How the O-1 Evidentiary Criteria Work

The petition must satisfy threshold criteria and establish extraordinary ability when the evidence is considered together.

The threshold showing

For O-1A, receipt of a major internationally recognized award may establish the initial showing. Without such an award, the petitioner must submit evidence satisfying at least three of the eight regulatory criteria. Those eight criteria concern recognized awards, selective memberships, published material about the beneficiary, judging others’ work, original contributions of major significance, scholarly authorship, critical or essential employment for distinguished organizations, and high salary or remuneration. O-1B arts cases generally require a significant award or nomination, or evidence satisfying at least three applicable criteria.

Apply each criterion on its own terms

The same accomplishment does not necessarily satisfy every criterion it touches. Serving as a journal reviewer may qualify as judging, for example, but the invitation alone may not prove completed judging, and the reviewing activity does not become an original contribution merely because it concerns important research. The petition should identify the precise regulatory requirement and explain how the evidence satisfies it.

Comparable evidence

When an O-1A criterion does not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence. The petitioner should explain why the listed criterion is difficult to apply and why the alternative evidence is genuinely comparable to it.

The whole record matters

After assessing the individual criteria, USCIS evaluates the evidence together to decide whether the record establishes the required level of extraordinary ability or achievement.