VisaCanvas
AI-powered EB1A and NIW visa eligibility assessment against USCIS criteria.. [Free]
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What is VisaCanvas?
VisaCanvas is an AI-powered EB1A application assistant that helps skilled professionals assess their eligibility for the EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) US immigration visa in just 3 minutes. The tool evaluates qualifications against all 10 USCIS extraordinary ability criteria and provides detailed feedback with scores for each criterion and specific rationale.
Key features include a free eligibility assessment with no sign-up required, personalized assessment reports showing where you stand, recommendations on which criteria to strengthen, free EB1A guides covering eligibility/self-petition/costs/recommendation letters, form guides for I-140/ETA-9089/I-907 with step-by-step instructions, a processing time estimator based on current USCIS data, and a cost calculator for total EB1A application expenses including filing fees and typical expenses.
VisaCanvas is designed for skilled professionals seeking US immigration visas including researchers, scientists, engineers, technologists, business executives, artists, performers, educators, and athletes who want to self-petition without employer sponsorship. It is particularly useful for those considering EB1A or EB2-NIW pathways, individuals from India and China facing visa backlogs, and anyone wanting to understand their eligibility before committing to the immigration process.
VisaCanvas pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
VisaCanvas offers a free AI-powered immigration eligibility assessment with no sign-up required. The free tier includes answering eligibility questions, receiving scores for each of the 10 EB1A criteria with rationale, getting recommendations on strengthening criteria, accessing all EB1A guides, browsing form guides, using the processing time estimator, and using the cost calculator. A full case management platform with smart dashboard, document generation, and evidence tracking is being built for early access. Government filing fees for EB1A include $700 for Form I-140 and $2,805 for premium processing (15 business days). Attorney fees typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on case complexity.
VisaCanvas pros
- Free eligibility assessment with no sign-up required
- AI evaluates all 10 USCIS EB1A criteria automatically
- Gets results in just 3 minutes
- Provides score for each criterion with specific rationale
- Gives actionable recommendations on which criteria to strengthen
- Comprehensive free EB1A guides available
- Step-by-step form guides for I-140, ETA-9089, I-907
- Processing time estimator based on current USCIS data
- Cost calculator for total application expenses
- No employer sponsorship required for EB1A self-petition
- Helps determine if EB1A or EB2-NIW is better fit
- Access to free resources without creating account
- Personalized assessment report with next steps
- Covers all major fields: sciences, arts, education, business, athletics
- Smart dashboard coming for case management
VisaCanvas cons
- Not a law firm and does not provide legal advice
- AI-generated assessments are informational only
- Full case management platform still in development
- No document generation yet (coming soon)
- No evidence tracking feature yet (coming soon)
- Does not represent users in immigration proceedings
- Attorney review still needed before filing actual petition
- No guarantee of USCIS approval
Frequently asked questions about VisaCanvas
How long does the EB1A process take?
With premium processing, USCIS will issue a decision on your I-140 petition within 15 business days. Without premium processing, regular processing currently takes 6-12 months depending on the service center. After I-140 approval, you can file for adjustment of status (I-485) if you're in the U.S., or go through consular processing abroad.
How much does it cost to file EB1A?
The government filing fee for Form I-140 is $700. Premium processing adds $2,805. Attorney fees typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of your case. If you self-petition (DIY), you can save on attorney fees.
Can I file EB1A while on H-1B, F-1, or L-1 visa?
Yes. Filing an I-140 petition does not affect your current nonimmigrant status. EB1A is a dual intent compatible petition, meaning you can maintain your current visa status while your green card case is pending. This is particularly useful for H-1B holders approaching the 6-year limit.
What is the EB1A approval rate?
USCIS does not publish official EB1A-specific approval rates. Based on industry data and attorney reports, well-prepared cases have a high approval rate. The key factors are thorough documentation, strong recommendation letters, and a compelling petition letter that connects your evidence to the regulatory criteria.
Can my spouse and children get green cards through EB1A?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries on your EB1A petition. They will receive their green cards at the same time as you (or concurrently file I-485 adjustment of status applications).
Should I file EB1A and NIW at the same time?
Filing both EB1A and EB2-NIW simultaneously is a common strategy, especially for applicants from countries with visa backlogs (India and China). If your EB1A is approved, you benefit from the faster EB1 priority date. If not, your NIW may still succeed. The additional cost is one more I-140 filing fee ($700).
Do I need to continue working in my field after EB1A approval?
You must intend to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States. USCIS requires evidence of this intent, but you are not locked into a specific job or employer. You have flexibility to change employers, start a company, or take different roles within your field.
What are the 10 EB1A criteria?
The 10 criteria are: (1) Receipt of lesser nationally/internationally recognized prizes or awards, (2) Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement, (3) Published material about you in professional/major media, (4) Participation as a judge of others' work, (5) Original contributions of major significance, (6) Authorship of scholarly articles, (7) Display of work at artistic exhibitions, (8) Leading/critical role for distinguished organizations, (9) High salary relative to others in field, (10) Commercial success in performing arts. You must meet at least 3.
Do I need a PhD to qualify for EB1A?
No. There is no education requirement for EB1A. USCIS evaluates your achievements, not your degrees. Applicants with bachelor's degrees or even no formal degree have been approved when their work demonstrated extraordinary ability.
What makes EB1A different from EB2-NIW?
EB1A requires extraordinary ability (top of your field) while EB2-NIW requires advanced degree plus national interest. EB1A has faster priority dates (typically current) while EB2 may have backlogs. EB1A premium processing is 15 days vs 45 days for NIW. EB1A has higher evidence standard but better for India/China born applicants.