I. BREAKDOWN OF THE LAW
This criterion is satisfied when the applicant is featured in major media publications regarding their achievements. It is broken down into three components:
1. The applicant is mentioned;
2. The mention appears in a major media article; and
3. The article specifically discusses the applicant’s achievements.
II. MEETING THE CRITERIA
When assessing whether an applicant meets this requirement, consider the following details for each media appearance related to their accomplishments:
1. Title of the Article;
2. Name of the News Outlet;
3. Type of Media;
4. Date of Publication.
MATCH-UPS
You can align the details with the statutory language as follows:
1. “Applicant is mentioned” corresponds to the Article Title;
2. “In a major media article” is demonstrated by the Name of the News Outlet and the Type of Media;
3. “About Applicant’s achievements” is again reflected in the Article Title.
III. PROVING IT TO USCIS
1. TITLE OF ARTICLE
The article’s title helps retrieve the full text, which is crucial for meeting both components (1) and (3) of this criterion—showing that the applicant has been featured in major media discussing their achievements.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
For component (1), “by or about the individual” means that if you are part of a team, the article must specifically mention your name rather than just the team. USCIS needs to see your name clearly printed in the article.
For component (3), USCIS expects the article to be relevant to your field and to highlight your achievements.
EXAMPLES
An article in a major publication is valuable, but if the USCIS officer cannot clearly identify your name in it (for example, if it only mentions your team or omits your name), then the evidence will be weak.
Similarly, if you are, for example, a pole vaulter, an article focusing on an unrelated personal incident (such as an incident at a restaurant) will not count as evidence of your professional achievements.
2. NAME OF NEWS
This element confirms that the media outlet is a major publication, which is essential for satisfying the “major media article” requirement.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
For printed media, USCIS favors outlets with high circulation numbers and, ideally, international distribution. Information about circulation and international reach can be verified through citation catalogs like Ulrich’s. For online media, metrics such as Alexa rank, website age, and visitor statistics can help establish credibility, though USCIS tends to place more weight on print publications.
EXAMPLES
A long-established newspaper is preferable over a small local blog or a website with only minimal credibility.
3. TYPE OF MEDIA
This aspect further supports the evidence by confirming that the material comes from a reputable source. USCIS generally prefers printed media over online-only sources, though reputable online publications are acceptable if no print sources are available.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
Printed media is given greater weight because of its rigorous publication standards and verified circulation data. Websites are acceptable if they are from established, reputable sources, but USCIS may view them as less persuasive.
EXAMPLES
Newspapers are rated higher than magazines, which in turn are preferred over blogs.
4. DATE
This component ties into the overall requirement of demonstrating sustained excellence. USCIS seeks to confirm that you have a consistent record of success over time.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
USCIS wants to see that your career has a long and steady record of high achievement, with recent publications (ideally within the past six months) indicating that you remain at the top of your field.
TRANSLATION
If any of your media coverage is in a language other than English, you must provide an official translation. Unauthorized translations, such as those done by yourself or an unqualified friend, will not be accepted by USCIS.
IV. DIFFICULTY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
This criterion is considered a level 3 difficulty. While most applicants have some media coverage, only about half have coverage from major media outlets that clearly meet the standard.
RELATED CRITERIA
This requirement is applied similarly for both O‑1A and O‑1B visa categories.