Fast Track Your Green Card: A Roadmap to Mastering the EB1A Awards Criteria
In this blog post, we will discuss the first criterion of EB1A, which is the – “EB1A awards criteria” or “Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.”
Let’s delve into the USCIS requirements for meeting the EB1A awards criteria, including the most recent updates from the USCIS policy manual.
What Do You Mean by Awards?
Many people believe they need a Nobel Prize or Grammy Award to satisfy the EB1A awards criteria. However, in reality, you don’t need such very high-standard awards or any other one-time achievement award.
To meet the EB1A awards criteria, you should have received lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards in your field of expertise.
Here are a few examples of lesser-known awards for EB1A, including the Indian Achievers Award, Best Scientifical Research Paper Award, Young Researcher Award, Times Achievers Award, etc.
Evaluation of EB1A Awards Criteria
USCIS considers two factors in determining the EB1A awards criteria, as outlined in recent updates to the USCIS Policy Manual:
Firstly, they assess whether you have received any awards or prizes. USCIS specifically emphasizes that the focus should be on awards received by you, rather than those received by your employer or organization.
Secondly, USCIS examines whether the awards or prizes you received hold lesser national or international significance, and if they were conferred upon you based on your outstanding achievements in your field.
Evidence of EB1A Awards Criteria
To meet this EB1A criterion, USCIS assesses whether you have received nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for your excellence in your field. Additionally, they examine the authenticity of the awards.
Here are a few examples of evidence to satisfy EB1A awards criteria:
- Details about the reputation of the judging panel and the organization that granted the award, highlighting their distinctions.
- Information about the applicants for the award and their geographic locations.
- Document copies or photos confirming your receipt of the award.
- Information regarding the criteria used to judge the award.
- Press coverage describing the awards or prizes.
- Details about past awardees, the number of awards given, and the number of years the awards have been given.
- Proof of funding received from distinguished venture capitalists or angel investors.
- Evidence of the number of individuals who competed for the award.
USCIS Policy Manual Updates on EB1A Awards Criteria
The recent updates to the USCIS policy manual offer several considerations for evaluating EB1A awards criteria:
1. USCIS determines whether the awards or prizes received are based on outstanding achievements in your field, considering several factors, including but not limited to:
- Criteria or standards employed for granting the award.
- Significance and relevance of the award to the field.
- Number of awards granted.
- Limitations on who can compete.
2. Early professionals: While limitations on competitors are a factor considered by USCIS, they determine whether the prize received is of national or international significance rather than considering whether the award is open to experienced professionals in the field.
Therefore, if the award is specifically given to early professionals but demonstrates national or international significance in the field, it is still considered as evidence by USCIS.
3. School awards: School awards, such as grants, fellowships, and scholarships obtained within your specific school or university, do not meet the criteria for EB1A awards. However, including them in the final merits determination phase might be beneficial.
In contrast, certain school awards that are open to reputable universities nationwide are considered nationally significant and fulfill the lesser-known award criterion.
Are Team Awards Eligible for EB1A Awards Criteria?
Team awards hold less significance to USCIS. If you are submitting team awards, you should provide evidence of your role in the team’s success.
However, team awards can still be used as evidence to meet the critical role criteria for EB1A.
Do Nominations for Awards Meet the EB1A Awards Criteria?
If you are nominated for or receive 2nd or 3rd place in competitions, it may be considered an award only if it is a significant national or international award that is widely recognized and prestigious in your field.
Conclusion
To meet the EB1A awards criteria, first, understand the types of awards for which you can submit evidence under this criterion.
Second, gather robust evidence demonstrating that you have received a nationally or internationally recognized award based on your excellence in your field.
In the Smart Green Card program, we assist you in meeting the EB1A awards criteria by recommending internationally or nationally recognized award opportunities in your field based on your eligibility, for which you can apply.
Additionally, SGC helps you in gathering compelling evidence to satisfy the lesser-known award criteria.
At SGC, we not only help you fulfill a minimum of 6 EB1A criteria but also ensure that you meet the final merits determination phase for an EB1A victory.
At Smart Green Card, we have assisted numerous individuals in gathering strong evidence to meet the EB1A criteria.
So, skip the guesswork and explore the Smart Green Card program for effective EB1A profile building, enabling you to obtain your EB1A green card within a reasonable time frame.
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