If an individual is of ‘extraordinary ability’ and has achieved ‘sustained national or international acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics’, they can apply for a permanent residence status. These Applicants must be able to show that they have risen to the very top of their field, and if they are able to show this, a self petition can be filed, doing away with the need to have an employer. The Applicant must prove these achievements and have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation. They can demonstrate this ‘extraordinary ability’ by either showing evidence of one large achievement, such as a Pulitzer prize or Olympic medal, or by showing they meet three out of the ten criteria listed below: