Can I cite a regional news channel that gave me a 30-minute interview? Does that count as ‘major media’?

You can certainly include it, but it is important to set realistic expectations: a regional news channel will rarely qualify as ‘major media’ under the EB-1 standard. That term typically refers to outlets with broad reach and national or international recognition, such as major newspapers, prominent magazines, or established television networks.

That does not make your interview worthless. A regional feature from a reputable outlet can still be included in your petition as supporting evidence, showing that the press has taken interest in your work. What rarely happens is that a single regional piece fulfills the role of large-scale media coverage on its own.

To strengthen this type of evidence, the best approach is to combine it with other supporting materials:

• Mentions in outlets with wider national or international reach.
• Awards, publications, or recognized contributions in your field.
• Materials that, taken together, demonstrate prominence in your industry.

Because each case is evaluated on the full record, it is worth reviewing the current USCIS guidelines and organizing your evidence with a qualified specialist before filing.

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.