An EB-1 Expert Opinion Letter (EOL) from ProfVal is a highly customized, independent document that provides a compelling assessment of extraordinary ability and how it aligns with your (or your client's) planned endeavor in the United States.
Each ProfVal letter represents an independent expert opinion, an objective assessment from a well-recognized, U.S.-based expert. She or he brings deep understanding of your field.
We work with hundreds of experts, primarily professors at accredited U.S. universities and accomplished executives, who are qualified to evaluate your achievements based on USCIS criteria.
The EB-1 Visa Category
Sometimes called the "Einstein Visa", the EB-1 visa is designed for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and sustained acclaim in their field.
The EB-1 visa category includes three subtypes:
-
EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): for individuals who have reached the top of their field in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
-
EB-1B (Outstanding Professors and Researchers): for recognized academic leaders.
-
EB-1C (Multinational Managers and Executives): for high-level professionals managing or directing international operations.
While most of the EB-1 Expert Opinion Letters we develop are for EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) petitions, our team and experts also support the EB-1B and EB-1C categories. Each letter is crafted with attention to the nuances and evidentiary requirements unique to its classification.
FUN FACT
The EB visa category was introduced as part of the bipartisan Immigration Act of 1990.
Its signors understood that the U.S. becomes more successful when talented people make contributions here.
What does an EB-1 Expert Opinion Letter Assess?
To qualify for an EB-1 visa, a petitioner must demonstrate that they are a person of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics—and that their proposed work in the U.S. is within the same or a closely related discipline.
It is common, for example, for our clients to have backgrounds in areas that a USCIS officer may not immediately recognize as aligned to their professional endeavor.
Our distinguished experts help clarify and bridge that gap using a research-based, yet accessible, approach.
Based on these requirements, ProfVal’s team and experts collaboratively craft a comprehensive interpretation of your credentials that aligns with USCIS criteria for extraordinary ability.
Your letter will include an in-depth analysis of achievements such as:
-
Awards and Recognitions: National or international honors demonstrating exceptional ability.
-
Exclusive Memberships: Participation in associations requiring outstanding achievements.
-
Published Materials: Articles, profiles, or features written about your work.
-
Scholarly Contributions: Books, research papers, or other recognized publications.
-
Additional Evidence: Any documentation demonstrating your sustained acclaim and impact within your field.
Final Merits
Our EB-1A Expert Opinion Letters include a comprehensive discussion of your background, connecting your achievements to the USCIS’s final merits determination. This ensures that your professional story is not only supported by evidence but also presented in a cohesive, strategic narrative.
Why do we do this?
Increasingly (2024 & 2025), we have observed that even EB-1A petitioners who meet four or more criteria have been questioned based on final merits.
This stage of the adjudication process allows USCIS officers to make a qualitative assessment, evaluating whether, despite meeting multiple criteria, the evidence truly establishes that the petitioner has achieved a level of extraordinary ability comparable to others at the very top of their field.
In other words, meeting the numerical threshold is not always sufficient; the final merits analysis focuses on the overall impact, originality, and recognition of the individual’s contributions.
ProfVal’s experts consider this when developing each letter, ensuring that your (or your client's) accomplishments are framed based on this approach.
How ProfVal Is Different
ProfVal stands apart in several key ways:
-
100% U.S.-Based Experts: Every expert we work with is based in the United States. If your goal is to immigrate to the U.S., it makes sense to work with professionals who understand the U.S. context, industry expectations, and USCIS standards firsthand.
-
Independent and Well-Recognized Experts: Each letter is written by an independent and well-recognized expert who provides an unbiased, evidence-based evaluation of your achievements
.
-
Experience with Adjudication Trends: Having reviewed thousands of Requests for Evidence (RFEs), we stay informed of shifts in adjudication trends, allowing our experts and writers to anticipate and address evolving USCIS expectations.
-
Relevance-Driven Approach: While some providers increase pricing based on how many EB-1 criteria you pursue, our focus is on quality and relevance. We guide you and your expert to emphasize the criteria that most effectively strengthen your petition, not just to check boxes.
-
Bundle Savings: Save when you combine your Expert Opinion Letter with additional ProfVal services, such as another expert letter or a Professional or Business Plan.
-
Record of Success: ProfVal has worked with hundreds of immigration attorneys on thousands of EB-1 and EB-2 NIW petitions, helping transform both the United States and the lives of the individuals who contribute to it. Explore our success stories here: EB-1A Success Stories: Rising Standards.
Expert Insight Tailored to Your Field
Each EOL is written by a distinguished expert in a field relevant to your background. These experts represent a wide range of disciplines—from science, technology, and business to the arts, education, and social sciences.
Most are professors, researchers, and senior professionals from top U.S. universities and organizations. Learn more about our experts and their areas of specialization here: ProfVal’s Academic Expertise Areas.
A Note of Caution
In recent years, social media personalities and unverified consultants have suggested that applicants “build their profile” for EB-1 or EB-2 NIW petitions by, for example, publishing in predatory journals or participating in questionable associations. Such actions can undermine the integrity of your petition.
At ProfVal, our experts prioritize accuracy and integrity. Each independent and well-recognized expert provides an objective assessment of your accomplishments, including publications and citations, based on verifiable and objective criteria. This ensures that your petition reflects genuine merit and aligns with the high evidentiary standards set by USCIS.
