I have a 4.9 rating on Google or Yelp as a freelancer. Does it count for EB-1?

A 4.9 rating on Google or Yelp is great news about your clients’ satisfaction and the quality of your work as a freelancer. Even so, for the EB-1, which requires demonstrated extraordinary ability and high-level recognition in your field, that score alone rarely sustains a petition.

The reason lies in the type of recognition the visa looks for. Client reviews speak to your local and commercial reputation, while the EB-1 seeks signals that your work stands out among experts and peers in your field. A strong rating can serve as a supporting detail, not as the backbone of the case.

• Awards or distinctions recognized within your field.
• Coverage in specialized media and participation in relevant events.
• Letters from authorities attesting to your influence in the sector.

Because each petition is reviewed individually and as a whole, the ideal approach is to build a robust portfolio in which your online reputation is just one layer among many. To understand what carries the most weight, consult the official USCIS guidelines or have your profile evaluated by a specialist.

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.