I have a PhD and won a local ‘best dissertation’ award. Can I use that for EB-1B?

Yes, both your PhD and the best dissertation award can be included in your EB-1B petition. These are genuine achievements that demonstrate recognized academic quality. The key point is that, on their own, they are unlikely to sustain the petition.

The EB-1B is for outstanding professors and researchers, and the category looks for a broad, sustained pattern of recognition in your field. A best dissertation award, especially one with local reach, is a solid starting point, but it tends to carry more weight when it appears as part of a larger body of evidence.

• Publications and how often they are cited by others.
• Participation in conferences and relevant collaborations.
• Evidence of impact and recognition beyond your immediate circle.

In short: use the PhD and the award as part of your story, and strengthen it with proof that your work influences the field. Since each case is assessed individually, it is worth checking current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and building your file with a specialist before petitioning.

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.