Can USCIS confirm with the institution whether an award exists?

Yes. When reviewing an EB-1 petition, USCIS may verify the information submitted and, when it deems necessary, contact the institution or source that granted an award to confirm its authenticity. This verification is part of an analysis that tends to be thorough.

If there are doubts about the origin or validity of a piece of evidence, the agency may seek direct confirmation. For this reason, everything you submit must be accurate, consistent, and verifiable, without exaggerations or claims that cannot hold up under scrutiny.

In practice, this underscores the importance of assembling solid documentation: official records of the award, materials explaining its prestige, and letters confirming its relevance. Evidence that withstands verification tends to strengthen the petition.

Since each case is subject to review by the competent authority, consult the official USCIS guidelines and consider professional support to organize your evidence.

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.