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Both EB-1 subcategories may be self-petitioned (filed) or filed by a sponsoring employer.

ALIENS WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY are those with "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation." These individuals must be one of "that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor," to be granted this classification. For example, receipt of a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, will qualify for an EB-1 classification. Other awards may also qualify if can be documented that the award is in the same class as a Nobel Prize. Since few workers receive this type of award, alternative evidence of EB-1 classification based on at least three of the types of evidence outlined below, is permitted. The worker may submit "other comparable evidence" if the following criteria do not apply:

1. Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence;
2. Membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
4. Evidence that the alien has judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
7. Evidence that the alien's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;
8. Evidence that the alien commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;
9. Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts.

OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS are recognized internationally for their outstanding academic achievements in a particular field. In addition, an outstanding professor or researcher must have at least three years experience in teaching or research in that academic area, and enter the U.S. in a tenured or tenure track teaching or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education.

Evidence that the professor or researcher is recognized as outstanding in the academic field must include documentation of at least two of the following:

1. Receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement;
2. Membership in associations that require their members to demonstrate outstanding achievements;
3. Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien's work in the academic field;
4. Participation, either on a panel or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied academic field;
5. Original scientific or scholarly research contributions in the field;
6. Authorship of scholarly books or articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the field.

All EB-2 subcategories must have employer-sponsors and an approved labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, with the exception of the National Interest Waiver subcategory.

Advanced Degrees
Members of the professions (professionals holding advance degrees or their equivalent: A petition for a foreign professional holding an advanced degree may be filed when the job requires an advanced degree (beyond the bachelor’s) and the alien possesses such a degree or the equivalent. The petition must include documentation, such as an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. advanced degree or a foreign equivalent degree, or an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent degree and letters from current or former employers showing that the alien has at least 5 years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty.

Exceptional ability
Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business who will substantially benefit the national economy, cultural, or educational interests or welfare of the United States:

In order to be classified as having exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, the individual must provide documentation of three of the following:

1. An official academic record showing the alien has a degree, diploma, certificate or similar award from a college, university, school or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability;
2. Letters documenting at least ten years of full-time experience in the occupation being sought;
3. A license to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation;
4. Evidence that the alien has commanded a salary or other remuneration for services which demonstrates exceptional ability;
5. Membership in professional associations;
6. Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field by peers, government entities, professional or business organizations.
7. Other comparable evidence of eligibility.

National Interest Waiver:
Aliens seeking a national interest waiver are requesting that the Labor Certification be waived because it is in the interest of the United States. Though the jobs that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute, national interest waivers are usually granted to those who have exceptional ability (see above) and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the nation. Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition (they do not need an employer to sponsor them) and may file their labor certification directly with USCIS along with their Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. The individual must meet at least three of the criteria included under exceptional ability above and demonstrate that it is in the national interest that they work permanently in the United States.