Einstein Visa EB-1 Draws Growing Interest as H-1B Narrows

Interest in the so-called Einstein visa EB-1 has grown sharply as skilled professionals struggle to secure traditional US work visas, particularly the highly competitive H-1B. With stricter selection odds, long processing delays, and annual caps limiting opportunities, many foreign professionals are now turning their attention to the elite EB-1 immigration pathway—officially reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability.”

A recent investigation by CBS News reveals that the rising demand has also created a booming industry of brokers and consultancies promising to help applicants qualify for the EB-1 category. These services, aggressively marketed online and through word of mouth, claim to fast-track applicants by strengthening their professional profiles—sometimes within a matter of months.

Einstein Visa: Brokers Offering ‘Extraordinary’ Profiles for a Price

According to the report, some consultancies assist applicants in appearing “extraordinary” on paper by arranging paid opportunities such as co-authorship on academic papers, nominations for awards, or roles as judges for professional competitions. While such credentials are technically permissible, critics argue that the line between genuine achievement and manufactured merit is becoming increasingly blurred.

CBS News found that a majority of clients using these services are from India, reflecting the intense visa pressure faced by Indian professionals in the US immigration system. Many are pursuing the EB-1A extraordinary ability category, which does not require employer sponsorship and offers a faster route to permanent residency compared to other employment-based visas.

Allegations of ‘Buying’ Credentials

One Arizona-based consultancy highlighted in the report is run by Indian-origin entrepreneur Ranjeet Mudholkar, himself an EB-1A green card holder. His firm claims that it has helped 56 individuals successfully obtain visas under the Einstein visa EB-1 framework.

However, some former participants told CBS News that they later felt they were effectively paying for credentials rather than earning them organically. Investigators noted recurring patterns among successful applicants, including receipt of awards such as the Globee Business Award, which allows paid nominations, and publication in India-based journals that charge authorship fees.

Einstein Visa: Company Denies Any Wrongdoing

Responding to the allegations, Mudholkar denied any illegal or unethical practices. He told CBS News that his company does not sell or mandate specific awards, journals, or publications.

“Our company does not sell, require, or mandate any specific awards, journals, or publications, nor does it submit evidence without legal review and advisement,” he said.

Mudholkar added that clients retain full control over where they publish and how they build their profiles, suggesting that some participants may have misunderstood the nature of the programme or assumed shortcuts that were never promised.

What Is the Einstein Visa EB-1?

Despite its popular nickname, the “Einstein visa” is not an official term used by the US government. It refers to the Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference (EB-1) category under US immigration law, as defined by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

1. Individuals of extraordinary ability (EB-1A)

2. Outstanding professors or researchers

3. Certain multinational managers or executives

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Criteria Explained

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. USCIS allows two pathways:

• Proof of a single major, internationally recognised achievement, such as a Pulitzer Prize, Oscar, or Olympic medal; or

• Evidence meeting at least three out of ten specified criteria.

These criteria include recognised awards, membership in elite associations, published material about the applicant, judging the work of others, original contributions of major significance, authorship of scholarly articles, leading roles in distinguished organisations, high salary levels, or commercial success in the performing arts.

Other EB-1 Categories

The EB-1 category also covers outstanding professors and researchers, who must show international recognition and have at least three years of teaching or research experience, along with a qualifying US job offer.

Meanwhile, multinational managers and executives must demonstrate prior overseas employment with a related company and be entering the US in a senior leadership role. Neither category requires labour certification, though both require employer sponsorship.