The following is excerpted from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) regulations at 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3):

Extraordinary ability means a level of expertise indicating that the individual is one of that small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor.

A Petition for an Alien of Extraordinary Ability must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim andthat his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise.

Such evidence shall include evidence of a one-time achievement (that is a major, international recognized award) or at least three of the following:

1. Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media, relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence shall include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary translation;
4. Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specification for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
7. Evidence of the display of the aliens work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
8. Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
9. Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field; or
10. Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disc, or video sales.

An extraordinary ability petition is exempt from the Labor Certification process required for other employment based Immigrant Petitions.