I am Editor-in-Chief of a student journal. Does that count as ‘judge’ under EB-1?

The role of Editor-in-Chief of a student journal demonstrates editorial leadership and competence, but on its own it does not typically fit the criterion of serving as a ‘judge’ (evaluator) within the EB-1.

In the EB-1 for extraordinary ability, this criterion generally refers to officially and recognizably evaluating the work of others in your field, for example as a peer reviewer, dissertation committee member, or juror for awards or publications in the discipline.

• Leading an editorial team and reviewing content is a management function, distinct from judging the work of peers.
• The criterion carries more weight when the evaluation was invited by a venue or event with recognized standing in the field.
• The student journal may serve as context, but it is unlikely to sustain this criterion on its own.

Because the reading of each criterion varies case by case, it is worth reviewing the USCIS updated guidance and consulting a specialist to determine which evidence best supports each point.

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.