If I won 3 awards but all from the same annual event, does it count as just 1?

There is no automatic rule, but in EB-1 cases, awards that all come from the same annual event and the same organizer tend to be interpreted as a single source of recognition. In practice, stacking trophies from the same origin does not broaden the reach of your achievement as much as recognition coming from different sources.

That does not mean they do not count. What the officer evaluates is the strength and relevance of the recognition in your field, not simply how many items you list. A prestigious, competitive award that serves as a benchmark in the field carries more weight than a series of distinctions from the same circuit.

• Explain who grants the award and how selective and competitive it is.
• Show the reach and reputation of the event within your professional community.
• Combine it with recognition from varied sources to strengthen the overall narrative.

Since the assessment depends on the full portfolio and is made on a case-by-case basis, it is worth reviewing the latest USCIS guidance and working with a specialist to determine the best way to present your accomplishments.

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.