Can I rely on awards from online competitions (hackathons, game jams)?

They can count, but as part of a broader body of evidence. In the EB-1, awards from online competitions such as hackathons and game jams help build your portfolio, as long as they are read within the overall context of your career and your recognition in the field.

The extraordinary ability category values consistent signals of national or international distinction. An online award tends to carry more weight when you demonstrate the relevance of the competition, the caliber of participants, and what the achievement represents in your field, rather than presenting it in isolation.

• Provide context for the award: who organizes it, who competes, and why it matters.
• Combine it with other evidence, such as expert letters and records of impact.
• Treat these awards as supporting elements, not the backbone of your case.

If you plan to use these accomplishments, build a dossier that supports them on multiple fronts. Since each case is evaluated individually, verify the current criteria on the USCIS website or with a specialist to understand the weight of this evidence.

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.