O-1 SUPPORT LETTER AND EVIDENCE INDEX

EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY/ACHIEVEMENT

Filing Overview

• Petitioner/Agent: [NAME/AGENT] | Beneficiary: [NAME]
• Classification: [O-1A/O-1B] | Field: [SCIENCE/ARTS/EDUCATION/BUSINESS/ATHLETICS/MOTION PICTURE/TV]
• Itinerary: [DATES/PLACES]; Contracts/deal memos attached: [YES/NO]
• Advisory opinion: [PEER GROUP/UNION/EXPERT] dated [DATE]

Packet Order (suggested)

1) Support letter (this document).
2) Forms I-129 + O supplement; filing fees; G-28; G-1145.
3) Advisory opinion.
4) Itinerary and contracts/deal memos.
5) Evidence index by criterion.
6) Exhibits (tabbed) with translations if applicable.
7) Copy of passport, prior approvals, I-94, status maintenance (if COS/extension).

Support Letter Outline (sample)

1) Introduction and requested classification/validity.
2) Beneficiary background and field definition.
3) Applicable criteria (3 of 8 for O-1A or comparable evidence; or O-1B standard).
4) Detailed discussion of each criterion with exhibit citations.
5) Itinerary and nature of events/activities.
6) Advisory opinion and how it supports classification.
7) Maintenance of status (if applicable).
8) Conclusion and exhibit index.

Evidence Index (example categories)

• Major prizes/awards: [EXHIBITS]
• Memberships requiring outstanding achievements: [EXHIBITS]
• Published material about beneficiary: [EXHIBITS]
• Original contributions of major significance: [EXHIBITS]
• Authorship of scholarly articles: [EXHIBITS]
• High remuneration compared to others: [EXHIBITS]
• Judging others' work: [EXHIBITS]
• Critical/leading roles for distinguished organizations: [EXHIBITS]
• Comparable evidence (if needed): [EXHIBITS]

Practice Notes

• Tailor criteria to strongest evidence; avoid scattershot exhibits.
• Map each exhibit to a single criterion in the index; keep summaries concise.
• Include certified translations; paginate consistently.
• Ensure advisory opinion matches field and itinerary; address any dissenting language.
• For O-1B TV/film, use the higher standard and highlight peer recognition and commercial success.