I co-authored an ISO standard: does that count as an ‘original contribution’ for EB-1?

In the EB-1 category, co-authoring an ISO standard can indeed be treated as an ‘original contribution’. Authorship alone does not close the argument: what the category evaluates is whether your participation carried real weight and whether the standard generated recognized impact in your field.

In other words, you need to show that you contributed in a substantial way to the development or application of the standard, and that it brought practical or theoretical advances to the industry. An original contribution is measured by impact, not merely by the existence of the document.

Evidence that typically supports this point:

• Documents establishing the recognition and adoption of the standard within the industry.
• A clear description of your specific role in its development.
• Expert citations and letters from influential professionals in your field.

Because each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authority, and the way impact is measured varies by field, it is worth organizing everything carefully and verifying the current requirements 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.