U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual guidance relating to two evidentiary criteria concerning immigrants of extraordinary ability and one relating to outstanding professors and researchers. The updated guidance clarifies the following points:
- For extraordinary ability and outstanding professor or researcher classifications, “published material” in a professional or major trade publication or other major media does not need to be a printed article. A variety of forms of evidence may be submitted, including a transcript of audio or video coverage.
- For the extraordinary ability classification, the “leading or critical role” criterion may be satisfied through a qualifying role for a distinguished department or division, in addition to an entire organization or establishment.
The policy update is effective as of March 23, 2022.