In the EB-1 final merits stage, do I need to prove I belong to the ‘small percentage at the very top of the field’?

In the final merits stage of the EB-1, there is no legal requirement that fixes an exact percentage to be reached. The idea of belonging to a small percentage at the very top of the field is a qualitative standard: what is expected is that you convincingly demonstrate you are among the best professionals or experts in your area.

This is not proven with a number, but rather with the totality of your evidence and the narrative it builds. Elements that typically support this standard include:

• Awards and recognitions relevant to your field.
• Publications, citations, and participation on peer-review committees.
• Recognition by leaders or prominent figures in the field.

The assessment is made holistically, on a case-by-case basis, and the context of your field influences how this standard is read. Evidence that you belong to a recognized elite helps, but there is no rigid percentage to meet. It is worth checking the updated requirements at USCIS and organizing your evidence with a specialist.

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.