Can I cite hackathon awards sponsored by IBM and Google in an EB-1 petition?

Yes, awards from hackathons sponsored by recognized companies such as IBM and Google can be cited in your EB-1 petition. What matters is demonstrating that the award was granted by a reputable organization and that it consistently reflects your level of skill and contribution in your field.

A single award rarely sustains a case on its own. Officers evaluate the quality and weight of the overall body of evidence, not just the sponsor’s name. For that reason, these recognitions work best when integrated into a broader narrative.

• Provide context for the hackathon’s relevance and selectivity in your field.
• Combine it with publications, expert letters, and other recognitions.
• Show the impact of the result, not just the achievement itself.

Each case is evaluated individually, so it is worth building a coherent dossier and verifying updated requirements with an official source or a specialist before filing. This guidance is informational and does not replace personalized legal advice.

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Victoria Harper

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.