My award is granted by a local NGO. How do I argue it has national value?

An award granted by a local NGO can indeed be argued as relevant in an EB-1 petition, but this typically requires additional argumentation to show that the recognition extends beyond the local level and reaches a national standing.

The strategy is to gather evidence about the weight of the awarding organization and the reach of the recognition, for example:

• The NGO’s activities, partnerships, or presence across multiple regions of the country.
• Selection criteria recognized in national contexts.
• Coverage of the organization or the award in nationally circulated media.
• Expert testimonials and press materials about the award.

In addition, explain how the award fits within the landscape of your field and what impact it had, not only on your career but also on the sector as a whole. Connecting the recognition to concrete innovations or contributions helps sustain its national value.

Since each case is evaluated individually, confirm the current criteria with the official source (USCIS) and consider reviewing your argument with a specialist.

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.