Can I include awards from international online competitions in the EB-2 NIW?

Yes. In the EB-2 NIW, awards from international online competitions can be included as supporting evidence, helping to demonstrate recognition and the impact of your work. They are not a formal requirement, but they add weight to your overall case when they carry prestige and relevance in your field.

What gives an award its strength is not the label, but what you can substantiate about it. It is worth documenting the nature of the competition and why that recognition matters in your area:

• Who organizes it and what reputation the competition holds in the industry.
• Its reach and competitive field (for example, participation from multiple countries).
• The selection criteria and what the award specifically recognizes.

Keep in mind that the focus of the EB-2 NIW is to demonstrate that your work has merit and national importance, and that you are well positioned to advance it. An award helps when it connects to that narrative, showing genuine excellence and impact, not just as an isolated trophy.

Since the way each piece of evidence is presented influences how the case is read, it is worth organizing your documentation with the support of a trusted immigration professional.

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.