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Guides and insights

Guides for extraordinary ability visas

Plain-language explanations of O-1, EB-1 and EB-2 NIW: what each criterion actually asks for, how officers weigh evidence, and how to present a record that is already strong.

All guides

Read by visa or by topic

Start with the path you are weighing, or go straight to evidence strategy and RFEs.

O-1
15 min read

Can startup equity count toward the O-1A high salary criterion?

Yes. Equity paid for your services can count as other remuneration, and USCIS accepts founder equity as comparable evidence when it has a documented value.

Evidence
15 min read

Does a press release about my company count as published material?

Usually not. USCIS treats company press releases as promotion, and none was accepted in 7 AAO decisions we reviewed. Here is what counts for O-1 and EB-1A.

Evidence
15 min read

Do unlicensed patents count as original contributions of major significance?

Not on their own. A patent proves originality, but USCIS wants proof of use, adoption or attention. The EB-1A denial rate hit 46.6% in Q4 FY 2025.

O-1
15 min read

Does reviewing papers for a conference count as judging for the O-1A?

Yes. Conference paper review meets the O-1A judging criterion, one of the 3 of 8 most applicants need, if you can prove the invitation and completed reviews.

Evidence
15 min read

Do podcast interviews count as published material about you?

Yes, if the episode is about you, the show is major or professional media and you file a full transcript. USCIS has accepted audio and video since 2022.

O-1
14 min read

Does Forbes 30 Under 30 count as an award for the O-1A?

Often, yes, if the petition proves how honorees are chosen. The 2026 U.S. list named 600 people from 10,000+ candidates, a 6% selection rate or less.

Evidence
15 min read

Do GitHub stars and open source downloads count as original contributions?

Not on their own. USCIS wants proof of major significance, and with 52.5% of EB-1A petitions denied in Q1 FY 2026, raw stars and downloads rarely carry it.

O-1
15 min read

Does judging a hackathon count toward the O-1A judging criterion?

Yes, if you actually scored others’ work in your field. Judging is 1 of 8 O-1A criteria; you need 3, and USCIS then weighs the full record. How to prove it.

Evidence
14 min read

Do venture funding rounds count as evidence for an O-1A?

Not on their own. USCIS names startup funding in 2 of 8 O-1A criteria, as proof of company reputation and salary credibility, never as a criterion by itself.

O-1
15 min read

Does a Y Combinator acceptance count as an award for the O-1A?

Usually not. YC is an investment, not a prize for excellence, so it rarely meets the O-1A awards test. With about 1% accepted, it supports other criteria.

EB-1A
9 min read

The Kazarian two-step, in plain language

Why meeting three EB-1A criteria is only the first step, what USCIS weighs in the final merits determination, and how to build a petition that holds up under the full review.

EB-1A
9 min read

EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW: which green card fits your record

How the EB-1A and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver differ in standards, evidence and Visa Bulletin queues, and how to decide which one, or both, fits your record.

O-1
14 min read

O-1 visa requirements, explained criterion by criterion

What USCIS actually looks for in each of the eight O-1A criteria, the kinds of evidence that tend to carry weight, and how to tell whether your record is ready to present.

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