Demand on EB1A visaknown for its high standards, has increased, with the annual quota for 2024 filled in January – months ahead of schedule. This increase reflects the growing competition among applicants, prompting companies like Baden Bower to provide essential public relations services for those striving to meet the challenging EB1A criteria and create an outstanding application.

The EB1A visa: a pathway for high achievers

The EB1A visa provides a pathway to U.S. residency for individuals with exceptional talent in science, business, education, the arts, and athletics. With the quota filled so quickly, applicants face pressure to submit compelling applications that meet US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) high expectations.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate national or international recognition, possibly through a major award such as a Nobel Prize or by meeting at least three of ten USCIS criteria. These may include achievements such as media coverage, leadership roles or meaningful contributions to their field. Professional PR services has become essential, offering applicants the structured guidance and necessary visibility to meet these standards.

More applicants are applying for EB1A and USCIS is denying almost 30% of applications. USCIS typically denies applications due to insufficient evidence of sustained approval, lack of significant accomplishments, or failure to demonstrate field impact. These challenges underscore the importance of a well-prepared application.

How Baden Bower helps applicants stand out

With rising demand, more applicants are turning to PR firms like Baden Bower for help. The data shows that about 35% of successful applicants used PR services, a noticeable increase from previous years. These services include media outreach, content creation and placing applicants in their industry’s spotlight.

One challenge applicants face is proving media recognition to meet the “published material” requirement for EB1A eligibility. Baden Bower helps clients secure features in high-profile outlets such as Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine and Yahoo Finance. This strengthens applications with trusted third-party validation.

It focuses on securing top tier media coverage and reaching targeted industry platforms. This presents clients as leaders and meets USCIS national or international recognition standards.

Baden Bower develops an organized narrative for each client, showing how they meet multiple criteria. This EB1A petition strategy addresses application gaps and creates a stronger case for USCIS examiners.

It also uses a network of media contacts and industry experts to help clients arrange testimonials, collaborations and speaking opportunities. This multi-level strategy significantly improves an applicant’s profile, making them stand out in an increasingly crowded field.

Building a strong EB1A profile takes time

Meeting the EB1A standards takes time and effort. Applicants must excel in their field and gain public recognition through networking and leadership. Key steps include regularly attending industry events, working on significant projects and staying visible in the media.

For many, publishing scientific articles, appearing in respected journals and being interviewed on high-profile platforms is necessary to establish their influence. Those in creative fields benefit from exhibitions or notable performances that confirm their impact.

If USCIS denies the application, a new application may be a good option. However, a successful reapplying requires focusing on the reasons for the initial rejection. Submitting the same information again will likely lead to the same results.

Baden Bower assists with reapplications by identifying areas for improvement. This may include securing media coverage, arranging new collaborations or highlighting recent achievements that demonstrate continued success.

Maintain credibility with PR

While PR can enhance an application, promoted achievements must be authentic. “We make sure the stories we tell reflect the real successes of our clients,” says AJ Ignacio, CEO of Baden Bower. This ethical approach builds credibility with both the media and USCIS.

Partnering with Baden Bower can significantly improve the chances of approval. Company’s 80% EB1A approval rate for clients using its media services shows PR’s impact on the visa process.

It customizes each EB1A application to match the client’s strengths. Working closely with applicants, the firm identifies accomplishments that fit USCIS requirements and then creates a customized PR campaign to highlight those accomplishments.

For re-applicants, Baden Bower thoroughly reviews the initial rejection and pinpoints areas for improvement. The agency then develops a plan to strengthen these areas, such as arranging additional media coverage or establishing valuable collaborations.

With the demand for EB1A, a solid PR plan has become essential to a successful application. For applicants aiming for EB1A, effective public relations support can make the difference between approval and denial, as USCIS’ standards for “extraordinary ability” continue to rise.