Exhibit Preparation: Indexing and Presenting Your EB-1 Evidence

Published on: Fri May 02 2025

Understand EB-1 Evidence Requirements

Before you start putting your EB-1 petition together, it’s important to know exactly what the rules are for your visa category. The EB-1 visa has three main groups: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, and Multinational Managers/Executives. Each group has its own set of requirements. Begin by reviewing the official USCIS website to find out which category matches your career and experience.

Once you know your category, make a checklist of the types of evidence you need. For example, applicants for Extraordinary Ability might need awards, publications, or proof of their impact in their field. Outstanding Professors or Researchers should gather teaching awards or research accomplishments.

Remember, USCIS wants to see strong, clear proof that you meet the EB-1 rules. The standard is called “preponderance of evidence,” which means your documents must show it is more likely than not that you qualify. Watch out for common problems like missing papers or unclear explanations. Planning ahead helps you avoid delays or denials.

Collect and Organize Supporting Documents

Now that you know what evidence you need, start gathering all your documents. This includes things like published articles, award certificates, letters of recommendation, and news stories about your work. Having every document ready will make your application process much easier.

Make sure each document is real, complete, and easy to read. If any document is not in English, include a certified English translation so the reviewer can understand it.

Next, sort your documents by the EB-1 criteria they support. For example, group together everything that shows your original contributions or published material about you. Label each group clearly. This makes it easy for reviewers to find proof that you meet each requirement.

Create a Comprehensive Exhibit Index

To keep your evidence organized, create a detailed exhibit index. Assign a unique number to every document you are submitting, such as “Exhibit 1,” “Exhibit 2,” and so on. This numbering helps everyone quickly find and refer to specific documents.

For each exhibit, write down the number, a brief title, and a short description of what the document shows. Add a note about which EB-1 requirement it supports, like “Exhibit 3: Award Certificate – Proves national recognition.”

Arrange your index in a logical order. You can group similar items, like all awards together, or list your strongest evidence first to catch the reviewer’s attention.

Tip: Place your exhibit index as a simple table or list at the start of your submission packet. This acts as a guide and shows you are well-organized.

Prepare Exhibit Cover Pages

For each exhibit, create a cover page with clear details. Include the exhibit number, title, and a short summary. For example: “Exhibit 3: Award Certificate – National Science Award, 2022.” This helps reviewers quickly see what each document is about.

Add a sentence or two that explains how the exhibit fits the EB-1 criteria. For example: “This award shows national recognition of extraordinary ability in science, meeting EB-1 requirement for national acclaim.”

Use the same font, layout, and style on every cover page. Consistent formatting makes your evidence packet look professional and easy to review.

Annotate and Cross-Reference Evidence

Help reviewers find your strongest evidence by highlighting key sections. Use sticky notes or highlight important parts in your exhibits. This directs attention to the most important details.

When you write your petition letter, refer to the specific exhibit numbers that back up your statements. For example, say “See Exhibit 2 for award certificates.” This makes your arguments easier to follow and verify.

If you are submitting your packet digitally (and USCIS allows it), include hyperlinks or footnotes that jump straight to the right exhibit. This saves the reviewer time and keeps your application clear and organized.

Following these steps makes your EB-1 petition easier to review and shows your achievements clearly.

Assemble and Format the Exhibit Packet

Put all your exhibits together in the same order as your index. This helps the officer reviewing your EB-1 evidence find documents quickly and easily. Staying organized shows you are careful and professional.

Add a table of contents at the front of your packet. List each exhibit and its page number. Use section dividers or cover sheets to separate different types of evidence, like awards, publications, or letters. This keeps your packet neat and simple to review.

Before finishing, check that every document is included and nothing is missing. Make sure all pages are clear and easy to read—no blurry scans or missing text. Use the same fonts, labels, and page sizes throughout. Careful formatting helps prevent delays and gives a good impression.

Review, Finalize, and Submit

Before you submit your EB-1 evidence packet, double-check everything. Make sure all documents are present, in the right order, and clearly labeled. Look for missing pages, typos, or anything that might confuse the reviewer.

It’s a good idea to have an immigration attorney or someone familiar with EB-1 petitions review your packet. They can catch mistakes you might have missed and suggest ways to make your evidence even stronger.

Finally, follow all USCIS submission guidelines. If you are sending physical documents, use the recommended binder or folder and label everything clearly. For digital submissions, check the rules about file types and naming. Staying organized and following instructions helps your application process go smoothly.