How H-1B Holders Can Build a Portfolio Toward EB-1A
How H-1B Holders Can Build a Portfolio Toward EB-1A
Many H-1B holders assume EB-1A is out of reach unless you're already famous in your field, a Nobel-level researcher, or a household name. In reality, most successful EB-1A petitions are built quietly, over time, through deliberate portfolio-building while still on H-1B status.
This session breaks down exactly how to start building that portfolio now, so that by the time you're ready to file, the evidence already exists.
What you'll learn:
Why EB-1A is a realistic long-term goal for many H-1B professionals, not just outliers
How to identify early opportunities for original contributions, judging, media, and publications while still employed on H-1B
How to turn your day-to-day work into evidence-worthy achievements
How to build external visibility and recognition without changing jobs or roles
Common timing mistakes H-1B holders make that delay or weaken future EB-1A eligibility
How to sequence portfolio-building activities so evidence compounds instead of appearing scattered
What to start doing today if EB-1A is 1–3 years away, versus 3+ years away
Who should attend: H-1B holders who want to build toward EB-1A strategically, rather than scrambling to gather evidence at the last minute; anyone unsure whether their current work "counts" toward extraordinary-ability criteria.
Speaker: Lahaina Araneta McBeth is an immigration attorney with over 12 years of experience and more than 4,800 cases filed. Shaped by her own immigrant background, she brings a personal understanding of what's at stake for the professionals she represents and is passionate about making the U.S. immigration process as smooth as possible for her clients. She combines deep legal expertise with a compassionate, client-first approach, ensuring that every person she works with feels informed and supported at each stage of their case.
Today, as Co-Counsel to Manifest Law, Lahaina works closely with H-1B holders and employment-based immigrants navigating complex petitions, including extraordinary-ability cases like EB-1A, helping them build the evidence and strategy needed to move confidently toward their long-term immigration goals.
Bio : https://manifestlaw.com/lawyers/lahaina-araneta-mcbeth
📅 July 30, 2026 | 5:30 PM EST | Free | Online