Can a renowned university professor who has never won awards still qualify?

Yes. Under EB-2 NIW, awards are not a formal requirement, so a renowned university professor can qualify even without them. What the authority evaluates is whether your work has national merit and importance, and that can be demonstrated in several ways.

The absence of awards can be offset by other consistent evidence of excellence and impact in the field. A strong academic record tends to speak for itself when it is well documented and connected to the national interest.

• Publications and their resonance among other researchers.
• Citations of your work and invitations to participate in events or review panels.
• Involvement in relevant projects and letters from experts in the field.

Since each case is evaluated holistically, it is worth reviewing the updated requirements with USCIS and assessing with a specialist which combination of evidence best represents your profile.

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.