Receipt Of Lesser Nationally Or Internationally Recognized Prizes
I. RECEIPT OF LESSER NATIONALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PRIZES OR AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
There is no exact indication from USCIS as to what is a lesser nationally or internationally recognized prize or award for excellence. But throughout the years, there have been many cases that can be of guidance.
A. The Requirement For The Awards
The required prize or award should be just below a major nationally or a major internationally recognized prize or award. In recent Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) cases, the necessary requirement for the award is that it must be nationally recognized as prestigious and that the most experienced experts in the field aspire to win it. In re Petitioner LIN-02-282-52045 (AAO). In that case, the AAO noted that the particular student prize was not open to all experts and so the award was not recognized as a lesser nationally recognized award.
In another case, AAO ruled that a competitive award by itself is not enough. In re Petitioner WAC-02-169-50172 (AAO), the AAO ruled that winning a prestigious national award in physics is not equal to winning a lesser national award.
AAO recognized a lesser international award as being the annual Henry M. Goldman International Award for Excellence in Research issued by the Italian Society of Periodontitis. The AAO reviewed the award selection process and found the award to be sufficient. In re Petitioner WAC-01-2510-52838 (AAO).
B. Group Efforts Are Given Less Consideration
A less nationally or internationally recognized award for a group of people is discounted. This is because USCIS does not know which person has done what. This can be overcome however, with the right evidence.
C. Non-Recognized Awards
Academic scholarships, fellowships and grants are usually not recognized by USCIS as being significant prizes or awards. In re Petitioner, WAC-98-152-51452 (AAO). Also, an award merely containing individuals from more than one country does not automatically qualify it as an internationally recognized award.
D. Conclusion
Award submitted for an alien with extraordinary ability must be a prestigious national or international award. The alien must also submit evidence of its significance, and whether it is nationally or internationally recognized.