O-1 Visa

To meet the requirements of an O-1A visa, the beneficiary must meet one of the following two criteria：

1. Internationally Recognized Award:

   • The beneficiary must provide evidence of receiving one or more internationally recognized awards.

   • If the applicant can prove they have won a highly prestigious award (such as a Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal, Pulitzer Prize, or a major international invention/creation award), this alone is sufficient to qualify for the extraordinary ability standard without additional evidence.

   • However, very few individuals meet this strict criterion.

2. Meeting Three Out of Eight Criteria:

   • If the beneficiary does not have an internationally recognized award, they must meet at least three out of the following eight criteria:

 

(1) Evidence of Receipt of Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards for Excellence

• Professional Attorney Analysis: The beneficiary needs to win a few national awards (this award may be from China, the United States, or any other country) or relatively minor international awards in their field to prove their outstanding achievements. Based on the experience of our team, the petitioner needs to win at least one award to meet this criterion.

 

(2) Evidence of Membership in Associations in the Field That Require Outstanding Achievements of Their Members

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Based on the experience of our team, it is very difficult for applicants to meet this criterion. Most associations that only require payment of an application or membership fee will not be accepted by USCIS.

 

(3) Evidence of Published Material About the Beneficiary in Professional or Major Media

• Professional Attorney Analysis: According to media circulation, we can judge whether the media belongs to the "main media." With technological advancements, more paper media have declined, and USCIS has adapted by accepting reports from online media. Major Chinese platforms such as Sina, Sohu, Tencent News, and Phoenix News are acceptable, as well as international media like TechCrunch and The Next Web. Media coverage must include headlines, dates, authorship, and translations.

• In recent years, USCIS has increased scrutiny of media coverage. Simple media mentions are not enough—exclusive interviews are preferred.

 

(4) Evidence That the Beneficiary Has Been Asked to Judge the Work of Others

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Applicants must complete at least three reviews to meet this criterion. In scientific fields, 8-10 reviews are typically required.

 

(5) Evidence of Original Contributions of Major Significance to the Field

• Professional Attorney Analysis: The beneficiary must demonstrate significant scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions that have had an impact in their field.

 

(6) Evidence of Authorship of Scholarly Articles in Professional or Major Media

• Professional Attorney Analysis: USCIS evaluates both quantity and quality of scholarly publications. Many applicants mistakenly believe that publishing a large number of articles in a short time is sufficient. USCIS places more importance on citations of the applicant’s work. Fields such as medicine, biology, chemistry, and physics typically have higher citation counts, while fields like computer science, mathematics, and some liberal arts disciplines tend to have lower citation counts.

 

(7) Evidence of a Leading or Critical Role in Distinguished Organizations

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Applicants must prove that their organization is important and that their position is critical or leadership-based. Applicants should provide at least two key positions to meet this criterion.

 

(8) Evidence That the Beneficiary Commands a High Salary or Other Significantly High Remuneration

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Applicants must provide tax records, income certificates, and employment contracts. A comparative salary analysis should be conducted between the applicant’s domestic industry standards and U.S. industry standards to demonstrate that the beneficiary earns significantly more than their peers.

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To meet the requirements of an O-1B visa, the beneficiary must meet one of the following two criteria：

1. Internationally Recognized Award:

   • The beneficiary must provide evidence of receiving one or more internationally recognized awards in their field.

   • Examples include the Oscar, Emmy, or Grammy Awards.

   • Very few individuals meet this criterion.

2. Meeting Three Out of Six Criteria:

   • If the beneficiary does not have an internationally recognized award, they must meet at least three out of the following six criteria:

 

(1) Evidence That the Beneficiary’s Work Has Been Displayed in Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases

• Professional Attorney Analysis: This criterion typically applies to artists and architects. Simple photographs are insufficient; official invitations and event details should be provided.

 

(2) Evidence of Commercial Success in the Performing Arts

• Professional Attorney Analysis: With technological advancements, USCIS considers digital sales, online streaming revenue, and concert ticket sales in addition to traditional CD/DVD sales. Streaming click rates and revenue can also serve as evidence.

 

(3) Evidence of Playing a Major Role in Well-Known Film and Television Works

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Applicants should provide supporting materials such as press releases, media reports, contracts, and recognitions from film festivals.

 

(4) Evidence That the Beneficiary’s Achievements Have Been Recognized Domestically or Internationally

• Professional Attorney Analysis: The applicant must prove widespread recognition in their field and demonstrate that their level far exceeds the average. Supporting evidence includes media reports, critical reviews, and industry evaluations.

 

(5) Evidence of a Leading or Critical Role in Distinguished Organizations or Activities

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Applicants must prove their significant contribution to a well-known organization or event. Supporting evidence includes media coverage, event records, and reference letters.

 

(6) Recognition by Well-Known Organizations or Industry Experts

• Professional Attorney Analysis: Reference letters from credible organizations or industry experts should detail the beneficiary’s accomplishments and contributions.​​​