Can I cite a regional news channel that interviewed me for 30 minutes? Is it ‘major media’?

The EB-1 visa, especially when it concerns the extraordinary ability category, requires strong evidence proving the individual’s international or national recognition in their field of expertise. Among these elements, media coverage is an important factor, but it must reflect the size and reputation of the media outlet.

In the case of a 30-minute interview conducted by a regional news channel, some aspects need to be evaluated. Generally, the term ‘major media’ refers to outlets with wide reach and national or international recognition, such as major newspapers, renowned magazines, or well-established television networks.

A regional channel, even if it has a good reputation in its area of operation, may not be considered ‘major media’ in the context immigration officers usually observe in EB-1 cases. This does not mean the interview is useless; it can be part of a broader collection of evidence demonstrating your relevance and impact, but on its own it is unlikely to meet the ‘major media’ requirement.

It is worth remembering that each case is reviewed individually, and immigration officers consider the full set of evidence presented. An interview on a regional channel can be valuable when combined with other mentions in broader media coverage, awards, publications, or internationally recognized contributions. Therefore, it is important to gather a variety of proofs that demonstrate your prominence in the field.

Finally, it is essential to comply with all U.S. immigration laws and, when necessary, seek information from reliable sources and specialized guidance to ensure all documents and evidence meet the required criteria. Avoiding miracle promises and dubious approaches is always recommended to ensure the process is conducted properly and safely.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.