EB-1A: I have 2 regional awards. Do I need another criterion?

Most likely yes, you will want more than one type of evidence. In the EB-1A (extraordinary ability), two regional awards can work in your favor, but they rarely sustain a case on their own: the regulations set out a range of possible criteria, and the expected standard is that you satisfy several of them (or, alternatively, demonstrate a single major international award of the highest level).

More than the count, what ultimately matters is the overall assessment of your profile. That is why it is worth surrounding your awards with other evidence that reinforces your excellence, for example:

• Relevant publications and citations of your work.
• Original contributions of impact in your field.
• Service as a reviewer or judge of others’ work.
• Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement for admission.

Regional awards tend to carry more weight when integrated into that broader picture rather than standing alone. Since the exact number of criteria required and the evaluation process should be verified at the official source, it is worth checking the updated requirements with USCIS and building your petition with a specialist.

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.