The standard for an alien of extraordinary ability in the nonimmigrant O-1 Classification is that the
alien is one of the small percentage of individuals who has risen to the very top of his or her field of
endeavor, and who is coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of
extraordinary ability.
Evidentiary criteria:
To establish that the standard has been met, the petitioner must submit evidence to demonstrate
sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of
expertise by providing evidence of:
- Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or
- At least three of the following forms of documentation:
- Documentation of the alien's receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or
awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
- Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which
classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as
judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
- Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the
alien, relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought, which shall
include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary
translation;
- Evidence of the alien's participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of
others in the same or in an allied field of specialization to that for which classification is
sought;
- Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of
major significance in the field;
- Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional
journals, or other major media;
- Evidence that the alien has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for
organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation; or
- Evidence that the alien has either commanded a high salary or will command a high
salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.