EB-1A Application Requirements: How to Evaluate the Ten Criteria?

EB-1A is for individuals who are among the top juniors in their field and can demonstrate ongoing national or international recognition. In the absence of a one-off major international success, at least three of the ten types of evidence can be used. However, the number of criteria is not a substitute for the extraordinary standard of ability that must be met by the entirety of the evidence. ¹

Rewards and selective memberships

Nationally or internationally recognized achievement awards

It should be explained to whom the award is given, its relevance to the field, success criteria and recognition. Certificate of participation and achievement award are not the same. Records such as the scope of the competition, the candidate pool, and the selection process help demonstrate why the award is meaningful. The mere presence of the word “international” in the name of the award should not be considered sufficient explanation. ¹

Association membership that requires extraordinary success

Exceptional success, evaluated by recognized experts, is required to obtain membership. Memberships obtained only by paying dues, having a diploma, or working for a certain number of years are not the same as this criterion. The association's charter, membership rules and how the person is selected to which level should be documented. ¹

Post about oneself and evaluate the work of others

Published material about the applicant and his/her work

The publication must be linked to the individual and his/her work in the relevant field. The nature of the medium, date, author and content are all important. A general presentation of the company or merely a list of event attendees should not be given the same weight as a publication featuring the individual's work. ¹

Arbitration, jury or similar evaluation

It must be demonstrated that the individual has evaluated the work of others in the same or related field of expertise. With the invitation, the completed task is reserved. Referee confirmations, jury duty records, and the subject of the evaluation may be disclosed together. The existence of this evidence does not replace other criteria or holistic recognition review. ¹

Original contributions and academic writing

Original contribution of great importance

In addition to the originality of the contribution, it should also be shown why it is of great importance to the field. Having a patent does not automatically prove that the patent is used or has a significant impact. Independent use, licensing, application results or reasoned evaluations of field experts may be meaningful depending on the nature of the case. ¹

Academic article writing

Academic article writing in relevant professional publications or appropriate major media may be considered. Publication record, authorship role, and nature of the medium should be revealed. The criterion of authorship and the great importance of the contribution to the field are separate questions; The same publication may not have the same power on both subjects. ¹

Role in artistic exhibition and distinguished establishment

Taking part in an artistic exhibition or screening

This criterion relates to the display or demonstration of one's artistic work. Not every conference presentation automatically counts as an artistic exhibition. The person's work, the nature of the activity and the context of presentation must be accurately described. The applicability of the criterion in a different profession is also evaluated. ¹

Leading or critical role

The individual must be shown to have held a leading or critical role in organizations or businesses with distinguished reputations. Title alone is not enough. The nature of the organization and the individual's influence on decisions, outcomes, or core activity should be documented. The organizational chart, mission statement and concrete results should support each other. ¹

Fee and commercial success in the performing arts

High salary compared to others

It is shown by accurate comparison that the salary is higher than others in the field. Country, profession, seniority and nature of pay must be taken into account. The turnover of a company is not the personal fee of the applicant. If salaries, bonuses and other types of earnings are used, it should be clear what the comparison covers. ¹

Commercial success in the performing arts

Indicators such as box office revenue or favorable sales records can support commercial success in the performing arts. This criterion does not apply to the income of all businesses. Which work and person the data belongs to, the role of the person and the source of the figure should be explained. ¹

Comparable evidence and the entire file

If standard types of evidence are not easily applicable to the profession, there may be an opportunity to provide comparable evidence. To do this, it should be explained why the standard criterion is not suitable for the profession and what equivalent meaning the proposed evidence carries. Failure to meet an existing criterion does not in itself justify the use of alternative documentation. ¹

Finally, the intention to continue working in the talent field in the USA is indicated. Eligibility must exist at the time of application; Compatibility that did not exist in the past should not be created by subsequent successes. Review of the criteria requires a combination of strong and weak evidence. ¹²