--- title: USCIS Policy Manual O-1 Guide: Plain English | Lando url: https://trylando.com/uscis-policy-manual-o1 description: A plain-English guide to the USCIS Policy Manual on the O-1 and O-1A: who may file, the O-1A and O-1B standards, evidence criteria, comparable evidence. --- # USCIS Policy Manual O-1 Guide: Plain English A plain-English guide to the USCIS Policy Manual on the O-1 and O-1A: who may file, the O-1A and O-1B standards, evidence criteria, comparable evidence and the final merits review. Page reviewed October 8, 2026. **Quick answer.** The USCIS Policy Manual is the agency's guidance to its officers. Volume 2, Part M covers the O classification: Chapter 3 explains who may file as petitioner, and Chapter 4 covers O-1 beneficiaries, including the O-1A and O-1B standards, the evidence criteria, comparable evidence and how officers weigh the whole record. It is guidance, not a statute, and the regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(o) is the underlying rule. ## What the Policy Manual is The Policy Manual states how USCIS officers are expected to apply the immigration laws and regulations. It does not replace the regulations, and it can change. Read the current text on the USCIS site before relying on any summary, including this one. ## Where the O-1 sits - Volume 2 covers nonimmigrants. Part M covers the O classification. - Chapter 3 covers petitioners: who may file, including employers and agents. - Chapter 4 covers O-1 beneficiaries: the standards and the evidence. Official sites: [Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 3 (USCIS)](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-m-chapter-3), [Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4 (USCIS)](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-m-chapter-4). ## The O-1A and O-1B standards in the Manual - O-1A: extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics, shown by sustained national or international acclaim. - O-1B for the arts: a high level of achievement, shown by distinction, meaning recognition substantially above what is ordinarily seen in the field. - O-1B for motion pictures and television: extraordinary achievement, meaning recognition as outstanding, notable or leading in the industry. ## How officers weigh the evidence A petition shows a major internationally recognized award, or meets at least three of the listed criteria (eight for the O-1A, six for the O-1B in the arts). Where a criterion does not readily apply to an occupation, comparable evidence can sometimes be submitted. Meeting the number of criteria is the first step. Officers then look at the whole record to decide whether it shows extraordinary ability, so the quality and context of each document matter. - [O-1 visa requirements](https://trylando.com/o1-visa-requirements) - [O-1 visa examples](https://trylando.com/o1-visa-examples) ## What else the petition needs - A written advisory opinion (consultation) from a peer group or an expert in your field. - A description or itinerary of the work, and the contract or a summary of its terms. - A petitioner: a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. - [O-1 visa sponsorship](https://trylando.com/o1-visa-sponsorship) ## Common questions ### What does the USCIS Policy Manual say about the O-1A? Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4 describes the O-1A standard (extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics, shown by sustained national or international acclaim), the criteria a petition can meet, comparable evidence, and how officers weigh the whole record. ### Is the Policy Manual law? No. It is guidance to USCIS officers on how to apply the law and the regulations. The regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(o) is the underlying rule, and the Manual can change. ### How many criteria does the Policy Manual require for the O-1A? A petition shows a major internationally recognized award, or at least three of eight criteria. Officers then weigh the whole record. ### What is comparable evidence? Where a listed criterion does not readily apply to your occupation, you can sometimes submit comparable evidence instead. The Manual explains when this is appropriate. ### Where can I read the Policy Manual on the O-1? On the USCIS website: Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 3 (petitioners) and Chapter 4 (O-1 beneficiaries). Links are on this page. ## Sources - [USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 3 (petitioners)](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-m-chapter-3) - [USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4 (O-1 beneficiaries)](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-m-chapter-4) - [8 CFR 214.2(o) on eCFR](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2) Checked October 2026. Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. --- Lando is not a law firm. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. Source: https://trylando.com/uscis-policy-manual-o1