[proberts]

The EB1A (extraordinary ability) category has become incredibly tough (and much tougher than the O-1). Before doing anything, I would recommend that the individual get his or her background evaluated because it's a lot more and lot more nuanced than having patents or published papers or judging events. Just to avoid spending time on things that won't really lead to an approval.

[proberts]

It can be very difficult to draw a through line or see a pattern in the EB1A adjudications. What's clear, however, is that it's a much higher standard than it used to be. It used to be similar to the O-1 standard but now USCIS wants to see a lot more than just meeting the required three criteria; it wants to see external/third-party evidence that the applicant is set apart from most of his or her peers through, for example, the purchase of a company founded by the applicant, the widespread use of a product developed by the applicant, the receipt of a major national or international award, publications with lots and lots of citations, extensive media coverage in major media, keynote/major invited conference speaking engagements, very high base and total compensation, etc.