I have awards from university competitions. Do they help?

Yes, awards from university competitions can be a positive factor in an EB-2 NIW petition. They serve as evidence of recognition and excellence in your field, helping to show that your work stands out compared to other professionals.

Even so, awards rarely sustain a case on their own. The EB-2 NIW relies on a combination of evidence that, taken together, demonstrates the merit and importance of your work. A university award tends to carry more weight when it appears alongside elements such as:

• Publications and other forms of impact from your work.
• Recommendation letters from experts who attest to your contribution.
• A clear narrative of how your work serves the national interest.

The weight of each piece of evidence varies depending on your profile, and the analysis is done case by case. For that reason, the ideal approach is to build a consistent record and, when possible, evaluate your profile with a specialist and review the updated guidelines from the official source (USCIS).

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.