Criteria Library

Plain-English explanations of the published criteria, what typically qualifies, common pitfalls, and real AAO decision examples for each one.

The Extraordinary Ability Criteria

All 10 published EB-1A criteria, each its own full guide — 8 of the 10 map almost directly to O-1A, the nonimmigrant extraordinary-ability classification, and each guide covers exactly how.

Nationally or Internationally Recognized Awards

Membership in Associations Requiring Outstanding Achievement

Published Material About You

Judging the Work of Others

Original Contributions of Major Significance

Authorship of Scholarly Articles

Display at Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases

Leading or Critical Role for Distinguished Organizations

High Salary or Remuneration

Commercial Success in the Performing Arts

Beyond the criteria: filing mechanics, strategy, and comparisons

The Final Merits Determination: Kazarian's Second Step, Explained

Self-Petitioning for EB-1A: What It Actually Means

EB-1A Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin

Responding to an EB-1A RFE: Common Patterns

Concurrent Filing: I-140 and I-485 for EB-1A

EB-1A or O-1A: Which Fits Your Profile

Comparable Evidence: When the Standard Criteria Don't Fit Your Field

O-1A: extraordinary ability (nonimmigrant)

How the O-1A classification compares to EB-1A, and the mechanics specific to it.

O-1A overview

The O-1A Evidentiary Criteria in Practice

Itineraries and Agents: How O-1A Sponsorship Actually Works

The O-1A Consultation Letter: What Peer Groups Actually Evaluate

O-1A Extensions and Renewals: What Changes After the First Approval

From O-1A to EB-1A: Building One Case Across Two Classifications

O-1A or EB-1A: Which Fits Your Profile

The O-1A Application Process and Timeline

O-1A for Startup Founders and Early-Stage Tech Workers

EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver

The Dhanasar three-prong framework, prong by prong, plus filing mechanics.

EB-2 NIW overview

The Dhanasar Three-Prong Framework in Practice

Prong One: Substantial Merit and National Importance

Prong Two: Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor

Prong Three: Why It's Beneficial to Waive the Job Offer

NIW or EB-1A: Which Fits Your Profile

The EB-2 NIW Self-Petition Process and Timeline

NIW for Founders and Entrepreneurs

Merito is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This library is educational context, not a substitute for advice from a licensed immigration attorney.

Global perspectives

UK Global Talent visa: informational guides

A different country’s merit-based immigration system, for readers weighing it alongside EB-1A or O-1A. Informational content only — Merito’s tools are built for the US EB-1A, O-1A, and EB-2 NIW categories and do not evaluate UK Global Talent evidence.