On October 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) issued new policy guidance in its Policy Manual1
that clarifies the evidentiary requirements for the EB-1A
classification, commonly known as the Extraordinary Ability
category. The changes provide greater flexibility in the type of
evidence required to meet the criteria for extraordinary
ability.2
To establish eligibility for the EB-1A visa, evidence must show
that the person (1) has extraordinary ability in the sciences,
arts, education, business, or athletics, which has been
demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, (2)
seeks to enter the United States to continue work in the area of
extraordinary ability, and (3) that their entry into the United
States will substantially benefit the United States in the future.
To satisfy these criteria, an applicant must either have received a
major internationally recognized award (such as a Nobel Prize,
Olympic gold medal, Booker Prize,
