How many people apply for an EB1 green card each year? 

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), around 200,000 applications are received each year for the EB1 green card program. However, only a small portion of these applications will be approved, as the USCIS has very specific criteria for what constitutes an EB1 applicant.

To meet these requirements, applicants must provide evidence of their achievements in their field or business that exceeds what other individuals in their profession may have done. They must also prove that they are at the top of their field and that they possess a level of expertise and skill that sets them apart from other professionals. Additionally, applicants must show that they are entering the U.S. with a valid job offer and have the necessary qualifications to fill it.

How many of those applications are successful?

It’s difficult to answer this question exactly as the processing of EB1 green cards is extremely complex and subject to many variables. However, it’s estimated that the overall approval rate for applicants of the EB1 green card program is around 40%. That means that out of all applications, 40% will ultimately receive their green card and be approved. It’s important to note that approval rates can vary greatly depending on the country of origin and the particular qualifications of the applicant. 

How many green cards are awarded each year through the EB1 program?

The EB1 green card is an employment-based, first-preference visa. Each year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allocates a maximum of 40,040 visas to qualified applicants. Of those, approximately 10,000 are allotted to individuals with extraordinary abilities, 3,950 to outstanding professors and researchers, and 26,090 to executives and managers of multinational companies. 

To put it into perspective, out of the nearly 1 million green cards issued each year in the United States, only 40,040 are awarded through the EB1 program. That is less than 5% of all green cards issued each year.

How does this compare to other green card programs?

The number of EB1 green cards awarded each year varies greatly depending on the country. On average, the United States awards between 5,000 and 6,000 of these visas annually, which is much lower than other green card programs such as the EB2 and EB3 categories.

For example, in 2019 the United States issued over 150,000 family-based green cards, while less than 6,000 were issued under the EB1 program. This means that only around 3% of all green cards issued in the US were through the EB1 program. 

In contrast, the EB2 category, which is also known as employment-based “skilled worker” visas, accounted for around 20% of all green cards issued in 2019. The majority of the remainder went to the EB3 category, which is also known as the “family reunification” visa. 

Overall, it is important to remember that the number of EB1 visas awarded each year is much lower than other types of green cards. Those interested in pursuing this type of visa should ensure they are aware of all the requirements before they begin their application process.

Conclusion

The EB1 green card program is an incredibly competitive one, with only a limited number of applicants succeeding each year. Despite the small numbers, the program still awards a significant number of green cards each year, with around 6,000 being issued in the 2020 fiscal year. This is a testament to the value of the EB1 program for highly-skilled workers and their families. As with any immigration process, it is important to be prepared and understand all the requirements before starting the application. Those who do take the time to prepare are more likely to receive an EB1 green card.