Can I combine awards and judge roles under the same criterion?

The EB-1 visa requires the applicant to demonstrate, through robust evidence, extraordinary ability in their field of expertise. Among the various criteria for qualifying under this category are significant awards and participation as a judge or evaluator of other professionals’ work.

First and foremost, it is essential to emphasize the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and being cautious of offers that promise guaranteed results. Seeking information from reliable sources and consulting specialized professionals can help avoid pitfalls and scams.

Regarding your question – whether it is possible to combine awards and acting as a judge to fulfill the same criterion – it is important to clarify some points. Generally, the EB-1 requires proving extraordinary ability through evidence belonging to different categories. For example, if you have relevant awards and, simultaneously, have acted as a judge for work in your area, each of these elements can be used to meet different criteria defined by the USCIS.

However, the combination of information must demonstrate distinct facts that support the specific requirements of each criterion. This means that it is neither advisable nor permitted to ‘double count’ the same achievement or experience under two different categories to gain double advantages.

In summary, if the awards received are the result of your exceptional performance and, independently, you have also acted as a judge evaluating other professionals’ work, each piece of evidence can, in principle, be considered autonomously to satisfy the EB-1 requirements. However, it is important to present clear and robust documentation, organized so that each evidence supports a specific criterion without unnecessary overlaps.

Always remember the importance of following current immigration rules, avoiding offers that promise immediate results, and seeking information from trusted sources. This caution will help structure your petition in an organized way, increasing the chances that your documentation will be well received by United States immigration authorities.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.