I won gastronomy awards broadcast on national TV. Does that help with the EB-1?

Yes, this can be a strong element in an EB-1 petition. Prestigious awards and national TV coverage help demonstrate that you are recognized in your field, and public recognition is precisely one of the types of evidence this visa values. Gastronomy is treated like any other field of expertise.

The weight of this evidence depends on how significant the award is and how the media presented your work. A landmark award covered by a major national broadcaster carries more weight than a brief mention.

• Document the award: who grants it, what it recognizes, and its standing in the industry.
• Keep a record of the national TV coverage and the context of the story.
• Combine it with other evidence, such as publications and prominent roles in your field.

Since the EB-1 evaluates the overall portfolio on a case-by-case basis, it is worth reviewing the latest USCIS guidance and organizing your evidence with the support of 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.