Can I prove impact with downloads of software I created?

Yes. In the EB-1, download numbers for software you created can help demonstrate the impact of your work, as long as they are presented in context and supported by other evidence. This visa targets individuals who show outstanding recognition in their field, so what matters is not the isolated figure, but what it reveals about the influence of your contribution.

To strengthen this evidence, document the software’s adoption through verifiable sources and show what it means within your field. Some useful approaches:

• Usage statistics from reliable and auditable sources, not just an internal dashboard.
• Adoption by a broad user base or integration of your software into other products.
• Citations, articles, or industry references that mention your work.
• Testimonials and letters from experts explaining why that level of use is significant.

Immigration officers evaluate the full body of evidence and the context of each achievement on a case-by-case basis. For that reason, it is worth combining download figures with publications, awards, or partnerships that reinforce the importance of your contributions, and verifying updated requirements with a specialist before assembling the petition.

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.