Do awards need to be international, or do national awards count too?

They do not need to be international. In the EB-1, national awards can also count, as long as they demonstrate genuine prestige and recognition in your field.

It is true that awards with international reach tend to carry additional weight, given their broader recognition. But that does not automatically disqualify national ones. What the analysis typically looks at is the substance of the award:

• Selectivity: how competitive and rigorous the selection process is.
• Prestige of the awarding body and its impact within the field.
• Recognition by leading experts and organizations in the area.

A national award with significant impact, recognized by peers and respected institutions, can contribute meaningfully to demonstrating your distinction. The label matters less than the strength of the recognition it represents.

Since each case is evaluated individually by the relevant authority, it is worth checking the latest USCIS criteria and reviewing your full set of awards with a specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.