If I have 3 not very large awards, can they add up to ‘one major prize’?

The EB-1 visa is a category intended for individuals with extraordinary ability, international recognition, and notable achievements in their fields of expertise. For this reason, proof of a ‘major prize’ – that is, an award of great international or national relevance – is one of the rigorously evaluated criteria. Generally, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) analyzes each piece of evidence individually and expects that each recognition demonstrates substantial relevance and is widely acknowledged within the field. Thus, even though three smaller awards may demonstrate a consistent track record, they are not automatically considered as proof of a single major award. Each case is assessed holistically, and the combination of smaller awards depends on the quality, prestige, and impact each has had within the candidate’s area of expertise.

It is important to remember that United States immigration rules must be strictly followed and that the interpretation of criteria may vary according to the evaluator. Therefore, it is essential that the documentation presented is robust and that each achievement is meticulously justified with evidence of its national or international relevance.

To avoid troubles and falling into misleading practices, it is advisable to always seek information from reliable sources, such as official US government websites, and consult immigration specialists – always with caution towards promises of easy or guaranteed results. In this way, you ensure that the entire process complies with immigration laws and avoid possible future complications.

I hope this explanation helps clarify your doubt about the possibility of adding smaller awards to meet the EB-1 requirement. Each case is unique, and the analysis is done considering the entire set of evidence and achievements accumulated by the candidate.

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.