I won an online design contest with 100 participants from across the country. Does that count as a ‘major’ award for EB-1?

It can count as recognition, but it is unlikely to sustain on its own the requirement for a significant award under EB-1. What determines whether an award carries weight is not how many people competed, but the prestige of the granting organization, the reach of the award, and the recognition it holds in your field.

An online design contest can be a positive signal, especially if it is organized by a respected institution in the field. Even so, awards with national or international reach that are widely recognized in the industry tend to carry more weight in the evaluation.

• Show who organizes the contest and the reputation of that institution.
• Explain the reach and selectivity of the award within your field.
• Combine the award with other evidence, such as publications and notable roles.

Because EB-1 evaluates the full portfolio on a case-by-case basis, it is worth reviewing the USCIS updated guidance and discussing with a specialist how much this award contributes to your profile.

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.