I have local awards, but no national ones. Should I give up?

The EB-1 visa, especially in the extraordinary ability category, evaluates the entire scope of your professional, artistic, or academic background, and is not limited to a single factor. The goal is to demonstrate that you stand out significantly in your field of expertise. While national or international awards can strengthen your application, local awards can also hold value depending on the context and the recognition they have within your industry.

It is important to assess your complete profile: published work, participation in events, recommendation letters, and other evidence of your contribution and professional distinction. If local awards, combined with other indicators of excellence, are well documented, they can compose a strong argument for the EB-1 visa.

You do not need to give up for not having a national-level award, but rather invest in the organization and presentation of your entire trajectory. I emphasize the importance of following all United States immigration laws and seeking information from trustworthy sources. Seeking guidance from specialized professionals – as per your own terms, since no one can guarantee approval – is essential to avoid traps, scams, and marketing campaigns that promise results without legal basis.

If you organize your achievements in a balanced way, the sum of your accomplishments can be sufficient for a strong application in this visa category. In summary, do not give up simply because of the scale of the award. Examine all aspects of your background and seek detailed guidance so your application is as complete and well-founded as possible.

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.