At the final EB-1A review, the officer says ‘I don’t see national breadth.’ What should you do?

In an EB-1A case, hearing from an officer that he “doesn’t see national breadth” means that, in his reading, the evidence presented does not sufficiently prove that your recognition reaches a national or international scale, rather than being limited to a local or narrow sectoral audience. It is a signal about the strength and reach of the evidentiary record, not necessarily the end of the process.

The first step is to review your case with that critical lens and identify where to strengthen the demonstration of broad reach. Evidence that projects your work beyond your immediate circle tends to help:

• Recognitions and awards with standing in your field.
• Publications, citations, and reception that show wide influence.
• Invitations to judge the work of others and participation in reference forums.
• Coverage and mentions that demonstrate impact at a national scale.

The appropriate course of action depends on the stage. If the comment came before a final decision, there may be room to supplement the record; if a formal denial has already been issued, options such as a motion to reopen or an appeal may be considered, always supported by new elements that directly address the point raised.

Because the interpretation of the criteria varies and every case is unique, it is worth revisiting your strategy with a specialist and confirming the current procedures with USCIS before responding.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.