For EB-1A, how many people make up the ‘small percentage at the top of the field’?

There is no fixed number. The EB-1A does not establish an official count of people to define the so-called small percentage at the top of the field. This is a qualitative standard, not a quota or mathematical formula.

The phrase conveys a concept: that the applicant must stand among the few most prominent professionals in their field, clearly distinguished from their peers. The focus is not on counting heads, but on demonstrating that your recognition and achievements place you in a very select group of excellence.

In practice, what supports this framing is the body of evidence you present, such as:

• Awards and distinctions of note in the field.
• Publications and the impact of your work.
• Leadership roles and recognition by peers.
• Coverage and mentions that attest to your prominence.

USCIS evaluates each case individually, weighing the totality rather than applying a numerical cutoff. For that reason, it is worth reviewing the current criteria on the official source (USCIS) and assessing your profile 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.