How many citations do I need for EB1A?

There is no fixed number. USCIS looks at the 'quality' of citations relative to your field. However, being in the top 1% or 10% of your field is a strong indicator.

What qualifies as a major award?

A major internationally recognized award is something on the level of a Nobel Prize, Oscar, or Olympic Medal. Most applicants rely on lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes.

Do I need a job offer for EB1A?

No. EB1A is one of the few Green Card categories that allows you to self-petition. You do not need an employer sponsor.

How long does EB-1A processing take?

Regular processing takes 6-12 months. With Premium Processing ($2,805), USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days.

Can I apply for EB-1A while on H-1B visa?

Yes, you can apply for EB-1A while maintaining H-1B status. EB-1A allows dual intent, so filing won't affect your current visa status.

Criterion 1 of 10

View Evidence Checklist

Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes

Have you received any awards for excellence in your field? Not all awards count—prestige matters.

Difficulty

Hard

Common for

Researchers, Artists

Key Insight

Only nationally/internationally recognized awards count

Evidence Strength Examples

USCIS evaluates the strength of your evidence. Here's what they look for:

High Evidence Strength

Strong evidence that clearly demonstrates extraordinary ability

Top-tier international prizes (Nobel, Pulitzer), major national awards (e.g., National Medal of Technology), or top industry accolades (e.g., Academy Award, IEEE Fellow).

Medium Evidence Strength

Moderate evidence that may need additional documentation

Regional industry awards, 'Best Paper' at minor conferences, or nationally recognized achievements in smaller countries.

Low Evidence Strength

Weak evidence that typically doesn't meet USCIS standards

Student awards, scholarships, internal company 'Employee of the Month', or local community awards.

How to Document This Criterion

Evidence to Collect

Types of documentation USCIS looks for

Award certificate or official documentation
Description of award criteria and selection process
Statistics showing number of applicants vs. recipients
Information about the granting organization's prestige
Media coverage of the award ceremony or announcement

Pro Tips

Expert advice for stronger documentation

💡Focus on awards with competitive selection—avoid participation awards
💡Include documentation showing the award recognizes excellence, not just attendance
💡Get letters from the awarding organization explaining significance
💡Emphasize national/international scope over local recognition

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

Use our free calculator to evaluate all 10 criteria and get your EB-1A score.

All EB-1A Criteria

1. Awards 2. Membership 3. Media Coverage 4. Judging 5. Contributions 6. Scholarly Articles 7. Exhibitions 8. Leading Role 9. High Salary 10. Commercial Success