Does editing a Q1 scientific journal count as ‘judging’ in the EB-1?

Yes. Serving as an editor or reviewer for a Q1 scientific journal is generally accepted as evidence of the ‘judging’ criterion in the EB-1, meaning the evaluation of the work of other experts in your field.

The reasoning is that Q1 journals carry high impact and apply rigorous editorial standards, so being invited to assess submissions signals that your peers recognize your technical expertise. Keep thorough records of this role: invitations, correspondence from the editor-in-chief, activity logs on the journal’s platform, and the list of manuscripts you reviewed.

Even so, performing this function alone does not guarantee approval. The adjudicating authority weighs the full body of evidence and the consistency of all documentation, and a single criterion rarely sustains an entire petition.

It is worth confirming the current criteria with the USCIS and reviewing your evidence portfolio with a specialist before filing.

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.