Does receiving an invitation to judge a local music competition count as ‘participation as a judge’?

Yes, receiving an invitation to judge a competition can qualify under the ‘participation as a judge’ criterion of the EB-1, which recognizes the role of evaluating the work of other professionals in your field. The key is not the invitation itself, but the weight it carries within the overall body of evidence.

A local music competition can be cited, but it typically carries less weight than participation as a judge in widely recognized events. What makes the difference is being able to demonstrate, through documentation, the relevance of the event, the reason you were selected, and the scope of your role.

• Keep the formal invitation and any materials describing the competition and its criteria.
• Gather elements that show the reputation of the event and the judging panel.
• Connect the activity to your track record of recognition in your field.

Keep in mind that serving as a judge is just one of several possible criteria, and the petition is evaluated individually, taking the full profile into account. To understand how each piece of evidence is weighed, review the official guidance from USCIS or discuss your case with a qualified specialist.

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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.