O-1A guides
Every quote is word for word from the USCIS Policy Manual, with a link to the source. Practitioner tips are labeled separately. See also what changed recently and the blog.
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The 8 criteria
- Criterion 1: AwardsHave you received nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field?
- Criterion 2: MembershipAre you a member of an association in your field that requires outstanding achievements of its members, as judged by recognized experts?
- Criterion 3: Published material about youHas a professional or major trade publication, or other major media, published material about you and your work?
- Criterion 4: JudgingHave you judged the work of others in your field, individually or on a panel (for example peer review or grant panels)?
- Criterion 5: Original contributionsHave you made original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance to your field?
- Criterion 6: Scholarly articlesHave you authored scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in your field?
- Criterion 7: Critical roleHave you been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations with a distinguished reputation?
- Criterion 8: High salaryHave you commanded, or will you command, a high salary or other remuneration compared to others in your field?
Topics
- O-1A for startup foundersWho can file for you, and how funding and equity count as evidence.
- Expert and recommendation lettersWhat the Policy Manual says letters should contain, and how they are weighed.
- Common reasons evidence falls shortPolicy Manual guidance on evidence that often does not carry the weight applicants expect.
- Filing, admission and keeping statusWhat goes in the petition, change of status, validity, grace periods, extensions and family members.
- O-1A vs O-1BWhich O-1 category and standard applies to your field.