I have 20 years of experience and a high salary, but no award. Can I still qualify for the EB-1A?

Yes, it is still possible, even without a standout award. The EB-1A does not depend on a specific trophy: it evaluates a body of evidence that, taken together, demonstrates extraordinary ability and recognition in your field.

A long career and a high salary can indeed help tell that story, serving as signals of impact and of how your work is valued by others. They enter as part of the overall picture, however, not as standalone proof: what matters is the complete narrative.

The absence of a prestigious award is often compensable with other types of evidence, such as:

• publications and citations, or recognized contributions in your field;
• leadership roles and responsibility in relevant projects or organizations;
• serving as a judge or reviewer of others’ work and mentions in specialized media.

Each case is assessed individually, on the totality of the record. Because eligibility criteria can change, it is worth checking the current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and building your file with a specialist, without counting on any guarantee of approval.

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.