I have 2 state awards and 1 national one. So do I qualify for ‘major prizes’?

The EB-1 visa, aimed at individuals with extraordinary abilities, requires the applicant to provide solid evidence of their recognition in the field. Among the criteria are awards considered ‘major prizes’ – distinguished prizes at the national or international level – which demonstrate the professional’s excellence.

In your case, you have two state-level awards and one national one. Generally, national awards are given more weight precisely because they have broader scope and greater credibility than regional or state awards. However, it is essential to emphasize that the concept of ‘major prizes’ is not limited solely to geographic scope (national or international), but also to the importance and prestige of the award within your area of expertise.

If the national award is widely recognized and competitive, it can be a strong indicator of extraordinary ability. State awards, in turn, can also help compose the body of evidence, demonstrating consistency in recognition within your field.

Each case is evaluated individually considering various elements: the quality of the awards, the relevance of the events or entities granting them, and whether they truly reflect the level of distinction required for the EB-1. Therefore, it is recommended that you gather all documentation proving the importance of the awards, such as selection criteria, participation statistics, and impact in your area, sharpening the context so that an immigration evaluator understands their relevance.

Always remember the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and seeking guidance from specialized professionals, avoiding falling for promises of guaranteed results or dubious marketing campaigns. The precise analysis of your evidence must be done carefully, considering that EB-1 criteria are rigorous and every detail can make a difference in the final evaluation of your case.

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.