I won awards in the past and have been inactive for two years. Does that affect ‘sustained acclaim’ in EB-1?

In EB-1, past awards and achievements are a solid starting point, but the category evaluates more than isolated accomplishments: it looks at what is known as ‘sustained acclaim’, meaning the recognition that holds over time in your field. Having received awards matters, and continuing to be a reference in your area matters just as much.

A recent period of inactivity does not erase what you have already accomplished, but it typically calls for extra care when building your case. The goal is to show that the impact of your prior work remains alive and relevant, even if you are not currently producing something new.

Some ways to demonstrate that continuity:

• Mentions and citations of your work in publications and by recognized professionals.
• Current uses or developments stemming from projects and contributions you led.
• Invitations, consultations, or references showing that your reputation remains active.

Each case is evaluated individually by the competent authority, so it is worth assembling solid documentation and, if possible, verifying updated requirements and reviewing your strategy with a 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.