I received an award from my city council. Does a local award count for the EB-1?

Your general reading is correct: an award granted by a city council is typically treated as recognition of local scope, and the EB-1 gives more weight to achievements with national or international impact.

That does not mean the award is worthless. The EB-1 review looks at the full body of evidence, and a local recognition can serve as supporting material, demonstrating trajectory and consistency, as long as it is combined with proof of broader reach.

• Explain the selection criteria and the prestige of the awarding body.
• Document any impact the award generated beyond the local level.
• Pair it with publications, media coverage, industry awards, and reference letters.

Each petition is evaluated individually by the adjudicating authority. It is worth checking the current criteria on the USCIS website and building your evidence strategy with a qualified 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.