When applying for an O-1 visa, you may need to show evidence of working “at the top of your field”. This could include internationally recognized awards and publications. 

You may wonder, what are some specific examples of these materials? What awards or publications demonstrate enough expertise to submit?

What qualifies as an internationally recognized award? 

The award needs to be considered prestigious and related to your activities in the United States. 

For example, you could submit:

• An award earned as a part of a team that won a distinguished championship
• Being a member of a national All-Star Team
• Membership in an association that requires members to have outstanding achievement
• Authorship of scholarly articles published in any type of major media or professional journals
• Proof of high salary or other compensation that demonstrates expert-level pay grade
• Participation on a panel, or as a judge for other people’s works
• Evidence of past employment for organizations or establishments with a high reputation

What could qualify as published materials?

USCIS accepts national and international materials published in major media. The coverage should include information “about the beneficiary” or “about the beneficiary’s work, achievements, or contributions to the field”. 

You could submit publish materials like the following: 

• Articles where the beneficiary is quoted as an industry expert 
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field
• A chapter in an industry textbook citing the beneficiary’s achievements
• Participation in television newscasts
• Reviews praising the applicant for their achievements