I have awards from regional gastronomy competitions. Do they count as a ‘major award’?

Awards from regional gastronomy competitions strengthen your resume and demonstrate competence, but on their own they typically do not qualify as a ‘major award’ under the EB-1 criteria. That term usually refers to awards with national or international recognition that clearly demonstrate the candidate’s excellence and impact in their field.

This does not mean your regional awards are without value. They can be included as part of a broader portfolio, alongside other indicators of distinction, such as:

• Publications and media coverage of your work.
• Meaningful participation in high-profile events and projects.
• Notable recognitions and significant contributions to the profession.

The goal is to present each award for what it genuinely demonstrates, without forcing a framing that the authority would be unlikely to accept. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing the updated requirements and assessing the full set of your evidence with a specialist before filing a petition.

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.