Published Material

Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the beneficiary, relating to the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought. This evidence must include the title, date, and author of such published material and any necessary translation.

USCIS determines whether the published material was related to the person and the person’s specific work in the field for which classification is sought.

Examples of relevant evidence may include, but are not limited to:

• Professional or major print publications (newspaper articles, popular and academic journal articles, books, textbooks, or similar publications) regarding the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work;
• Professional or major online publications regarding the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work; and
• Transcript of professional or major audio or video coverage of the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work.

Published material that includes only a brief citation or passing reference to the beneficiary’s work is not “about” the beneficiary, relating to the beneficiary’s work in the field, as required under this criterion. However, the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work need not be the only subject of the material; published material that covers a broader topic but includes a substantial discussion of the beneficiary’s work in the field and mentions the beneficiary in connection to the work may be considered material “about” the beneficiary relating to their work.

Moreover, officers may consider material that focuses solely or primarily on work or research being undertaken by the beneficiary or by a team of which the beneficiary is a member, provided that the material mentions the beneficiary in connection with the work, or other evidence in the record documents the beneficiary’s significant role in the work or research.

USCIS determines whether the publication qualifies as a professional publication, major trade publication, or major media publication. In evaluating whether a submitted publication is a professional publication, major trade publication, or major media, relevant factors include the intended audience (for professional and major trade publications) and the relative circulation, readership, or viewership (for major trade publications and other major media).