Graduate student conferences I judged. Does it count?

Yes, serving as a judge or reviewer at graduate student conferences can count in an EB-1 application. This activity is typically read as evidence that you evaluate the work of other professionals, which helps demonstrate recognition in your field.

For this experience to carry weight, a few points tend to matter:

• The conference should have academic rigor and be recognized in your field.
• The invitation to judge should have come precisely because of your expertise.
• Your participation should have added value to the evaluation of the work presented.

It is also worth gathering documentation that proves your role, such as invitation letters, certificates, or event records. A single appearance at a minor event tends to carry less weight than consistent participation in recognized conferences.

Since each case is assessed individually, it is worth checking the updated USCIS guidelines and, if possible, discussing with a specialist how to frame this experience in your application.

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.