I won awards at a festival in the Middle East. Does that count as international?

Yes, awards earned at a festival in the Middle East can count as international recognition in the EB-1. What matters for U.S. immigration is not the region where the award was presented, but the prestige and relevance of that distinction within your field.

In practice, an award carries more weight when you can show that the festival is respected in your field, that the award has rigorous selection criteria, and that it had some impact on your career. A well-documented international recognition is generally more persuasive than several titles without context.

To strengthen this evidence, consider gathering:

• Materials explaining the importance and reach of the festival.
• Press coverage or specialized publications about the event.
• Statements from experts confirming the value of the award.
• Records connecting the award to your work and its broader impact.

Treat the award as part of a body of evidence that demonstrates your excellence, not as standalone proof. Since each case is evaluated individually, verify the current criteria with USCIS and consider guidance from a specialist.

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.