Chicago Immigration Lawyer Blog
The O-1A visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. To qualify for an O-1A visa, applicants must meet at least three criteria, one of which is published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to the alien’s work in the field for which classification is sought. At Zneimer & Zneimer, our experienced immigration attorneys can help you navigate the O-1A visa application process and provide guidance on this specific criterion.
To meet this criterion, the published material must be related to the applicant and their specific work in the field for which classification is sought. The material should be about the applicant, not just their employer or another organization they are associated with. Marketing materials created for the purpose of selling the applicant’s products or promoting their services are not generally considered to be published material about the beneficiary.
In addition, the publication must qualify as a professional publication or major trade publication or a major media publication. Evidence of published material should establish that the circulation (online or in print) is high compared to other circulation statistics and show who the intended audience of the publication is, as well as the title, date and author of the material.
Therefore, the applicant must document the published material as well as the publication itself.
- Publication name
- Circulation online or in print
- Comparison to others
- Title, date, author of the material about the applicant
Professional publications are those that are targeted towards a specific profession or industry and are read by individuals who are experts in that field. These publications may include
- academic journals,
- scientific publications, or
- industry-specific magazines.
Professional publications are typically peer-reviewed and are considered to be reliable sources of information within the field.
Major trade publications, on the other hand, are publications that are
- focused on a particular industry or trade and
- are read by professionals within that industry.
These publications may include trade magazines, newsletters, or other industry-specific publications. Major trade publications are widely circulated and are considered to be influential within the industry.
Major media publications are those that are
- widely read by the general public, such as newspapers, news magazines, and online news sources.
- Have broad audience
- Are focused on current events, politics, or entertainment.
Major media publications are influential within the general public and can have a significant impact on public opinion.
At Zneimer & Zneimer, our experienced immigration attorneys can help you evaluate your published materials and determine if they meet the requirements for the O-1A visa. We will work with you to gather the necessary documentation, such as copies of the publications, and present a strong case to USCIS.
In addition to meeting this specific criterion, our attorneys can help you identify other evidence that can strengthen your case for an O-1A visa, such as awards, presentations, and letters of recommendation. By presenting a comprehensive case that showcases your extraordinary ability in your field, we can increase your chances of a successful O-1A visa application.
Applying for an O-1A visa can be complex, but with the help of our experienced immigration attorneys, you can navigate the process with confidence. Contact Zneimer & Zneimer today for a consultation, and let us help you achieve your immigration goals and build a successful future in the United States.