I have 2 hackathon awards and 1 mention in a local Forbes. Is that already EB-1A?

Probably not yet, and it is worth being honest about that. EB-1A is the extraordinary ability pathway, reserved for those at the top of their field with sustained recognition. Two hackathon awards and a mention in a local Forbes are legitimate achievements, but they typically fall short of that threshold when they appear on their own.

That does not mean they are useless. They can contribute to a petition file, as long as they are part of a broader and consistent body of evidence that, taken together, tells a story of real and sustained distinction, not just isolated moments.

• Awards and recognitions with greater weight and broader reach in your field.
• Meaningful press coverage and publications about your work.
• Original contributions with demonstrated impact in the field.
• Leadership roles and other signals of peer recognition.

The key point is consistency: EB-1A evaluates the full picture qualitatively, looking for a pattern of excellence maintained over time, not a checklist of individual items. Local, one-time awards tend to serve as supporting evidence, rarely as a foundation.

Since the standard is high and each case is assessed individually, it is worth reviewing the updated requirements on the USCIS website and discussing your profile with a specialist before investing in the petition.

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.