Can I include volunteer lectures in underserved communities?

Yes, you can include volunteer lectures in underserved communities in your EB-1 portfolio. Unpaid activities also count, as long as they help demonstrate recognition and the relevance of your work in the field.

What makes a volunteer lecture carry weight is not the fact that it was unpaid, but the impact it demonstrates. Thorough documentation of the contribution helps considerably, with items such as:

• Formal invitations or records confirming the invitation and the event took place.
• Testimonials, event materials, or mentions in recognized outlets.
• Elements that show reach, resonance, or recognition of the activity.

That said, volunteer activities alone rarely sustain an EB-1 petition on their own. They work best as part of a broader narrative, alongside publications, awards, and recognized contributions, reinforcing your commitment and leadership.

To select and contextualize each piece of evidence, review the official guidance from USCIS or assess your full case with 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.