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.

UK Global Talent Visa: Overview Endorsement Routes: Exceptional Talent vs. Exceptional Promise EB-1A vs. UK Global Talent O-1A vs. UK Global Talent EB-1A, O-1A, or UK Global Talent: Which Fits Your Profile Evidence Standards: US Criteria vs. UK Endorsement Criteria Global Talent for Digital Technology Global Talent for Academia and Research Global Talent for Arts and Culture The Global Talent Application Process