I participated in investment rounds and large funds invested US$5 million. Does that count as an award?

Not in the formal sense. In the EB-1, the award criteria refer to distinctions and recognitions granted for merit in your field, and an investment is something different: it reflects investors’ confidence in your business potential, not a prize. That is why a fund check does not qualify as the ‘award’ criterion.

That does not mean the investment is irrelevant. It can help build the narrative of your distinction through other avenues:

• As evidence of market recognition and the relevance of your work.
• As a basis for demonstrating original contributions and the impact of your project.
• As context that reinforces other evidence of leadership and results.

The approach is to frame the funding under the right criterion rather than forcing it as an award. For a strong case, it must be accompanied by additional evidence attesting to your excellence, such as genuine distinctions, publications, press coverage, and leadership roles. Because each case is evaluated individually by USCIS, it is worth reviewing the updated criteria at the official source and organizing your evidence with the support of a specialist.

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.