If I have 3 not-so-major awards, can they add up to a ‘one major prize’?

Generally, no. Multiple smaller awards do not automatically add up to equal a ‘one major prize’ (the award for outstanding international or national recognition) under EB-1. This criterion expects a single recognition of broad prestige that stands clearly above the rest in the field.

That does not mean smaller awards are useless. The EB-1 evaluates the full body of evidence holistically, and several consistent recognitions can help establish other excellence criteria, even if they do not constitute that one high-impact prize.

The weight assigned to each award depends on qualitative factors, for example:

• The prestige of the granting organization and the rigor of its selection process.
• The reach and recognition of the award within your field.
• The impact the achievement has had on your professional career.

Because the interpretation of criteria varies case by case, it is worth checking the updated requirements with USCIS and documenting each achievement with solid evidence, ideally with the guidance of an expert.

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.