Yes, you can submit Hackathon awards as evidence in an EB-1 petition, and winning them repeatedly helps demonstrate consistency and a track record of distinction. That said, in the EB-1 what carries the most weight is the quality and reach of the recognition, not just the number of awards.
Repeated awards from the same circuit add less value than distinctions from events with broad prestige and recognition. When presenting them, it is worth contextualizing each one:
- The reputation and reach of the event in your field.
- The level of competition and the selection criteria.
- What the achievement meant for your work.
Since the EB-1 is evaluated based on the overall body of evidence, combine the awards with other elements that reinforce your distinction, such as publications, press coverage, meaningful participation in events, and recommendation letters from recognized figures in the industry.
Each case is assessed individually by the USCIS, so it is worth organizing your evidence carefully and verifying updated requirements through the official source or with a specialist.
Learn more about EB-1
- Category
- EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
- Requirement
- Extraordinary ability
- Self-petition
- Allowed (no sponsor needed)
- Processing
- 6-18 months
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About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.