I have 2 evaluation panels and 1 regional award. Is that enough for the EB-1?

In the EB-1, there is no fixed number of items that can guarantee approval. The extraordinary ability category evaluates a body of evidence as a whole, and what truly matters is the strength, consistency, and reach of the recognition that evidence demonstrates, not simply how many items you have gathered.

Your two evaluation panels and your regional award can certainly be part of that body. Panels in which you judge the work of other professionals are generally read as peer recognition, and a regional award is a genuine achievement. The weight of each depends on how relevant, selective, and well-regarded the context in which they were obtained is.

For that very reason, it is worth strengthening the file with other types of evidence that work together, for example:

• Publications and citations of your work by third parties.
• Participation as a judge or reviewer of others’ work.
• Awards or honors with broader reach.
• Letters from recognized experts explaining your impact.

It is not possible to say from the outside that something is missing without reviewing the full case, because the evaluation is done holistically and on a case-by-case basis. The best approach is to check the updated criteria on the USCIS website and review your profile with a specialist before filing.

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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.