My advisor said I’m in the ‘top 1%’. Is that just their opinion?

In the EB-1, saying someone is in the ‘top 1%’ of their field is a helpful starting point, but it is an opinion-based assessment. When your advisor makes that claim, it reflects their experience evaluating your performance, and that carries weight, without replacing the documentary evidence the process actually requires.

The competent authority reviews objective evidence that supports this position of distinction, assessed as a whole. A mentor’s opinion serves as reinforcement, not as the foundation of the case.

• Awards and recognitions relevant to your field.
• Publications, citations, and other markers of impact in your work.
• Expert letters that ground the assessment in concrete facts.

The more your advisor’s statement is backed by documents, the stronger the argument becomes. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing your materials with a specialist before filing.

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.