Filing an EB-1A I-140 petition requires assembling a substantial package of evidence, forms, and supporting documents. Missing a single item can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) and delay your case by months. This checklist covers every document you need, organized by category and marked by priority level.
The EB-1A category is for individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim by meeting at least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria. For a full walkthrough of the filing process itself, see the EB-1A I-140 step-by-step filing guide.
This checklist is designed to be printed or bookmarked. Use it as a reference while you compile your petition package. Each item is marked as required (you must include it), recommended (not mandatory but strengthens your case), or situational (only needed if a specific criterion applies to you).
The categories below follow the order most immigration attorneys use when assembling the physical petition package: forms and fees first, then identity documents, then the petition letter and criteria evidence, then recommendation letters, and finally supplementary materials.
USCIS officers at the Texas Service Center review EB-1A petitions using the two-step Kazarian framework. In the first step, they check whether your evidence satisfies at least 3 criteria. In the second step, they evaluate the totality of the record for sustained acclaim. Your documentation must be strong enough to pass both steps.
Every form referenced below links to its official USCIS page where you can download the current version. Always verify you are using the most recent edition before filing. For a deeper look at each of the 10 criteria, see the guide on proving extraordinary ability for EB-1A.
Forms and Filing Fees
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers)
Select classification “a” (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) in Part 2. Use the most recent edition. Sign and date the form.
Download Form I-140
Filing fee: $715 (I-140 base fee)
Pay by check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450). Make payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. No cash. No fee waivers for I-140.
Asylum Program Fee: $300 (self-petitioner rate)
Required for all I-140 filings. Self-petitioners and small employers (1-25 employees) pay $300. Employers with 26+ employees pay $600.
Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing)
Optional. Guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days. Fee: $2,965 as of March 1, 2026. Can also be filed after the I-140 is pending.
Download Form I-907
Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney)
Required only if an attorney or accredited representative is filing on your behalf. Authorizes them to communicate with USCIS for you.
Download Form G-28
Identity and Status Documents
Copy of valid passport (biographical page)
Clear, legible photocopy showing your name, date of birth, nationality, and expiration date.
Copy of current U.S. visa stamp and I-94 record
If you are in the U.S., include your most recent visa stamp and I-94 arrival/departure record. Download your I-94 from the CBP website.
Previous I-140 approval notices (if any)
If you have a previously approved I-140 (for any category), include the approval notice to establish an earlier priority date.
EAD card or other work authorization (copy)
Only if relevant to your current status. Not required for the I-140 itself, but useful context if filing concurrently with I-485.
Tip
Organize your petition with numbered tabs or section dividers matching each category below. Label every exhibit clearly (e.g., “Exhibit A-1: Award Certificate”). USCIS officers adjudicate hundreds of petitions; make it easy to find each piece of evidence.
Petition Letter and Core Documentation
Detailed petition letter (cover letter)
Maps each exhibit to a specific EB-1A criterion. Explains how the totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national or international acclaim. This is the most important single document in your package.
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Complete list of publications, presentations, awards, positions held, professional memberships, and other achievements. Should be comprehensive, not a condensed resume.
Table of exhibits / evidence index
A numbered index listing every exhibit in the petition package with a brief description. Helps the officer navigate your evidence quickly.
Evidence for the 10 EB-1A Criteria
You must provide evidence for at least 3 of the following 10 criteria. Most successful petitions address 4 or 5. Each criterion below lists the specific documents USCIS expects. For a complete explanation of each criterion, see the complete EB-1A visa guide.
Award certificates or trophies (copies)
Must be for excellence in the field, not participation awards. Include the certificate, letter of notification, or official program listing the award.
Documentation of the award’s significance
Criteria for selection, number of recipients, selection committee credentials, and scope (national/international). USCIS needs to understand the award is for excellence, not routine achievement.
Media coverage of the award (if available)
Press releases, news articles, or institutional announcements covering the award. Strengthens the claim that the award is recognized in your field.
Membership certificate or confirmation letter
Proof of current membership in an association that requires outstanding achievement as judged by recognized experts in the field.
Association bylaws or membership criteria
Documentation showing the association’s admission standards and that membership requires outstanding achievement. General professional associations (where anyone can join by paying dues) do not qualify.
Articles, interviews, or features about you and your work
Must be in professional or major trade publications or major media. Include the full article, the publication name, date, author, and circulation/readership data.
Proof of publication significance
Circulation data, readership metrics, or a brief description of the publication’s standing in the field. USCIS needs to see these are professional/major media, not personal blogs.
Invitation letters or confirmation of judging roles
Letters from journals, conferences, grant agencies, or competitions inviting you to serve as a reviewer, judge, or panel member. Include the name of the organization and dates.
Screenshots or records of completed reviews
Reviewer portal screenshots, editorial board listings, or thank-you letters confirming your reviews were completed. Redact confidential content but keep evidence of the review activity.
Publications, patents, or technical reports describing your contribution
The original work product itself. Include published papers, granted patents, or other evidence of the contribution. Citation counts from Google Scholar or Web of Science add weight.
Evidence of impact (citations, adoption, licensing)
Citation reports, letters from companies or labs that adopted your work, licensing agreements, or media coverage of the contribution’s impact. USCIS looks for “major significance,” not just novelty.
Expert letters explaining the significance
Independent experts who can explain why your contribution is significant to the field. These overlap with your recommendation letters but should specifically address impact.
List of publications with full citations
Complete bibliography showing journal name, volume, issue, page numbers, and co-authors. Include both peer-reviewed journal articles and significant conference proceedings.
Copies of key publications (first page or full text)
Include at least the first page of your most cited or significant publications. If a journal is well-known (Nature, Science, IEEE), include evidence of the journal’s impact factor or ranking.
Exhibition catalogs, programs, or promotional materials
Documentation showing your work was displayed at exhibitions or showcases. Include venue name, dates, and your specific role (solo show, featured artist, curated selection).
Reviews or media coverage of the exhibition
Press coverage, critical reviews, or attendance records that demonstrate the exhibition’s significance and public reception.
Organizational chart or role description
Documentation showing your title, reporting structure, and scope of responsibilities. Must demonstrate you held a leading or critical role, not just employment.
Evidence the organization has a distinguished reputation
Rankings, revenue data, market position, media coverage, or industry recognition of the organization. USCIS requires both that you held a leading role AND that the organization is distinguished.
Pay stubs, tax returns, or employment contracts
Documentation of your actual compensation. Include W-2 forms, pay stubs for at least 3 months, or signed offer letters showing your annual salary.
Salary survey or industry compensation data
Bureau of Labor Statistics data, independent salary surveys (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Robert Half), or other evidence showing your compensation is significantly above the norm for your occupation and geographic area.
Explanation of total compensation (if non-salary)
If your remuneration includes stock options, bonuses, royalties, or contract fees, provide documentation breaking down total compensation and comparing it to field norms.
Box office receipts, sales figures, or streaming data
Quantifiable evidence of commercial success: ticket sales, album sales, streaming numbers, or revenue data for your performances or productions.
Industry rankings or chart positions
Billboard rankings, box office charts, or other industry-standard measures of commercial performance. Include the source, date, and your specific ranking.
Warning
An O-1A visa approval does not guarantee EB-1A approval. USCIS applies a higher standard for EB-1A because it leads to permanent residence. Do not rely on your O-1A approval letter as a substitute for strong independent evidence under each criterion.
Recommendation Letters
5-8 recommendation letters from independent experts
Letters from recognized authorities in your field who can speak to the specific significance of your contributions. At least half should be from experts who have NOT worked with you directly (independent evaluators carry more weight than collaborators).
CV or brief bio of each letter writer
A short biography or CV for each recommender establishing their credentials and standing in the field. Helps the officer assess the weight of each letter.
Letters from outside your immediate institution or country
International letters demonstrate that your acclaim extends beyond your local network. USCIS values geographic diversity in recommendation sources.
Warning
Generic recommendation letters are the top reason for RFEs in EB-1A cases. Each letter must address the specific significance of your contributions and their impact on the field. Form-letter templates that just state you are “an excellent researcher” carry little weight.
Supplementary Documents
Citation report (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus)
Screenshot or printout showing your total citations, h-index, and citation counts for your most-cited papers. Useful for criteria 5 and 6.
Copies of granted patents (if applicable)
Include the patent number, title, abstract, and grant date. Patents strengthen criterion 5 (original contributions) and demonstrate commercial or practical significance.
Translated documents (if originals are not in English)
Any document not in English must include a certified translation. The translation must include a certification from the translator stating it is complete and accurate.
Statement of intent to continue working in the U.S.
Brief statement (1-2 paragraphs) describing your plans to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States. Required by the EB-1A regulations.
Tip
If you are claiming the high salary criterion, include multiple forms of proof: offer letters, pay stubs, tax returns, and an independent salary survey. A single document is rarely sufficient to establish that your compensation is “significantly above” the norm.
After gathering all documents, review your petition letter to confirm every exhibit is referenced and mapped to a specific criterion. For details on what happens after your I-140 is approved, see the guide on green card processing time after I-140 approval. You can also learn more about the self-petition process if you are filing without employer sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What documents are required for an EB-1A I-140 petition?
At minimum, you need Form I-140, the filing fee, the Asylum Program Fee, a copy of your passport biographical page, and any required status documents such as a visa stamp and I-94 if you are in the United States. You also need a detailed petition letter and evidence showing you meet at least 3 of the 10 EB-1A criteria.
Q: What is the EB-1A document checklist for filing I-140?
The EB-1A document checklist includes forms and fees, identity and status documents, a petition letter, evidence for the qualifying criteria, recommendation letters, and any supporting exhibits. Some items are required, while others are recommended or only needed if they apply to your case.
Q: Do I need recommendation letters for EB-1A?
Recommendation letters are not always mandatory, but they are commonly included because they can strengthen an EB-1A petition. They help support your claim of extraordinary ability and sustained acclaim.
Q: How many EB-1A criteria do I need to meet for I-140?
You must show that you meet at least 3 of the 10 regulatory EB-1A criteria. USCIS then reviews the full record to decide whether the evidence proves sustained national or international acclaim.
Q: What forms do I need to file EB-1A I-140?
Form I-140 is required, and you may also need Form G-28 if an attorney is filing for you. Form I-907 is optional for premium processing, and Form G-1450 can be used if you pay by credit card.
Q: What is the filing fee for EB-1A I-140?
The article lists a $715 base I-140 filing fee and a $300 Asylum Program Fee for self-petitioners. Premium processing, if chosen, has a separate fee.
Q: Do I need to include my passport and I-94 with EB-1A?
Yes, a copy of your valid passport biographical page is required. If you are in the United States, you should also include your current visa stamp and I-94 record.
Q: Can I file EB-1A without an employer?
Yes, EB-1A is a self-petition category and does not require employer sponsorship. You still must submit strong extraordinary ability evidence and the required I-140 documents.
