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

The EB-1A visa is intended for those who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their fields of expertise. In general, when referring to being among ‘the small percentage at the top of the field,’ the idea is to convey that the candidate is within a very restricted group of the best, compared to all professionals in the same area.

Although there is no official numerical definition or a ‘magic formula’ that exactly determines how many people make up this group, in practice, it is understood that this group represents only a minimal fraction – often referred to as the top 1% or, in some cases, an even smaller percentage, depending on the area and context.

The concept is used to emphasize that the candidate needs to have clear distinction and recognition that significantly set them apart from their peers. It is important to highlight that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assesses applications based on a series of evidences and analyses of the candidate’s history and achievements.

Each case is reviewed individually, and the fact that a professional is in a ‘top percentile’ of their field is only one of the elements considered during the process. Always remember the importance of complying with all immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources, using the services of specialized companies to avoid scams and unrealistic promises.

The evaluation for the EB-1A must be conducted with caution and transparency, respecting the principles and rules established by American authorities.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.