Super important! General criteria for O1 and EB1 visas
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Welcome to one of the most important pages of our knowledge base. Here we'll explore what USCIS expects from talent visa applicants, how the two-step evaluation process works, and what the "sustained national or international acclaim" standard means.
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Before diving into each criterion individually, it's important to understand the general approach USCIS uses to evaluate petitions. This understanding will help you better prepare your case.
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The two-step evaluation (Kazarian framework)
USCIS uses a two-step process to evaluate EB-1A and O-1A petitions, known as the "Kazarian framework":
Step 1: Do you meet the criteria?
The officer checks whether you've provided sufficient evidence for at least 3 of the 10 criteria. At this stage, it's about quantity and relevance of documentation.
Step 2: Final merits determination
Even if you meet 3+ criteria, the officer evaluates your overall profile — do your achievements collectively demonstrate that you are truly at the top of your field with sustained acclaim?
Sustained National or International Acclaim
USCIS requires you to demonstrate not just past achievements, but sustained recognition. This means your accomplishments should show a pattern of excellence over time, not just a single event.
Evidence requirements
The criteria for O-1A and EB-1A are essentially the same 10 points. The difference is that EB-1A (immigrant category) requires a higher standard of proof — you need to demonstrate sustained acclaim, not just one-time achievements.
The 10 criteria — detailed breakdown:
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5
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9
10
You need to meet at least 3 of the 10 criteria. We recommend clicking through to each criterion page above — we've provided detailed explanations, USCIS requirements, and practical tips for each one.
Intent to continue working in the field
In addition to meeting the criteria, USCIS requires you to demonstrate that you intend to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States. This can be shown through:
- A letter of intent from a U.S. company or partner
- A detailed business plan describing your planned activities in the U.S.
- Contracts or agreements for upcoming projects
- Evidence of ongoing projects or collaborations
Now let's dive into each criterion. We recommend reading through all of them — even those you don't think apply to you. You might be surprised at what counts!
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