The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance to provide greater clarity on the types of evidence considered for individuals applying under the EB-1 extraordinary ability (E11) immigrant visa classification. This update aims to assist petitioners in submitting stronger applications by outlining specific standards for evaluating evidence.
Key updates include:
- Team Awards: USCIS will now consider team awards as qualifying under the criterion for nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
- Memberships: Clarification has been provided on the evaluation of past memberships under the membership criterion.
- Published Material: Language suggesting that published material must demonstrate the value of the individual’s work has been removed, making it easier for petitioners to meet this requirement.
- Exhibitions: While the term “exhibition” is generally defined broadly, USCIS clarifies that only artistic exhibitions will be considered, unless non-artistic exhibitions are presented with comparable supporting evidence.
This policy update builds on previous guidance, promoting transparency and consistency in the adjudication process for EB-1 visas. The changes are effective immediately and supersede any prior guidance on these topics.