Specific evidence
Artistic exhibitions or showcases
Whether your own work was displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
What USCIS is questioning
- Whether the displayed work was your own work product, and whether the venues, in person or virtual, were artistic exhibitions or showcases.[1,2]
The legal standard
- 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)(vii) covers display of your work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases.[2]
- Since October 2024, the Policy Manual says the exhibitions must be artistic in nature; non-artistic showcases can be considered only as part of a properly supported claim of comparable evidence.[1,3]
How the request usually reads
- Interpretation An RFE on this criterion typically says the events were not artistic exhibitions or that the displayed work was not shown to be yours.[1,4]
Evidence petitioners often provide
- Interpretation Exhibition catalogs, programs, or listings that name your work; information about the venue; and photos or recordings of the display.[1]
Where responses go wrong
- Trade shows and technology showcases do not meet this criterion; at most they may support a comparable-evidence claim with a proper explanation.[1,3]
This information is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not predict the outcome of any individual case.
Sources
- 1.USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 2 — Extraordinary AbilityUSCIS · USCIS Policy Manual · Checked Sep 27, 2026
- 2.8 CFR 204.5 - Petitions for employment-based immigrantseCFR (Office of the Federal Register) · Regulation · Checked Sep 27, 2026
- 3.Policy Alert PA-2024-24: Extraordinary Ability Criteria ClarificationUSCIS · USCIS Policy Manual · Published Oct 2, 2024 · Checked Sep 27, 2026
- 4.USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 - EvidenceUSCIS · USCIS Policy Manual · Checked Sep 27, 2026