If you have a bachelor’s degree and are wondering, “Can a bachelor’s degree holder get an EB-1A visa?”, the answer is yes.
But here is the important part: your bachelor’s degree does not qualify you for EB-1A by itself—and you do not need a master’s degree or PhD to qualify.
The EB-1A category is for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in areas such as the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. USCIS describes extraordinary ability as expertise indicating that an individual is among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field.
So, if you have a bachelor’s degree but have also built an impressive record of professional achievement, EB-1A may be worth exploring.
Does EB-1A Require a Master’s Degree?
No.
Unlike some EB-2 pathways, EB-1A does not have a minimum educational requirement.
Your degree can certainly be part of your professional story, but USCIS is primarily interested in your achievements and recognition in your field.
For example, a bachelor’s degree holder might have evidence of:
- National or international awards
- Published material about their work
- Judging the work of others
- Original contributions of significance
- Scholarly publications
- Leading or critical roles
- High compensation compared with others in the field
- Other qualifying evidence of professional recognition
USCIS generally requires evidence meeting at least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria, unless the applicant has a qualifying major internationally recognized award. However, meeting three criteria does not automatically guarantee approval. USCIS also evaluates the evidence as a whole to determine whether the applicant has demonstrated sustained acclaim and the required level of expertise.
What If I Only Have a Bachelor’s Degree?
Having only a bachelor’s degree does not automatically make you ineligible.
Imagine you have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and several years of professional experience. During that time, you have received industry recognition, contributed significantly to major projects, published technical work, or taken on important roles within respected organizations.
In that situation, the question is not simply “What degree do you have?”
It is:
“What have you accomplished, and can you prove the significance of those accomplishments?” This is why two people with the same bachelor’s degree can have very different EB-1A profiles.
Can a Bachelor’s Degree Holder Self-Petition for EB-1A?
Yes.
One of the major advantages of EB-1A is that eligible individuals can self-petition. USCIS states that individuals seeking EB-1A classification do not need a U.S. employer to file the petition for them, and a permanent job offer or labor certification is not required.
However, self-petitioning does not mean the standard is lower. You still need strong evidence showing that you meet the extraordinary-ability requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree vs. EB-1A: What Really Matters?
Think of your degree as one piece of your professional story—not the whole story.
EB-1A focuses on your career achievements, recognition, influence, and evidence demonstrating that you have reached a high level in your field.
So instead of asking only:
“Do I have the right degree?”
Ask:
“Does my professional record show extraordinary ability, and can I document it?”
For the most current requirements, applicants should consult the official USCIS EB-1 information and USCIS Policy Manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get EB-1A with only a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. EB-1A does not require a master’s degree or PhD. Your achievements and supporting evidence are much more important than the level of your degree.
Does my bachelor’s degree need to be from the United States?
No. EB-1A does not require a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The focus is on demonstrating extraordinary ability in your field.
How many EB-1A criteria do I need to meet?
Generally, you need evidence satisfying at least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria, unless you have a qualifying one-time major award. Meeting three criteria alone does not guarantee approval because USCIS conducts a final assessment of the evidence as a whole.
Can I apply for EB-1A without a U.S. employer?
Yes. EB-1A permits self-petitioning, meaning an employer does not have to sponsor the petition.
Is EB-1A only for academics and researchers?
No. EB-1A applies to extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
The Bottom Line
Can a bachelor’s degree holder get an EB-1A visa? Absolutely.
Your bachelor’s degree does not automatically qualify you, but it also does not prevent you from pursuing EB-1A.
What matters is the strength of your professional record and the evidence supporting your achievements.
At My Green Card Story, we help individuals understand employment-based immigration pathways and assess how their professional background may fit these categories. We are immigration consultants, not attorneys or legal practitioners, and our content is intended for educational purposes rather than legal advice.
Wondering whether your achievements could support an EB-1A pathway? Contact My Green Card Story to explore your profile and understand your potential next steps.
