My thesis won an international award, but that was 8 years ago. Does it still count?

An internationally awarded thesis is valuable evidence in the EB-1, and the fact that the award was received some years ago does not invalidate it. There is no fixed expiration date for past recognition; what matters is the demonstrated impact and the continuity of your work.

The award tends to carry even more weight when you show that your contribution has remained relevant over time. Signs of lasting influence help demonstrate that the recognition was not an isolated event.

• Citations of your work and subsequent developments in the field.
• Participation in more recent conferences, awards, or projects.
• Invitations to speak or collaborate in your area.

Combining the award with this ongoing track record strengthens your petition. Since each case is reviewed individually, it is worth confirming the current criteria with the USCIS and evaluating the full picture 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.