I have local awards but nothing national. Should I give up on EB-1?

Not necessarily. The EB-1, under the extraordinary ability category, evaluates the full arc of your career, not a single item. The absence of a national award does not close the door: it is simply one of many elements that go into the analysis.

Local awards can, in fact, carry weight, depending on how much recognition they hold in your field and how they fit alongside the rest of your profile. What tends to matter is the coherence of the whole: multiple signals pointing together toward genuine distinction in your area.

Before thinking about giving up, it is worth mapping everything you already have, such as:

• Published work and the impact of what you have produced.
• Reference letters from respected professionals in your field.
• Relevant participations, projects, and recognitions, even if local in scope.

Well organized and documented, that body of evidence can support a strong argument. Since every case is unique, the most productive step is to check the updated requirements with USCIS and assess your profile with a specialist before making any decision.

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.