Can I use the same evidence for ‘contribution original’ and ‘leading role’?

Yes, a single piece of evidence can, in theory, support both original contribution and leading role in an EB-1 petition. That said, the recommended approach is to present specific evidence for each criterion, since they measure different things.

Original contribution is about the impact and originality of what you have produced in your field. Leading role is about the central position you held in projects, teams, or organizations. A single document rarely demonstrates both with equal force.

• For original contribution: articles, patents, and letters explaining the impact of your work and how it was adopted by others.
• For leading role: documents showing your prominent position, such as reports, organizational charts, testimonials, and mentions in industry publications.

Because the review considers the full body of evidence, separating the criteria typically strengthens the case. It is worth confirming the latest guidance at USCIS or with a specialist to tailor the strategy to your profile.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.