By LPY Law Group on Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Category: O-1 Extraordinary Ability

How does a petitioner establish alien’s extraordinary ability?

Petitioner can establish alien’s extraordinary ability by submitting evidence that the alien has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, OR evidence of at least three of the following:

  1. Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
  2. Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized international experts;
  3. Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the alien and his work in the field for which classification is sought;
  4. Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
  5. Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought;
  6. A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence;
  7. Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought;
  8. Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.


If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish the alien's eligibility.