USCIS Updates Guidance on Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researcher Petitions

On September 12th, 2023, USCIS issued new policy guidance to clarify how they evaluate evidence for Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researcher/Professor petitions.  This addition to the USCIS Policy Manual provides information about how to judge if each of the 10 criteria for Extraordinary Ability and 6 criteria for Outstanding Researcher/Professor have been met, including examples.  The update also provides guidance for evaluating comparable evidence that does not fall under any of the named criteria.  Additionally, the new guidance provides clarifying examples for how to determine if the evidence provided in Extraordinary Ability petitions demonstrates that the applicant is at the top of their field.  These new additions increase transparency in the evaluation process and may aid in easing uncertainty around the requirements for these petitions for both hopeful applicants and USCIS officers. 

Please contact the Law Office of Adrienne J. Vaughan if you would like an assessment of your qualifications for either category under this new guidance.  If you would like to view the new guidance yourself, please use the links below:

Extraordinary Ability: Chapter 2 - Extraordinary Ability | USCIS

Outstanding Professor/Researcher: Chapter 3 - Outstanding Professor or Researcher | USCIS