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My research was awarded by a national foundation. Does it count as a ‘major’?

A national award can be considered for the EB-1 visa, but its impact depends on the prestige and relevance of the award in the academic or professional community.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 10, 2025
2 min read
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The EB-1 visa, aimed at professionals with extraordinary abilities, carefully evaluates the presented accomplishments, among which a major award is one of the criteria that can demonstrate excellence in the field of expertise.

In this sense, research awarded by a national foundation can indeed be considered a valuable indicator of merit, as long as the award has broad relevance and recognition within the academic or professional community. However, to be considered ‘major’ – meaning an absolute standout – the award must be widely recognized as being of the highest caliber and the issuing institution must have an established reputation.

Each case is analyzed individually, and the evaluation involves a detailed review of the award’s importance in the context of the field of activity, the competitiveness, and the prestige of the recognition received. Therefore, it is essential to gather as much documentation as possible proving the weight and relevance of the award, such as publications, mentions in specialized media, and testimonials from renowned experts.

Always remember the importance of complying with United States immigration laws and seeking guidance from specialized professionals in this area – thus avoiding marketing strategies that promise guaranteed results. Preparing a solid petition for the EB-1 visa requires specific care and thorough analysis of the documents presented, so evaluating the context of your award within the overall process is essential.

In summary, the fact that your research was awarded by a national foundation can certainly help demonstrate your extraordinary ability, but its impact depends on a detailed analysis of the prestige of the award in your field. Every piece of evidence adds weight in building a robust case, and specialized guidance is fundamental to contribute to an accurate interpretation of the significance of this accomplishment.

Learn more about EB-1 Visa

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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My research was awarded by a national foundation. Does it count as a ‘major’?

A national award can be considered for the EB-1 visa, but its impact depends on the prestige and relevance of the award in the academic or professional community.

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