I received an ‘honorable mention’ in a prestigious award. Does that count as a national award?

In the EB-1 category, awards and recognitions are one of the ways to demonstrate extraordinary ability, but no single item decides the case. An ‘honorable mention’ is a legitimate recognition of merit and can be part of your petition package, though it rarely sustains the award criterion for national or international distinction on its own.

What the adjudicating authority evaluates is the totality of evidence and how well it demonstrates broad recognition in your field. An honorable mention tends to carry more weight when the underlying award is selective, prestigious, and well regarded in your field, and when it is accompanied by other supporting evidence.

• Describe the relevance and reach of the award, not just your placement.
• Gather evidence showing the award is recognized and competitive in your industry.
• Combine the mention with other achievements, publications, or recognitions.

Each case is evaluated individually, so it is worth checking the current criteria with USCIS and reviewing your profile with a specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.