My award is old, from 20 years ago. Is it worth citing?

Yes, an old award can be worth citing in an EB-2 NIW petition, as long as it helps build a consistent picture of your trajectory. The age of the recognition does not automatically disqualify it: what matters is the weight it carries in demonstrating excellence and relevance in your field.

The EB-2 NIW evaluates the overall body of your evidence, not a single item in isolation. An award from many years ago tends to add more value when it appears alongside recent achievements, showing a continuous line of contribution rather than an isolated accomplishment distant in time.

• Favor recognitions with prestige in your field or international scope.
• Contextualize the award within the evolution of your career.
• Pair it with current evidence that confirms your continued impact.

If the old award is your only highlight, it is worth strengthening the petition with other elements that demonstrate your recent activity. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is prudent to verify the updated criteria through the official source (USCIS) and align your strategy 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.