U.S Immigration Guide
How to Apply EB-1A
Green Card Application
Applying for an EB-1A green card, designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, involves several key steps. First, you need to gather extensive documentation demonstrating your exceptional achievements, such as awards, publications, and letters of recommendation from prominent figures in your industry. Next, you must complete Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, ensuring that your petition outlines how your work has significantly impacted your field. It's crucial to provide evidence of your sustained national or international acclaim. After your petition is approved, you can apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) if you're already in the U.S. or go through consular processing if you're outside the U.S. Following these steps carefully, coupled with robust evidence of your qualifications, increases your chances of a successful EB-1A green card application.
How to Apply for EB-1A Green Card
📁 EB-1A Petition Document Arrangement
(I-140 Self-Petition)
1. Cover Letter: A formal letter summarizing how the applicant meets at least 3 USCIS criteria and the final merits determination.
Professionally written letter explaining eligibility under EB-1A
Brief summary of the petitioner’s accomplishments and how they satisfy at least 3 USCIS criteria
Highlights of evidence and exhibits (with exhibit references)
Signed and dated
2. Form I-140 – Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: The main petition form for requesting classification under EB-1A. Must be signed and submitted with proper fees.
Completed and signed by the petitioner (self-petition allowed for EB-1A)
Include correct filing fee check/money order or payment receipt
If using premium processing, also include Form I-907
3. Filing Fee: Include the correct check/money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Extra fees applied for premium processing.
Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
If applicable: Premium Processing Fee: $2,805 with Form I-907
Total for the premium processing will be $1015 +$2,805 = $3,820
4. Table of Contents: Helps USCIS officers navigate your package easily by indexing sections and exhibit numbers.
An organized index of all enclosed documents
Include section names, exhibit numbers, and page numbers (optional)
5. Petitioner’s Personal Information: This includes the passport bio page, resume, visa, I-94, and academic credentials, with English translations if needed.
Copy of passport biographic page
I-94 (if in the U.S.)
Current U.S. visa (if applicable)
Resume or CV
Academic degrees and transcripts (translated if not in English)
Awards or honors
[This can be included in exhibit]
6. Detailed EB-1A Petition Letter: A structured 20–30-page letter detailing evidence under each qualifying criterion, followed by a merits argument.
Typically 20–30 pages
Structured by USCIS criteria (e.g., 5 of 10 met)
Each section includes:
Statement of the criterion
Explanation of how the petitioner meets it
Supporting evidence reference (e.g., Exhibit A1, A2…)
Ends with Final Merits Argument
7. Exhibits (Evidence): Supporting evidence categorized by the 10 USCIS regulatory criteria. Use numbered exhibits and descriptions.
Organize clearly with tabs or bookmarks (if digital). Examples:
🗂 Criterion-Based Evidence
Organized per USCIS EB-1A regulatory criteria (you only need to meet 3, but 4–6 is safer):
Exhibit A – Evidence of Original Contributions
Exhibit B – Leading/Critical Role Documentation
Exhibit C – Media Coverage
Exhibit D – Judge of Others' Work
Exhibit E – High Salary Comparisons
Exhibit F – Memberships / Honors
🗂 Supporting Documents
Letters of recommendation (6–8, ideally from independent experts)
Publications (if any)
Patents, if applicable
Product launch documentation
Screenshots of press/media mentions
Product brochures, reports, and awards
Evidence of national/international impact
8. Letters of Recommendation: 6–8 letters from leading professionals or organizations in the field, showing recognition and impact.
From recognized professionals or institutions
Mix of internal (colleagues, superiors) and independent experts
Each letter should:
Identify the author’s credentials
Describe how they know the petitioner
Explain the petitioner’s extraordinary ability
Emphasize national/international acclaim or impact
9. Form G-1145 (Optional): An Optional form to receive text/email notification once USCIS receives your petition.
For e-notification of petition receipt (if filing by mail)
10. Premium Processing Request (Optional): Optional expedited review in 15 days. Requires a separate form and $2,805 fee.
Form I-907
Additional fee: $2,805
Expedites USCIS review to 15 calendar days
📨 Mailing Instructions
Send your package to the appropriate USCIS Service Center, depending on:
Your current U.S. state of residence
Whether you use premium processing
Use a trackable courier (FedEx, UPS, USPS Priority Express)
✅ Pro Tips:
Number each exhibit and include headers and descriptions.
Use tabs or folders to separate sections in hardcopy.
Include translations and translator certifications for non-English documents.
Keep a copy of everything submitted.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Armed Forces
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Kentucky
Louisiana
Marshall Islands
Maryland
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
Northern Mariana Islands
Oklahoma
Oregon
Puerto Rico
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
US Virgin Islands
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming
Mail your form to:
USCIS Dallas Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-140
P.O. Box 660128
Dallas, TX 75266-0128
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-140 (Box 660128)
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
States
Mail Your Form To
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Wisconsin
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-140
P.O. Box 88774
Chicago, IL 60680-1774
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-140 (Box 88774)
131 S. Dearborn St., 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
John Kubia
📞 +44 7397 345 833
📧 mwaseem.khan@live.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thekhanwaseem
USCIS
Attn: I-140 Immigrant Petition – EB-1A
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Date]
RE: Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker under EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)
Beneficiary: John Kubia
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to submit this petition under the EB-1A category for Extraordinary Ability in the field of Banking, Mortgage Finance, and Retail Credit Management on behalf of myself, John Kubia, a seasoned finance and credit industry professional with over 17 years of experience across major commercial and Islamic banking institutions, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy finance initiatives.
Throughout my professional journey, I have demonstrated sustained excellence and innovation in launching and managing high-impact financial products, including Business Mortgage Finance, Low-Cost Housing Finance, and Renewable Energy Equipment Finance, several of which were pioneering offerings within the Pakistani banking sector. My leadership has directly contributed to achieving multi-year lending targets across 160+ branches, improving consumer access to housing finance and green energy.
I respectfully submit that my qualifications meet the regulatory requirements for EB-1A based on the following criteria:
Leading/Critical Role: I have served in high-responsibility leadership positions, including Manager – Housing Finance at Bank AL Habib Ltd., where I directly supervised retail credit operations across 12 Area Offices and 160 branches. My role has involved underwriting oversight, product development, and policy implementation for national-level mortgage and energy finance products.
Original Contributions of Major Significance: I have designed and implemented several first-of-their-kind financing products, including the AL Habib Renewable Energy Equipment Finance, which supports solar energy deployment in households and businesses. These programs have been instrumental in financial inclusion and national sustainability objectives.
Media and Public Presentations: I have been invited to represent my institution at high-profile national exhibitions such as the Tameer Pakistan Property Expo, and have participated as a panelist in televised Q&A briefings on housing finance and renewable energy lending—reinforcing my role as a public-facing expert in my field.
Service as a Trainer: I am a regular trainer for mortgage and consumer banking modules at the Bank AL Habib Training and Development Department. My workshops have guided new and experienced officers on navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and credit analysis practices.
The enclosed petition package includes documentary evidence supporting these claims, such as letters from senior executives, media articles, product brochures, training certifications, and performance awards. While I acknowledge that I do not have published academic papers or traditional industry awards, I believe the totality of my professional impact, leadership record, and innovation meets the high bar of the EB-1A category.
I respectfully request that USCIS favorably consider my petition, recognizing my sustained contributions and commitment to continuing impactful work in the U.S. financial services sector, particularly in underserved credit markets and green finance solutions. My vision is to bring my expertise in scalable lending models to further the national interest by supporting affordable housing, climate finance, and financial inclusion initiatives in the United States.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Kubia
PETITION LETTER FOR EB-1A – EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
Beneficiary: Mr. John Kubia
Filed With: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Filing Category: EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability – Business/Banking)
Submitted by: John Kubia (Self-Petitioning)
I. INTRODUCTION
This petition is submitted on behalf of Mr. John Kubia, a distinguished professional in the fields of mortgage finance, credit risk analysis, and financial product innovation, with over 17 years of exceptional accomplishments. Mr. Kubia seeks classification as an Alien of Extraordinary Ability under INA §203(b)(1)(A). His self-petition is based on demonstrable sustained national acclaim and recognition in his area of expertise—retail credit management and housing finance—especially within emerging markets.
Mr. Kubia has played a vital role in launching groundbreaking lending products, increasing access to affordable housing, and integrating renewable energy into mainstream finance in South Asia. He has also trained dozens of professionals in banking operations and mortgage lending, and has represented his institutions at prominent conferences and national expos. The evidence submitted herewith meets at least four of the ten criteria required under 8 C.F.R. §204.5(h)(3), and the totality of the evidence clearly establishes that he belongs to the small percentage at the top of his field, satisfying the Final Merits Determination.
III. CRITERIA SATISFIED UNDER 8 CFR §204.5(h)(3)
Criterion 1 – Original Contributions of Major Significance
Mr. Kubia has developed multiple first-in-market financial products in the areas of low-cost housing and renewable energy lending, which have since been adopted as institutional offerings. His launch of the AL Habib Renewable Energy Equipment Finance platform catalyzed the integration of solar power financing into mainstream consumer credit in Pakistan, benefiting thousands of users and contributing to sustainable finance. (Exhibit A: Product Launch Documents, Press Materials, Internal Reports)
Criterion 2 – Leading or Critical Role
Mr. Kubia has served as the Manager – Housing Finance at Bank AL Habib, directly supervising credit operations across 12 area offices and 160 branches, managing government-backed schemes, and setting strategic policy for product delivery. He also trained staff at the Training & Development Department and represented the institution in public forums. (Exhibit B: Organizational Charts, Offer Letters, Performance Reports)
Criterion 3 – Judge of the Work of Others
While not a formal academic reviewer, Mr. Kubia is a certified corporate trainer, regularly conducting official training sessions for bank employees, new officers, and management trainees. His sessions have become part of the bank's standard training curriculum for mortgages and consumer finance. ( Exhibit C: Training Agendas, Schedules, Certificates of Contribution)
Criterion 4 – Media, Exhibitions, and Public Recognition
Mr. Kubia was invited as a panelist and corporate representative at national-level real estate and housing expos such as the Tameer Pakistan Property Expo 2022, where he conducted Q&A sessions broadcast live on mainstream media. His professional views on financial inclusion and green lending were acknowledged in industry coverage. (Exhibit D: Media Clips, Photos, Presentation Materials)
IV. FINAL MERITS DETERMINATION
Mr. Kubia’s career, spanning over 17 years, clearly demonstrates a level of expertise and accomplishment far beyond that of an ordinary professional in his field. He has:
Launched nationally adopted credit products
Held leadership roles across major banking institutions
Mentored and trained financial professionals on a national scale
Promoted sustainable energy finance and housing inclusion
Been recognized through public speaking engagements and media visibility
Given his qualifications, achievements, and consistent upward trajectory, Mr. Kubia is well-positioned to continue his impactful work in the United States. His expertise aligns with national priorities such as affordable housing, renewable energy finance, and workforce upskilling in financial services.
V. CONCLUSION
Mr. John Kubia satisfies multiple regulatory criteria under 8 C.F.R. §204.5(h)(3) and meets the overall standard of extraordinary ability. He has demonstrated sustained acclaim, significant original contributions, and leadership across national financial institutions. He has also proven his intent and ability to continue working in the U.S. in a capacity that would substantially benefit the country.
The petitioner respectfully requests that USCIS approve this I-140 petition under the EB-1A category.
Sincerely,
John Kubia
📞 +44 7397 345 833
📧 mwaseem.khan@live.com
LinkedIn.com/in/thekhanwaseem
AN ACTUAL PETITION LETTER IS USUALLY 20-30 PAGES IN SINGLE LINE SPACE
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