I write screenplays but have no major awards. Can I still get EB-1A?

Yes, writing screenplays without major awards does not close the door to the EB-1A. The visa is based on demonstrating extraordinary ability and recognition in your field, and awards are just one of many ways to prove that.

For screenwriters and other arts professionals, USCIS typically looks at a broad range of evidence: publications and reviews about your work, selection and screening at festivals, press mentions, original contributions to the industry, and recommendation letters from respected names in the field. What matters is the overall picture, not any single item.

If your work has had notable impact and reach, it is possible to build a strong case even without a shelf full of trophies. The key is translating that career into concrete, well-organized evidence that demonstrates originality and relevance to those who evaluate it.

Since the analysis is done on a case-by-case basis, it is worth assembling a complete dossier and reviewing the current criteria with USCIS, ideally with 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.