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USA
March 29, 2024

How to Meet the “Published Materials About You” Criteria for the O-1 Talent Visa for the United States

To be eligible for the O-1A visa for the USA, applicants must fulfill at least three out of eight extraordinary ability criteria, one of which is notable media coverage. USCIS defines this as "Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the beneficiary, relating to the beneficiary's work in the field for which classification is sought, which must include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation".

Who qualifies for this criteria?

Professionals whose work and achievements have attracted significant media attention and have prominent publicity. The coverage should mention you by name and extensively cover your contribution to the professional field.

Suitable publications for O-1 visa:

Ideal for the O-1 visa are articles and interviews in major US or international media outlets like the New York Times, CNN, Forbes, or TechCrunch. 

Coverage in less prominent editions, including national and regional ones, also counts, but you will have to prove the influence of the publication and its relevance in your professional field. For example, such media as TechRadar, Tech Times, etc. would be suitable for a software developer's PR profile. 

In addition to text interviews and publications about you, audio-visual formats (TV or radio programs) are also suitable for an O-1 visa, but you will need to attach a transcript.

Mistakes and tips:
  • Publications must focus on your personal achievements, outstanding abilities, career, and experience, not just your company or events you participated in. Marketing content promoting your product or articles labeled as advertisements don’t qualify. You shouldn’t be the author of the submitted material (this falls under a different criteria).
  • Articles should be relevant to your current professional field, highlighting projects you emphasize in recommendation letters and your visa application. Using multiple examples from your own experience will help strengthen your argument and avoid making unsubstantiated assertions.
  • For an O-1 visa for the US, you need proof that the article or interview was actually published, including the name of the media outlet, the date of publication, and the name of the author. It is not enough to specify only the circulation of the publication or statistics of website visits. Evidence of its influence is needed (high position in ratings, volume of citations in other major publications, degree of influence on the professional sphere, comparative data on its readership and audience - age, profession, income level, etc.).
  • The number of articles and interviews is irrelevant if they do not meet the criteria. However, a single piece in a major publication may not suffice. USCIS needs proof of sustained national and international recognition, so aim for 3-4 impactful articles.
  • Foreign language publications are acceptable, provided they are professionally translated into English.

No publicity yet?

Relogate collaborates with PR agencies to boost your publicity and secure articles and media interviews that will enhance your chances for the O-1 visa for the United States. We handle everything from international media interviews to proper publication design for your case. You can also leverage your network to pitch stories where you're the focal point, focusing on media outlets relevant to your field – it is usually easier to break into them. 

Criteria of outstanding abilities for an O-1A visa for the USA
  • Awards. You have received significant nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards in your field.
  • Membership. You are a member of a professional organization or community.
  • Published material about you. You were featured in publications or interviews in the national or international press.
  • Judging. You have served as a judge in a professional contest in your field.
  • Original contribution. You have made a significant contribution to the development of your industry, for example, through patents or publications about your work and projects.
  • Authorship of scholarly articles. You have been an author or co-author of publications in major or industry media or academic journals.
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity. You have held an important position in a well-known company.
  • High salary. You were highly remunerated in the company.

Learn your chances or book a free consultation with our team to learn more about the O-1 visa.

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