EB1 Green Card – National Awards

Video Transcript – EB1 Green Card – National Awards

Welcome to our EB-1 Green Card Video Presentation Series.
In this session, we’ll explore the EB-1 Green Card category for “National Award Winners.”

The official wording for this category is:

(i) Documentation of the alien’s receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.

The term “lesser” simply distinguishes these awards from the more prominent “Major Internationally Recognized Awards,” such as an Oscar or Nobel Prize. In practice, determining whether an award is “major” or “lesser” can be subjective, so it’s often strategic to focus on building a strong case across at least three qualifying categories. Even if an award is classified as “lesser,” it can still help satisfy this criterion when supported by robust evidence.

Some of our clients have shared that other attorneys dismissed their chances of securing an EB-1 Green Card. Yet, through diligent work with us, they succeeded. The key to winning EB-1 cases lies in hard work, thorough preparation, and confidence. U.S. Immigration sets a high bar for these Green Cards, but with determination and meticulous evidence, they’re achievable.
Many professionals earn some form of award during their careers. By carefully evaluating how prestigious and widely recognized the award is, we can determine whether it meets the EB-1 requirements as a national or even international accolade.

For this category, the award must go beyond internal recognition, such as a company staff award or a university-specific honor. It should involve national or international competition, where the recipient is distinguished from peers across the field. In some cases, an award that appears to be national might have international significance, which can further enhance your case.

To evaluate your award, gather as much information as possible—online sources often suffice initially—and provide an outline of the award’s significance. This will help us quickly assess its potential to meet EB-1 standards.

For EB-1 Green Card consideration, the award can pertain to anything within your profession, whether it’s a Gold Medal in sports, a media accolade, or recognition in medicine. The key is that the award demonstrates your excellence in your field. This removes any guesswork for immigration officers. If a respected organization has judged you as the best, that’s powerful evidence for U.S. Immigration.

Winning first place in a competition is typically the strongest and most compelling evidence for this category, and would definitely put you in EB-1 Green Card contention. Awards with various categories can also qualify, including age-based distinctions such as “Best Under 30” or “Top Performer Under 21,” as long as the award carries national recognition. We have successfully represented clients whose age-category wins helped satisfy this requirement and have been awarded EB-1 Green Card status.

While being nominated for an award is commendable, it is not the same as winning. However, nominations for major internationally recognized awards can still contribute to your case, particularly if they generated significant media coverage. The press and publicity garnered from a nomination could potentially satisfy the EB-1 Green Card criterion for “Media Attention.” A nomination can also serve as supplementary evidence of your position at the top of your profession.

Building a strong EB-1 case often feels like uncovering hidden treasure. Professionals with long, distinguished careers frequently overlook awards and recognitions from earlier in their journey. Take time to revisit your professional history—there may be accolades that could bolster your case.

We hope you’ve found this deep dive into the “National Award” category helpful. In our next presentation, we’ll discuss the “Invited Membership” category.

Remember, meeting at least three categories could make you eligible for this prestigious immigration pathway. Check out the full list of EB-1 Green Card categories below and see if your achievements align. Good luck.

Checkout these EB1 green card categories below. If you can satisfy three categories, then you may just qualify for your green card. Good luck.

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted