I’m a fitness influencer and received awards from sports brands: does that count as a ‘major prize’ under EB-1?

Under EB-1, not every award fits the category of ‘major prize’. What matters is not the trophy itself, but the prestige of the granting entity and what the recognition represents in your field. Awards from sports brands can count, but their weight depends on the organization’s recognition and the standard of excellence the award signals.

A ‘major prize’ typically comes from a widely respected organization and reflects a high-level achievement, comparable to important accolades within the industry. Awards that are more promotional in nature, or limited to a little-known niche, tend to require an extra layer of evidence to demonstrate that they genuinely represent excellence.

To support this point, it is worth documenting:

• The selection criteria and the prestige of the entity that granted the award.
• The reach and reputation of the recognition within the fitness industry.
• Comparisons, press coverage, and testimonials that contextualize its significance.

Since the analysis is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the competent authority, the best approach is to gather this context carefully and, if there is any doubt about the classification, verify the current requirements with a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.