10 criteria outlined by USCIS and explains the foundational structure of the policy requirements. It also introduces the concept of the Kazarian framework and its influence on the final merits determination.
Oct 2, 2024 (incorporated into the Policy Manual): USCIS updated the EB-1 “extraordinary ability” chapter to give clearer examples of what evidence may satisfy the regulatory criteria (including treatment of team awards, publications, exhibitions, and the use of “comparable evidence” when traditional items are unavailable). The update emphasizes that adjudicators should consider the totality of the record and also asks officers to explain specific reasons why the record does not meet the standard. This guidance corrected some legally wrong adjudication practices and was welcomed by the practitioners.
