My award is annual and I won it 2 times in a row. Do they count as 2 distinct awards in an EB-1 case?

Yes, winning an annual award two years in a row is generally read as two distinct recognitions in an EB-1 case. Each edition covers its own period, so sharing the same name does not merge them into one.

Beyond the count, the repetition can strengthen your case narrative: winning again suggests consistency and sustained excellence rather than a one-time recognition. It signals that the distinction has held over time.

Even so, the weight of each award depends on context: the prestige of the prize, its reach, and its selection criteria all shape how it is read. Two awards with strong recognition in the field say more than two editions of a narrow distinction.

Because every case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the current criteria with USCIS and working with a specialist to determine the best way to present these achievements.

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.