Breaking Down O-1B Criterion #2: International Recognition

The 3 essential requirements for the O-1B visa.

Last time, I talked about six criteria for demonstrating your “extraordinary” talent (we’re breaking these down one at a time in each newsletter—today’s the second key criterion). To clarify: these six criteria actually fall under just one of three main requirements for your O-1B visa. In addition to proving your extraordinary ability, there are two other critical overarching requirements that are equally important.

Here’s the full list of what you’ll need:

1. Work for the next three years: To meet this requirement, you’ll need to show steady work opportunities lined up for the duration of your visa. This is typically done through job offer letters.

• If applying through a U.S. employer: Your sponsoring employer will provide this letter as part of the application.

• If applying through a U.S. agent: You’ll need to gather your own offer letters. These can be for part-time, contract, or full-time positions but must collectively cover work spanning the next three years.

The goal is to demonstrate that you’ll continue doing extraordinary work while in the U.S. and earning enough income to support yourself. While the amount can vary, it’s generally recommended to show an income of at least $50,000 per year.

2. Association with organizations:

Being part of well-recognized professional organizations shows that you’re not just talented—you’re actively contributing to your industry.

Now, I know this one might sound a bit daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. If you’re already a member of groups like IDSA, AIGA, or similar, you’re in a great spot—they often have processes in place to provide the letters you’ll need for your visa.

If you’re not yet a member, don’t panic! Many organizations have memberships you can sign up for right now. Your lawyer might also have recommendations for groups that fit your field, so don’t hesitate to ask. This is one of the easier steps in the process, so don’t stress too much about this one.

3. Proof that you are extraordinary:

This is where the six criteria—portfolio, awards, press, etc.—fit in, highlighting your unique talent and achievements. We did the first criteria in the last newsletter - lets get to the second one.

Breaking Down the Second Key O-1 Criterion: International Recognition

The official requirement reads:

“Evidence that the beneficiary has achieved national or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications.”

In very simple terms, this means:

You need to show that your work has been recognized beyond your immediate circle - by the broader creative professional world.

How It Applies to Designers:

For designers, there are a few things we can count on!

If you’ve worked on personal projects, they can be a great way to land publications. Here’s an example from my own experience: I designed a table tennis racket- Nimbus as a passion project. I shared it on LinkedIn, where it got some positive feedback, so I decided to send it out to 4-5 publications. At the time, I wasn’t sure if anyone would pick it up. But then Yanko Design featured it, and my name was included in the piece. Later, I found out that they have a monthly viewership of 3 million, making it a major publication—something I could confidently use in my O-1 application.

Here’s the best part: once your work is featured on a big platform, other websites often follow. My Nimbus project, for example, was picked up by four more major publications (including Japanese and Chinese platforms) after the first one. Just like that, a single personal project turned into five publication pieces. I managed to do this for three of my projects. They didn’t all end up in the same publications, but that diversity made my application even stronger.

Now, here’s my advice: when sending your project to publications, be careful about a few key things. Make sure you include high-quality images that showcase your work in the best possible way. Follow the specific dimensions and file types requested by the publication. Spend some time to curate your project for each platform—this might mean tweaking the layout or focus to match their audience. And don’t forget to include a clear and compelling description of your work. A well-prepared submission increases your chances of getting featured, so give it the attention it deserves.

Send your work to as many publications as possible. You never know where it’ll land or how much impact it could have on your application—but preparation can make all the difference.

You’re not limited to design-specific publications. You can send your work to major newspapers, like The New York Times, or global media companies, such as Forbes or Fast Company. Many of these outlets accept submissions for free, so curate your work according to the website, send your work and cross your fingers.

Now, I only had personal project publications, but you can have other things as well:

1. Group Projects

   Most of the projects you work on at companies are group efforts—and they absolutely count. If a project you contributed to received significant press, you can use that as part of your application. Even if your name isn’t mentioned directly (what I call “indirect press”), you can strengthen your case by providing supporting evidence, like letters from your employer or documentation of your role in the project. While it’s always better if your name appears, indirect press can still add value when backed up with proof.

2. Exhibitions

   Exhibitions are another way to showcase recognition. If your projects have been displayed at exhibitions or events, this demonstrates that your work is valued and seen by a wider audience. Gather evidence like programs, photos of your work on display, or mentions in event coverage. Exhibitions show that your designs are impactful enough to be part of public or industry showcases.

3. Interviews and Podcasts

   Recognition isn’t limited to your projects—you, as a designer, can also be recognized internationally. This might include interviews, podcasts, or other media appearances where you’re highlighted for your expertise or contributions to the field. These features don’t have to be tied to a specific project; instead, they can focus on your journey, insights, or thought leadership as a designer.

4. Authorship

   Writing about your work or sharing insights about the industry is another powerful way to gain recognition. Articles you’ve written on trends, techniques, or your approach to design, especially if published on well-known platforms, add weight to your application. Authorship demonstrates that you’re not just a practitioner but also a thought leader in your field, influencing and contributing to the industry at large.

What You Need to Collect for This

1. Published Articles or Mentions:

   • Start by gathering links to all articles or mentions of your work. Your lawyer might later ask you to convert them into PDFs.

   • Be sure to highlight your name in each article or the specific parts that reference your work, especially for group coverage.

2. Exhibition or Event Press:

   • If your designs were showcased at an exhibition or event, collect relevant materials like press releases, media coverage, or event brochures. These should clearly mention your contribution or the inclusion of your work.

3. Interviews and Podcasts:

   • While I haven’t personally used this, others have shared that you may need transcriptions of your interviews or podcasts, along with data like the number of impressions or listens. If the interview was conducted by a major player in the design world, their credibility adds extra weight.

4. Media Kits for Publications:

   • For every publication you use as evidence, try to obtain its media kit. This will demonstrate the publication’s reach and credibility as a major platform