I have 3 awards, but all from the same competition in different years: does that satisfy only 1 criterion for EB-1?

In most cases, yes: three awards from the same competition, even if earned in different years, tend to be read as reinforcing one and the same type of recognition in the EB-1, rather than as separate criteria. Since they all come from a single competition, they point to the same source of prestige.

This does not diminish the merit of each achievement. Repeating the recognition over time can even demonstrate consistency. The key point is that, for evaluation purposes, they reinforce one area instead of opening multiple distinct lines of evidence.

For that reason, if these awards are your only recognition elements, it is usually worth broadening your profile with other types of evidence, for example:

• Publications and citations of your work.
• Awards or distinctions from other sources.
• Participation in relevant events in your field.
• Reference letters from authorities in your field.

In the EB-1 extraordinary ability category, what matters is the full picture of your career, evaluated on a case-by-case basis by USCIS. To build that profile with confidence, review the current requirements on the official USCIS website or with a qualified specialist before filing.

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.