Global Talent PR Warns of Increased Scrutiny on Media Placements in Immigration Cases

Paid Media Placements May Jeopardize EB1A and O1 Petitions

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Talent PR, the leading PR company for EB1A immigration cases, today warned EB1A and O1 applicants that paying for press coverage may jeopardize their petitions. According to reports from attorneys and applicants, media evidence is under heightened scrutiny, with applications being rejected when coverage appears to be paid rather than truly earned on merit.

"Over the past few months, we have heard from numerous attorneys and applicants that applications have been flagged citing paid placements and non-organic press," said Kristen Hoff, cofounder of Global Talent PR. "Applicants risk wasting months of work and high fees if they don't understand the difference between genuine coverage and pay-to-play coverage."

Key red flags that applicants should look for when choosing a PR company for their extraordinary talent visa include:

• Agencies promising guaranteed media placements in top-tier outlets
• Agencies promising to "backdate" articles
• Articles about an applicant are clearly labeled as "contributed" with no editorial oversight
• Lack of transparent documentation proving how and why coverage was secured

"Earned media is not just about visibility, it's about credibility. For EB1A and O1 visa applicants, third-party recognition through reputable media outlets can be a powerful way to demonstrate extraordinary ability and national or international acclaim. Articles, interviews, and features that highlight your work provide objective evidence that immigration officers can trust. In many cases, media coverage bridges the gap between talent and proof." Said Tahmina Watson, Watson Immigration Law founder and & Author of The Startup Visa. "Unlike earned media, paid media—such as sponsored articles or advertisements- is generally viewed with skepticism by immigration adjudicators because it lacks independent validation and can appear self-promotional rather than merit-based."

"Earned media is built on relationships and story strength," added Hoff. "When coverage is based on merit, USCIS sees that as independent validation of an applicant's extraordinary ability."

Global Talent PR has helped hundreds of people secure strong, organic, earned media evidence for their EB1A and O1 petitions. The firm's strategy centers on targeted outreach, organic earned press, and precise documentation to satisfy USCIS evidentiary standards.

See here for more about red flags that applicants and their attorneys should look out for.

About Global Talent PR
Global Talent PR specializes in securing authentic earned media coverage for EB1A and O1 visa applicants. We leverage established editorial relationships to place clients in top-tier and industry publications based on genuine newsworthiness. Our documented approach has helped hundreds of applicants meet USCIS evidentiary standards through editorial features, thought leadership content, and expert interviews. We are trusted by leading immigration attorneys nationwide for our transparent, results-driven methodology. For more information, visit https://globaltalentpr.co.

Contacts
Global Talent PR Team
[email protected]
9784079283

SOURCE Global Talent PR