I have awards, but they are not very well known. Is it still worth it?

Yes, lesser-known awards can still be worth it for the O-1. The visa recognizes individuals with extraordinary ability, and what matters is not the fame of the award itself, but what it demonstrates about the relevance and impact of your work.

A lower-profile award can contribute when it comes from a respected institution or a significant event in your field. It tends to work better when combined with other evidence, forming a coherent body of documentation, rather than standing alone.

To give this type of award more weight, it helps to gather context:

• Who grants the award and what its reputation is in your field.
• The selection criteria and level of competition.
• Certificates, testimonials, and mentions that support its relevance.

Since the review is case by case and qualitative, it is worth building a well-contextualized dossier and checking the latest guidance from USCIS or with a specialist before filing.

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.