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

Yes, it can count, but the weight depends on context. In the EB-1, awards serve as evidence of recognition in your field, and a distinction like ‘Top 30 under 30’ can help demonstrate professional standing. What the authority evaluates is not just the award itself, but how much it signals that you are recognized by peers and by the industry.

An award granted by a local magazine typically carries less weight than a national or international distinction, but it is not dismissed outright. Its impact grows when you can show:

• The relevance and reputation of the awarding organization.
• The selection criteria and how competitive the award is.
• The reach of the recognition, such as press coverage or mentions within your field.

The key point is that the EB-1 is evaluated based on the totality of the evidence. A local award will rarely sustain a case on its own, but it adds value when it appears alongside other indicators of excellence, such as publications, notable engagements, and recognized contributions. Since each case is assessed individually by the USCIS, it is worth reviewing the updated requirements at the official source and building your file 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.