For EB-1B, 2 small awards and 2 Q2 publications. Does it count as 2 or 3 criteria?

The EB-1B category requires the applicant to demonstrate significant international recognition in their field of expertise, and for this, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) lists several types of evidence – each corresponding to a distinct criterion. It is important to understand that multiple items within the same type of evidence, such as awards, usually count toward the same criterion, and not as separate criteria.

In the cited case – two awards (even if considered “small”) and two publications in journals classified as Q2 – these elements generally fall under two different criteria:

1. Awards and recognitions: even if they are minor awards, if the granting authority and the context of the award are relevant in the field, they can be used to satisfy the criterion of awards or honors demonstrating excellence. However, having two awards in this same category does not mean you are proving “two different awards” independently; that is, they add up to prove the existence of awards but count as a single evidence criterion.

2. Publications and academic output: articles published in well-ranked journals (even if Q2, depending on the impact and relevance in your area) can satisfy another criterion, that of notable publications or original contributions to the field. Having two articles serves to strengthen this criterion, but again, they compose a single piece of evidence of academic relevance.

Therefore, based on this information, the two awards probably satisfy one criterion (related to awards or recognitions), and the two Q2 journal publications may together meet another criterion (related to academic output and impact in the field). In this way, the presented set would be proving two distinct criteria, not three.

It is essential to emphasize that each case is evaluated individually and that the value of each piece of evidence depends on its relevance, the authority that granted or published the work, and how it fits within the context of your field of expertise. For this reason, it is always advisable to carefully review US immigration laws and, if possible, seek specialized guidance from reliable sources to assess the adequacy of your dossier – avoiding falling for miraculous promises or marketing strategies that guarantee results.

Remember that the goal is to present a consistent and well-founded portfolio that meets the parameters established by USCIS, always in compliance with current rules.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.