I won ‘Top 30 under 30’ in my country, but it is from a local magazine. Does it count?

When considering immigration opportunities to the United States, especially through categories based on extraordinary abilities like the EB-1 visa, it is important to understand that every aspect of your professional profile is carefully analyzed.

The ‘Top 30 under 30’ award you received from a local magazine can indeed be considered, but its value will depend on several factors and the context in which it is presented. In the case of the EB-1 visa, the immigration officer examines the entire set of evidence submitted to confirm the individual’s prominence and recognition in their field.

A local award may help demonstrate your success, but it is essential that it is accompanied by other indicators of excellence, such as recognized publications, participation in international events, or significant contributions to your field that have national or even international impact. The relevance of the award also depends on how reputable and respected the granting entity is; if the magazine is widely recognized and has a solid background, it may carry more weight in the evaluation of your case.

It is always crucial to remember the importance of strictly complying with United States immigration laws. In situations like this, seeking guidance from specialized professionals can help assess your complete profile and identify other evidence to strengthen your application, avoiding exposure to misleading offers or promises of guaranteed results. Be wary of marketing campaigns that assure easy solutions or simplified processes without a detailed analysis of your background.

Each case is unique, and the combination of several relevant elements can make a difference in the EB-1 evaluation. Therefore, the ‘Top 30 under 30’ award, when well-contextualized and accompanied by other robust evidence, can add value to your application – but by itself, it is unlikely to be the sole determining factor for the success of the process.

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.