Do open-source projects I created, with millions of downloads, count as ‘commercial success’?

Open-source projects with millions of downloads are a strong signal of influence and adoption, but that is not exactly what tends to be read as ‘commercial success’ in an EB-1 petition. That term generally refers to direct commercial impact, something that free projects, by nature, do not always generate.

This does not diminish the value of your work; it simply shifts the angle through which it is best presented. A large volume of adoption typically carries more weight as evidence of meaningful contribution and recognition in the field. It helps to show:

• How the project influenced other tools, companies, or technologies.
• Academic citations, press coverage, or mentions by experts.
• Testimonials from professionals and organizations that adopted your work.
• The active community that formed around the project.

Rather than forcing the framing of commercial success, it is usually more compelling to demonstrate the breadth of your influence in the industry. Reach becomes a strong argument when accompanied by context about the real impact generated.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the latest USCIS guidance and, if possible, working with a specialist to determine the best way to position this contribution.

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.