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Have other professional models successfully obtained EB-1 visas, and what precedent do their cases set?
Executive summary
Yes — professional models have been approved in EB-1 categories and immigration practitioners treat EB-1A as a viable route for top professionals in entertainment and sports; EB-1 approval rates in 2025 were relatively strong (EB-1 approval ~72–80% in various Q2–Q3 reports) but filings and backlogs rose, meaning precedent exists but adjudication is increasingly scrutinized [1] [2] [3].
1. What the data say about EB-1 approvals and demand
USCIS and industry trackers show EB-1 petitions remained popular in 2025 with approval rates higher than many other employment-based categories: manifestlaw reported an EB-1A approval rate ~72.7% for Q2 2025 [1] while Manifest Law/other trackers place the Q3 2025 EB-1 approval rate near 79.7% [2]. At the same time filings rose and USCIS backlogs hit record highs, producing longer processing times and a higher incidence of RFEs — meaning that while approvals are common relative to other categories, growing volume has made outcomes less predictable [3] [4].
2. Models as “professionals” under EB-1: the legal framing
EB-1A is for “extraordinary ability” across sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and allows self-petitioning; EB-1B and EB-1C have different employer-sponsor rules [2]. Industry and law-firm guidance for 2025 explicitly treats EB-1A as the key pathway for high-achieving creatives and performers — including models — because the regulation looks for evidence such as major awards, published coverage, leading roles, or commercial success, all of which professional models may submit [5] [6].
3. Precedent from successful cases and what they show
Law firm guides and case summaries (used in practice materials) indicate successful EB-1A petitions come from applicants who package objective metrics (top editorial/brand credits, industry awards, press coverage, high earnings, and leadership roles) into a coherent “impact” narrative; practitioners recommend documenting measurable reach and leadership to mirror successful precedents [5] [7]. These guides suggest precedents establish two lessons: [8] models need demonstrable, documented national/international recognition, and [9] legal strategy matters — framing achievements to match the statutory criteria is decisive [7] [6].
4. Contradictory signals: approvals vs. fiscal limits and queues
Although approval rates stayed healthy, other government actions show constraints. The Department of State periodically reports EB-1 visa limits being reached in a fiscal year (FY 2024 and FY 2025 were noted as having hit EB-1 limits), which stops consular visa issuances until the next FY and can delay adjustment approvals even for approved petitions [10] [11]. Visa bulletin movement also affects timing: in late 2025 EB-1 for much of the world was “current” but chargeability-specific cutoffs and advances for countries like India changed month-to-month, affecting when beneficiaries can actually obtain residence [12] [13].
5. How practitioners interpret precedent when advising models
Immigration commentators and boutique guides advise that models produce both traditional “artistic” evidence (editorials, campaigns, awards) and quantifiable impact (campaign reach, revenue, press metrics), because adjudicators increasingly expect digital and measurable evidence — a shift documented in 2025 advice pieces [7] [5]. Given rising RFEs and backlogs, counsel often recommend premium processing where available and early filing in the fiscal year to avoid quota-related pauses [7] [3].
6. Limitations in available reporting and what’s not covered
Available sources discuss EB-1 approval rates, policy context, and best-practice guidance but do not publish a named-cases database specifically listing individual models granted EB-1 visas; publicized model-specific precedents are described indirectly via firm case examples and practice guides rather than centralized government case law (available sources do not mention a public list of model-specific EB-1 approvals) [5] [6]. Also, while visa-limit announcements and visa-bulletin cutoffs are documented, granular adjudication rationales in individual model petitions are not in the supplied reporting (available sources do not mention detailed adjudicator reasoning for model petitions).
7. Bottom line for a professional model considering EB-1
Precedent and practice materials show EB-1A is attainable for top models who can compile strong, objective proof of sustained national or international acclaim and demonstrable impact; approval rates in 2025 were favorable compared with other EB categories but higher filing volumes, backlogs, and periodic fiscal-year quota effects mean timing and presentation are critical [1] [2] [3] [11]. Prospective applicants should consult counsel to map their portfolio to statutory criteria, prioritize quantifiable evidence, and plan filings around visa bulletin developments and quota cycles [7] [12].