EB1 Green Card: USCIS to issue New Guidance

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:

1. Team Awards: USCIS will now consider team awards as qualifying under the criterion for nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
2. Memberships: Clarification has been provided on the evaluation of past memberships under the membership criterion.
3. 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.
4. 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.