Visto n' Visa

Can they request a new letter explaining the nature of an award?

Yes, an additional letter explaining the criteria and prestige of an award may be submitted or requested by USCIS. See how to use it to strengthen your EB-1 petition.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
Share

Yes. When the initial documentation does not make the nature of an award sufficiently clear, it is possible to submit an additional letter to explain it further, and USCIS itself may request this clarification during the review of your EB-1 petition. This is not a problem: it is an opportunity to reinforce the evidence.

The purpose of this letter is to provide context for the award so that the adjudicator can assess how much it helps demonstrate your distinction in the field. The more concrete and verifiable the explanation, the more weight it tends to carry.

  • Describe the selection criteria and who grants the award.
  • Explain the prestige and recognition associated with it.
  • Show how the award relates to your professional work.

Keep the information consistent with the rest of the file and ensure the accuracy of every detail. If in doubt about what to include or how to respond to a request, check the updated guidelines from USCIS or consult 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
All about EB-1

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.

Victoria's tips

Can they request a new letter explaining the nature of an award?

Yes, an additional letter explaining the criteria and prestige of an award may be submitted or requested by USCIS. See how to use it to strengthen your EB-1 petition.

Recommended reading about EB-1

More content about EB-1