Does EB-1A have priority over EB-1B and EB-1C?

No. EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C all belong to the same immigration priority tier, known as the first preference of the U.S. employment-based system. Within that group, there is no order of precedence among the subcategories.

In practice, this means EB-1A does not move “ahead” of EB-1B or EB-1C. What differs from one subcategory to another is not priority, but the profile each one serves and the criteria each one requires:

• EB-1A: extraordinary ability, with self-petition available.
• EB-1B: outstanding professors and researchers with international recognition, requiring employer sponsorship.
• EB-1C: multinational executives and managers transferred to the U.S.

The decision on which path to pursue depends on how your background fits the requirements of each subcategory, not on any supposed hierarchy. Two people with different profiles may be better suited to different subcategories.

Since each case has its own nuances and interpretations may vary, it is worth reviewing current requirements and consulting a specialist to determine which subcategory best matches your profile.

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.