My achievements are old, from 10 years ago. Do they still count?

Yes, older achievements can still count in an O-1 petition. The time elapsed since an accomplishment does not, by itself, act as a disqualifier: what the process values is sustained relevance and the ongoing impact of your work in your field.

An achievement from years ago tends to carry more weight when you can show it did not remain isolated in the past, but instead supported your career trajectory. It helps to demonstrate, for example:

• Activities, projects, or publications that followed from that achievement.
• Later awards or recognitions linked to it.
• Citations or lasting influence of the work within your field.
• Continued high-profile activity in your field up to the present.

Gather records, certificates, and any form of recognition that documents this continuity of impact. A body of evidence connecting the past to the present carries more weight than a single isolated accomplishment.

Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing the current criteria with USCIS or with a specialist to understand how your achievements fit within the full picture of your application.

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.