A national conference awarded me ‘best oral presentation’. Does that count as a ‘major’ award?

A best oral presentation award at a national conference is a genuine achievement and can be included in your petition as evidence of recognition in your field. Even so, it will rarely be treated on its own as a major award for EB-1 purposes.

In the EB-1 framework, a major award typically refers to honors of significant prestige and broad recognition, usually international in scope and conferred by leading peers in the field. A one-time recognition granted within a specific event tends to carry less weight under that standard.

That does not mean the award is irrelevant. The EB-1 analysis is holistic: the award can form part of a broader body of evidence, alongside publications, service as a reviewer or speaker, and other recognitions that together demonstrate sustained distinction over time.

Because the classification of each award is assessed case by case, it is advisable to verify the current criteria with the USCIS and, ideally, review your case strategy with a specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.