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Criteria for EB1 Prizes or Awards with National or International Significance

Hi William,

As a researcher at a U.S. national research lab, I am preparing my Green Card application in the EB1 category. I am considering to claim the "prizes or awards" criterion, but not sure the if my awards, mostly graduate/post-doc level awards, can be considered by USCIS officers for national or international significance. Do you know what are the criteria used by USCIS for this issue?

Answer,

To determine whether the alien applicant has received lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor, some of the evidence you may submit to demonstrate that the award is a major, internationally recognized award includes:
  • The criteria used to grant the award;
  • The national or international significance of the awards or prizes in the field;
  • The reputation of the organization or the panel granting the award;
  • Previous winners of the award who enjoyed international acclaim at the time of receiving the award;
  • The award attracts competition from internationally recognized individuals in the field;
  • The number of awardees or prize recipients as well as any limitations on competitors. An award limited to competitors from a single institution, for example, may have little national or international significance
If you have received venture capital funding or have been awarded a grant, you may submit evidence of the funding or grant awarded, including the amount of the funding or grant and the criteria used in awarding the funding or grant. Evidence of other investments, such as those from an accredited angel investor, may also be submitted.





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