Does judging projects at hackathons count as ‘judge of work’ in the EB-1?

It can, yes. One of the types of evidence the EB-1 considers is having served as a judge or evaluator of other professionals’ work, and evaluating projects at hackathons can fit that role, as long as the function is well described and connected to your area of expertise.

The key point is demonstrating that you actually exercised qualified judgment, not just casual participation. It helps to clarify what you evaluated, by what criteria, and at which event, showing that you were invited because you are recognized as an expert in your field.

• Invitation letters or emails to serve on the judging panel.
• Certificates or an official description of your role.
• Event materials that confirm your participation as an evaluator.

As always, this evidence is weighed as part of the overall portfolio, and each case is assessed individually by immigration authorities. It is worth reviewing the current criteria and organizing your documentation with the support of a specialist before filing.

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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.