Can pro bono projects count as impact?

Yes, pro bono projects can count as impact in an EB-1 petition. What matters is not whether the work was paid, but the relevance of the contribution to your field. A substantial voluntary effort can be just as significant as a commercial project.

The decisive factor is being able to demonstrate the magnitude and reach of that contribution. It tends to help when the pro bono project:

• Generated concrete changes or widely recognized improvements in the field.
• Achieved broad reach or influenced industry practices.
• Is documented with letters, publications, awards, or press coverage.

Without that documentation, even a strong project tends to carry little weight, because there is no context to measure its relevance. The greater effort, therefore, lies in organizing evidence that shows the real reach of the initiative, not merely that it existed.

Since each case is assessed individually, it is worth checking the latest USCIS guidance and, if possible, consulting a specialist on how to frame these projects within your 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.