I was awarded a medal by the mayor. Does that count as a ‘major award’ for EB-1?

In EB-1 petitions, awards and medals carry weight when they demonstrate recognition of national or international reach. A medal granted by a mayor can be part of your evidence package, but on its own it will rarely be treated as a ‘major award’, because it typically reflects merit at the local level.

Context is what changes the picture. If the honor has a history, selectivity, and impact beyond the city limits, or if it is tied to a field in which that city or region holds recognized prominence, it gains considerably more weight. The key is to establish the significance of the award, not merely its existence.

• Document the history, prestige, and competitive nature of the selection process.
• Show external recognition beyond the granting authority.
• Combine the honor with other evidence of your impact in the field.

Local awards tend to be read as local merit, so it is worth framing the honor carefully and verifying the current criteria for EB-1 on the USCIS website or 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.