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Do I need to submit a high school diploma?

In an EB-1 petition, a high school diploma is rarely the focus: what matters are outstanding achievements and professional recognition. Learn which documents to prioritize in your file.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
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In general, a high school diploma is not the central document in an EB-1 petition. This category was designed to recognize extraordinary abilities and outstanding career achievements, not to verify traditional educational levels.

In practice, the review focuses on evidence of professional accomplishments and recognition, such as relevant awards, publications, high-impact contributions, and prominent participation in your field. That is what supports the petition, far more than basic schooling credentials.

Even so, the exact documentation depends on your profile and how you build your case. With that in mind, keep the following points in view:

  • Prioritize evidence that demonstrates distinction and impact in your field.
  • Gather documents that substantiate each achievement in a verifiable way.
  • Always check the required document list at the official source.

Because each case is reviewed individually, the safest approach is to follow the current guidelines from USCIS or to assess your petition package with a qualified 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

Do I need to submit a high school diploma?

In an EB-1 petition, a high school diploma is rarely the focus: what matters are outstanding achievements and professional recognition. Learn which documents to prioritize in your file.

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