The EB-1 visa is one of the most powerful U.S. green card options—no PERM, priority processing available, and often faster approval than EB-2 or EB-3. But how much does it really cost?
Below is a full, transparent EB-1 visa cost guide (minimum 1,000+ words), written for high-achieving professionals, founders, researchers, executives, and artists.
What Is the EB-1 Visa?
The EB-1 (Employment-Based First Preference) immigrant visa is designed for individuals at the very top of their field.
EB-1 Categories
EB-1A – Extraordinary Ability (self-petition, no employer needed)
EB-1B – Outstanding Professors & Researchers
EB-1C – Multinational Executives & Managers
Each category has different cost structures, which we’ll break down clearly.
Official Government Fees (USCIS)
All EB-1 applications go through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
1. I-140 Immigrant Petition Fee Item Cost (USD) Form I-140 filing fee $715
Paid once, regardless of EB-1 category.
2. Premium Processing (Optional but Common) Item Cost Form I-907 (15-calendar-day decision) $2,805
Who usually pays this?
EB-1A applicants (almost always)
EB-1C executives under time pressure
Companies relocating senior leadership fast
3. Adjustment of Status (If Filing Inside the U.S.)
If you’re already in the U.S. (H-1B, O-1, L-1, F-1, etc.), you’ll file Form I-485.
Item Cost Form I-485 (age 14–78) $1,440 Biometrics Included EAD (work permit) Included Advance Parole (travel) Included 4. Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
If applying through a U.S. consulate:
Item Cost DS-260 Immigrant Visa Fee $345 USCIS Immigrant Fee (after approval) $220 Attorney Fees (The Real Cost Driver)
Attorney fees vary widely based on case strength, evidence complexity, and strategy.
EB-1A Attorney Fees (Extraordinary Ability) Case Level Typical Legal Fee Strong profile (clean evidence) $8,000 – $12,000 Medium complexity $12,000 – $18,000 High-risk / borderline $18,000 – $25,000+
Why EB-1A is expensive:
Custom legal narrative
Evidence mapping to 10 regulatory criteria
Expert strategy (not templates)
EB-1B Attorney Fees (Professors / Researchers) Item Cost Attorney fees $6,000 – $12,000 Employer usually pays Yes EB-1C Attorney Fees (Multinational Executives) Item Cost Attorney fees $7,000 – $15,000 Employer paid Almost always Hidden & Supporting Costs (Often Ignored)
These don’t appear on USCIS forms—but they matter.
1. Expert Opinion Letters Item Cost Independent expert letter (per letter) $500 – $2,000 Typical EB-1A case 2–5 letters 2. Translation & Certification Item Cost Certified translation (per page) $20 – $50 Average case $300 – $1,000 3. Medical Exam (Green Card Stage) Item Cost USCIS-approved civil surgeon exam $250 – $600 4. Evidence Preparation
Portfolio design
Citation reports
Media verification
Business valuation (EB-1C)
Estimated: $500 – $3,000+
Total EB-1 Visa Cost (Realistic Ranges) EB-1A Total Cost (Most Common) Scenario Total Cost Low-end (strong profile) $12,000 – $15,000 Mid-range (typical) $18,000 – $22,000 High-complexity $25,000 – $30,000+ EB-1B Total Cost
| Total | $8,000 – $15,000 |
EB-1C Total Cost
| Total | $10,000 – $20,000 |
EB-1 vs EB-2 NIW Cost Comparison Visa Type Typical Total Cost EB-1A $18k – $25k EB-2 NIW $10k – $15k EB-3 $15k – $25k + PERM delays
Insight: EB-1 costs more upfront, but often saves years of waiting.
Can You Reduce EB-1 Costs?
Yes—strategically.
Smart Cost-Control Tips
File EB-1A + EB-2 NIW in parallel (risk hedge)
Avoid “guarantee” firms (RFEs cost more long-term)
Invest in quality evidence, not volume
Premium processing saves time, not money—but time is leverage
Is EB-1 Worth the Cost?
For the right profile: Absolutely.
EB-1 is ideal if you:
Want fast permanent residence
Don’t want employer dependence
Have national or international recognition
Are planning U.S. expansion, funding, or leadership roles
Final Takeaway
EB-1 visa cost is not just a fee—it’s a strategic investment.
Done right, EB-1 delivers:
Green card in months, not years
Career freedom
Immigration stability