I won a government award from my state. Is it ‘national’?

It is important to understand that, for the EB-1 visa, the criteria for professional recognition are quite specific, especially regarding the scope of the awards or honors received.

Generally, an award granted by a state entity is considered local or regional, not national. In the context of EB-1, when it is required that recognition be classified as national (or even international), it is expected to have scope and recognition beyond the limits of a single state.

This does not mean that state awards have no value or prestige, but rather that, to meet the EB-1 visa requirements, an award designated as national or international is generally viewed with more relevance. If the state award in question has a long history of recognition within the state and, in some cases, is exceptional in the field of activity, there may be arguments to value its merit.

However, in the immigration criteria analysis, the designation ‘national’ is usually associated with distinctions that reflect an impact and relevance on a broader level. It is essential to emphasize the importance of following immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources when preparing for an immigration process.

If you have doubts about how your award fits into the EB-1 visa criteria, it is advisable to seek specialized companies and avoid offers that promise miraculous solutions or guaranteed results. That way, you will be better prepared to understand how the recognition you received may (or may not) influence your case before the United States authorities.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.