I have 3 university awards and 1 mention in the campus magazine. It’s very local, right?

The EB-1 visa is aimed at individuals who demonstrate extraordinary abilities in their field of work. One way to prove this is through the recognition the person has received in their career, such as awards, publications, and mentions. However, it’s not enough to just accumulate awards; it’s important to analyze the relevance, prestige, and scope of these recognitions.

In your case, having 3 university awards and a mention in the campus magazine shows that you have received recognition in an academic and local environment. Although these achievements are valuable, for an EB-1 petition it is ideal to demonstrate that the recognition obtained has a national or international character, or that the awards were granted by prominent organizations with strict criteria.

In other words, if the awards and mention are considered ‘very local,’ they might not have the necessary weight to meet the extraordinary ability criteria required in this category.

It is also important to highlight that many factors make up a strong petition, such as publications in renowned outlets, significant contributions to the field, and recommendation letters from recognized experts. Each piece of evidence should contribute to showing that the candidate stands out compared to other professionals in their area.

Finally, remember the importance of complying with all United States immigration laws. When seeking to build a case for the EB-1, it is advisable to seek guidance from immigration specialists so you can properly assess the relevance and impact of your awards and other evidence. Also, be aware to avoid proposals and marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed results, as the case analysis is done meticulously by immigration authorities.

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.