Can media mentions, speaking engagements, and managing a festival count as separate criteria in the EB-1?

Yes, activities of different natures, such as media mentions, speaking engagements, and managing a festival, can point to distinct criteria within the EB-1. The extraordinary ability category accommodates several types of evidence, and it is common for a profile to combine more than one area.

In general terms, each of these activities can connect to a different criterion:

• Press coverage tends to relate to public recognition of your work.
• Speaking engagements can indicate a prominent position and your influence in the field.
• Managing a relevant festival can demonstrate leadership and a central role.

The key point, however, is that this is not simply a matter of adding up activities. Fitting each activity into a criterion is not enough: each one must be substantiated in a solid and independent way, with documentation that shows the real relevance and impact of that work. A weak area does not become stronger merely by standing alongside others.

In addition, meeting the criteria is only part of the process, as the USCIS still evaluates your overall profile. For that reason, review the updated requirements and consider specialized support to present each activity in the most compelling way.

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.