To qualify for the EB-1A Green Card, you will need to prove that you are one of the small percentage of people who have risen to the very top of your field. To prove that you qualify for the Eb-1A green card, you will have to submit evidence showing that you have sustained national or international acclaim and that your achievements have been recognized in your field of expertise. The evidence can be either:
- A one-time achievement – this is a major, internationally recognized award, or
- At least three of these 10 criteria. One of the 10 criteria is “evidence that you received a lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.”
Our clients often ask us: what is the difference between the one-time achievement (a major internationally recognized award) and nationally or internationally recognized prizes and awards?
- One-time achievement — a major, internationally recognized award (e.g. a Nobel Prize or Olympic Medal)
USCIS will look at the following factors when deciding whether or not you meet this criterion:
- Is the award internationally recognized as one of the top awards for the field?
- What are the criteria to grant this award?
- What is the significance of the award in the field?
- What is the reputation of the organization/panel granting this award?
- Who are the previous winners of this award?
- How many people competed for this award? How many recipients are there?
- Does the award attract competition from internationally recognized individuals in the field?
- What documents did you submit to prove how the prize/award relates to excellence in your field?
- What documents did you submit to prove that the award/prize relates to your fiend of expertise?
- Was the receipt of the award reported in the media? You should submit evidence showing that the receipt of the award was covered by major media outlets.
To meet this criterion, you will also have to submit a copy or photograph of the award or if not available, you can submit a letter from the organization that issued the award conforming the receipt of the award.
- Nationally or internationally recognized prizes and awards
USCIS will look at the following factors when deciding whether or not you meet this criterion:
- What are the criteria used to grant the award?
- Is there any geographic scope from which candidates may apply?
- What is the national or international significance of the award/prize? Please note that if the award/prize was only local/regional, the criterion will not be met.
- How many prizes/awards are awarded each year?
- Who are the previous winners of the award?
- What is the reputation of the organization or panel that granted the award/prize?
- Did you submit media reports about the award?
To meet this criterion, you will also have to submit a copy or photograph of the award or if not available, you can submit a letter from the organization that issued the award conforming the receipt of the award.
Please click here and here if you want to read more about EB-1A visa.
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