Want to cook your EB1 competition? Then Trash these 3 Corporate Habits Today
Replace them with these 3 habits instead
Most people in the race to EB1 think that they need to learn a whole bunch of new skills
Maybe you have never talked on stage, but now you will to knock off the “Exhibitions/Showcase” criteria
Maybe you have never written a thought leadership article in a trade magazine, but now you will to knock off the “Authorship” criteria
Maybe you have never given a sh*t about your job, but now you will to knock off the “Critical Role” criteria
But what most people don’t know is this -
EB1 will require you to unlearn some habits too.
And this will straight-up SUCK.
(Because we’re all creatures of habit)
Here are 3 habits you need to ditch in 2024
If you want to get EB1 done in 2025
1/ The Habit of Assumed Knowledge
This is where you assume USCIS officer just gets what you're talking about.
Economists also call this:
The Curse of Knowledge
If you're a marketing specialist, then words like GTM, CAC, AUM may make all the sense to you.
Its gibberish for a USCIS officer.
USCIS officers aren’t subject matter experts.
Many come from law enforcement or military backgrounds with liberal arts degrees.
Immigration attorney Mary Kearney says,
TSA screener, for example, is a popular springboard to USCIS positions.
When you load your petition with jargon, you’re doing two things:
Putting the burden of understanding on the officer.
Sending the unintentional message: "Wait, you don’t know this? It’s common knowledge."
Guess what? That message comes across as belittling—and it can turn the officer against you.
Don’t do that. Break it down like you’re explaining it to a smart high schooler.
2/ The Habit of Being Brief
The corporate mantra is:
"If you can say it in 10 words, say it in 3."
This is great for resumes, emails, or weekly standups.
It’s terrible for EB1.
This isn’t the time for vague, résumé-style phrases like:
- Developed
- Strategized
- Enhanced
Your petition should spell out:
- What did you develop
- Why did you develop it
- How did you develop it
USCIS officers need exhaustive clarity. Give them that.
Example,
🚫 Do not say “Developed an AI-powered algorithm for fraud detection”
Instead say,
"I led the development of an AI-powered fraud detection algorithm that reduced financial fraud losses by 35% for [Company Name], a Fortune 500 enterprise. This algorithm leverages machine learning techniques, including supervised learning models trained on a dataset of 10 million transactions, to identify anomalies in real time.
My unique contribution was designing a proprietary feature engineering process that enhanced detection accuracy by 20% compared to existing solutions. Additionally, I spearheaded the implementation of explainable AI methodologies, enabling compliance with financial regulations and increasing trust in the system among stakeholders.
This innovation was recognized with the [Industry Award Name], awarded to only three projects annually for advancements in AI applications in the financial sector. It was also featured in [Publication Name], highlighting its transformative impact on fraud prevention."
Explain it like you’re writing a case study.
Be detailed, specific, and yes, a little long-winded
And lastly, (I saved the best for last)
3/ The Habit of Scrappy
Saying stuff like —
"We're lean and scrappy. We strive for progress over perfection"
Will make you look good.....if you're a Shark Tank contestant
In EB1, its the kiss of death.
USCIS officers have the eyes of a hawk.
They are looking for
- That one weak piece of evidence
- That one missing detail
- That one inconsistency
To dismiss your whole entire case
EB1 is not the time to be scrappy
It’s the time to be:
- Detailed
- Diligent
- Deliberate
Unlearn these 3 habits and you're well on your way to EB1 success
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PS: I’ve learned these insights from interviewing over 18+ immigration lawyers and visa officers
I'm giving away all these trade secrets this weekend Nov 30 - Dec 1
At the "EB1 in 48 Hours" event
Want in?
Reply to this email with 48H and I'll save you a spot
I have never done this before (& may not do again)
