Can I say I ‘was honored by the city government’ and have it count?

Yes, you can present an award received from a city government in your EB-1 petition, and it may count as evidence, provided it represents meaningful recognition in your field. What matters is not the name of the institution that granted it, but what the honor demonstrates about the relevance of your work.

The EB-1 is designed for those who demonstrate outstanding achievements, and a local commendation tends to carry limited weight if it is purely symbolic. It gains strength when you show that there was a rigorous selection process, genuine prestige, and some reach beyond a strictly local scope.

• Explain the criteria and selection process behind the award.
• Show impact that extends beyond a purely local setting.
• Combine it with publications, prizes, and other evidence of distinction.

On its own, a local award rarely sustains the case, but it can form part of a strong portfolio. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the updated guidelines at the official source (USCIS) and assessing the weight of this evidence with a specialist.

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.