returns is not a formal requirement of the EB-1A. This category is designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability, so the weight of the petition rests on evidence of merit and recognition, not on your tax situation.

The core of the evidence typically includes items such as:

  • Awards and distinctions relevant to your field.
  • Publications, citations, and recognized contributions.
  • Recommendation letters from experts.
  • Proof of professional impact and reputation.

Even though they are not required, tax returns may be included as supporting documentation when you have previously lived or worked in the United States and want to reinforce financial credibility and continuity of your professional activity. This is a documentation strategy decision, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Since each petition is reviewed individually, it is worth confirming the recommended documentation with the official USCIS source and, when possible, assembling your evidence package with the support of a 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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Do I need to submit income tax returns for the EB-1A?

Income tax returns are not required for the EB-1A, which is decided by your extraordinary ability. Learn when tax documents can help strengthen your case and how to build a solid evidence package.

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