I invested $1 million in my company. Does that help with EB-1?

On its own, no. EB-1 is a category for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary achievement in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, and financial investment is not a qualifying criterion. Having contributed US$ 1 million to your company does not, by itself, carry weight in the analysis of this visa.

What EB-1 examines is evidence of recognition and leadership in your field, for example:

• relevant awards and distinctions in your area;
• publications, patents, and original contributions;
• participation on panels or as a peer reviewer of others’ work;
• letters from recognized experts and media coverage of your work.

A significant investment may be part of the story of your impact, but it does not replace this evidence of extraordinary ability. Capital contribution is, in fact, the cornerstone of EB-5, a visa with very different rules and objectives. If your focus is EB-1, it is worth mapping your achievements with a specialist and checking the updated criteria at the official source (USCIS).

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.