In the EB-1A, does the autopetitioner pay the fees and sign the I-140?

Yes. In the EB-1A, the category allows for self-petition, so the applicant themselves (the autopetitioner) takes on the role that, in other pathways, would belong to a sponsoring employer.

In practice, this means you are the one who drives the petition I-140. Generally:

• You complete, sign, and file the I-140 that establishes your eligibility.
• You gather the documents that demonstrate your achievements and qualifications.
• You are responsible for the fees required by USCIS at the time of filing.

Keep in mind that petition fees are generally non-refundable, so organizing everything carefully before filing helps avoid rework and unnecessary costs.

Since fees and procedures can change, it is best to confirm current fees and instructions from the official USCIS source and, if you have questions about completing the forms, seek guidance from an experienced professional.

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.