The American dream is getting a costly makeover for many Indian professionals. As the traditional H-1B work visa route becomes prohibitively expensive and uncertain, a different path is seeing a dramatic surge in interest. The so-called "Einstein visa," officially known as the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability green card, is now in high demand. This visa category does not require a US job offer and can lead directly to permanent residency. However, a recent investigation has uncovered a shadowy industry of brokers promising to fast-track eligibility for a hefty price.
Brokers Promise Extraordinary Results for a Fee
A CBS News investigation has revealed a troubling trend. Brokers are offering services to make ordinary applicants look "extraordinary" in the eyes of US immigration authorities. For a payment, these brokers can insert a client's name as a co-author into scholarly articles or secure questionable awards. The report suggests the primary clients are individuals from India seeking the EB-1A or similar employment-based visas.
These brokers typically do not admit to illegal activity. Instead, they frame their work as simply helping applicants build a stronger profile. But the line between assistance and fabrication appears dangerously thin.
The Arizona-Based Service and Its Claims
The CBS probe focused on one specific service based in Arizona, run by Indian-origin Ranjeet Mudholkar, himself an EB1A Green Card recipient. His company's website boldly promises clients they can become eligible candidates for the Einstein visa in just a few months. It claims to have helped 56 individuals secure the visa after completing their programs.
However, the reality behind these success stories is murky. Some former participants told CBS they later realized they were essentially buying credentials. The investigation tracked successful applicants and found many had received an award called the "Globee Business Award," which is reportedly easy to obtain by paying a fee. Others had published articles in an India-based journal, again after paying publication fees.
When confronted, Mudholkar defended his company's practices. He stated his firm does not sell, require, or mandate any specific awards or publications. He emphasized that all evidence submitted undergoes legal review and that participants retain control over where they publish. Mudholkar suggested some clients misunderstood the program, expecting unethical shortcuts that were not offered.
What Exactly is the Einstein Visa?
The "Einstein visa" is the informal name for the US EB-1A immigrant visa. It is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The key advantage is that it bypasses the need for a permanent job offer and can lead directly to a Green Card without the long waits associated with other categories.
The 10 Criteria for Eligibility
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates specific criteria to prove "extraordinary ability." Applicants must meet at least three of the following ten:
- Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
- Membership in associations that demand outstanding achievement from their members.
- Published material about the applicant in major media or professional publications.
- Participation as a judge of the work of others in the same field.
- Original contributions of major significance to the field.
- Authorship of scholarly articles in major journals.
- Display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
- Performance in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations.
- Command of a high salary compared to others in the field.
- Commercial success in the performing arts.
While meeting three criteria is a baseline requirement, USCIS officers make the final determination on merit. This subjective evaluation is precisely what brokers are attempting to manipulate, creating a market for fabricated achievements.
The soaring $100,000 fee for H-1B visa sponsorship is pushing many skilled professionals toward this alternative. Yet, the emergence of these brokerage services highlights a systemic vulnerability. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the immigration process and the desperation of applicants caught between high costs and complex requirements.
