I saw on the USCIS website: ‘Extraordinary Ability’ = E11. Is that the same as EB-1A?

Yes, it is the same thing. In the USCIS vocabulary, the code E11 identifies the Extraordinary Ability category, which is precisely what is commonly known as EB-1A. They are different labels for the same green card path.

This alphabet soup causes a lot of confusion, because USCIS uses internal classification codes to organize employment-based immigration categories. Seeing E11 on a form or an official page changes nothing about what you already know regarding EB-1A.

• E11: the beneficiary classification code for the principal applicant in the Extraordinary Ability category.
• EB-1A: the common name for that same first employment-based preference.
• Same standards of recognized excellence and same waiver of a job offer.

When cross-referencing terms between the official website and informal materials, always confirm with the source (USCIS) or with a specialist, to avoid mixing up similar categories.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.