I cited 2 awards and 2 judging roles. Does that count as 4 criteria for EB-1?

Not quite. In the EB-1, the criteria for extraordinary ability are distinct categories of evidence, and the number of items within a category does not multiply into multiple criteria. Having two awards strengthens one category (awards), and serving as a reviewer of others’ work strengthens another (judging), so that points to two categories, not four criteria.

Each criterion is established independently, and what matters is the quality of each piece of evidence within its category. For example:

• The awards need to carry recognized prestige in your field.
• Your judging activity should demonstrate that you were called upon to evaluate the work of high-level peers.

Accumulating multiple items within the same category helps strengthen that category, but it does not increase the number of criteria met. The EB-1 requires satisfying a distinct set of criteria evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so it is worth checking which criteria apply to your profile on the USCIS website and organizing your evidence with a 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.