Can postgraduate scholarships be cited as a ‘major award’?

The EB-1 visa, especially in the extraordinary ability subcategory, requires the applicant to demonstrate national or international recognition for their exceptional achievements. One way to evidence this recognition is through relevant and prominent awards in the field of expertise. In this scenario, it is natural to wonder if postgraduate scholarships can be cited as a ‘major award’.

Generally, postgraduate scholarships aim to support studies and research and, although they can be quite competitive in some contexts, they are considered academic incentive instruments. For the EB-1, what is expected is evidence of awards that demonstrate excellence and have proven prestige, which means that, most of the time, scholarships – even the most selective ones – may not automatically fit into this category of ‘major award’.

This is because the EB-1 requires awards to be highly recognized in the field of expertise, either in terms of competition or the impact they have in the area. However, each case has its particularities. If a certain scholarship or academic award has proven exceptional excellence, with strict selection criteria and international recognition, it may carry more weight in the process analysis.

But it is essential that the documentation presented clearly and robustly evidences the prestige and relevance of the award, demonstrating that it goes beyond common financial support or educational incentive. It is worth remembering that the immigration process in the United States follows strict guidelines and must be conducted with attention to current legislation.

Thus, it is always recommended that any documentation or evidence presented be carefully verified against the official EB-1 criteria. It is also prudent to consult reliable sources and specialists in the field who can offer a detailed analysis of your case, avoiding the temptation of offers and campaigns that promise guaranteed results – as these promises may not align with the complexity and strictness of U.S. immigration law.

Staying informed and acting with caution, following U.S. regulations, is essential for the process to proceed effectively and within the required standards.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.