I went for EB-1 without awards but meeting several criteria. Is that valid?

Yes, it can be a perfectly valid approach. In the EB-1 extraordinary ability category (EB-1A), awards are just one among several possible criteria, not a mandatory item. You do not need to have won awards to qualify.

The category works through a set of alternative criteria: you demonstrate your excellence by meeting some of them with convincing evidence. The absence of awards does not weaken the petition if the other criteria you meet are solid and well documented.

• Original and significant contributions to your field.
• Publications and citations of your work.
• Participation as a reviewer or on expert panels.
• Other criteria recognized as proof of distinction.

USCIS evaluates the case holistically: what matters is the quality, clarity, and consistency of the evidence, not the presence of any specific item such as an award. It is worth confirming the current criteria with USCIS or an immigration specialist before filing.

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.