Can I cite volunteer work as a ‘leading role’?

Yes, volunteer work can be cited as a ‘leading role’ (papel de liderança) in the EB-1, provided you held a position of genuine distinction. The fact that the work was unpaid does not disqualify the leadership.

What gives this evidence weight is the substance of the role, not the title. It helps considerably to have served as a coordinator, director, or in a position that involved strategic decisions, and to demonstrate how that influenced the organization or project.

To support this argument, look to document:

• Your role and the leadership responsibilities you exercised.
• The concrete impact of your contribution on the initiative’s outcomes.
• The recognition and relevance of the organization or project in the field.

Because every case has its own particularities, it is worth verifying updated requirements with the USCIS and gathering robust evidence with the support of a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.