I have been a regular reviewer for a Q1 journal for 3 years. Does that help with EB-1B?

It helps, but it is rarely enough on its own. In the EB-1B, serving as a regular reviewer for a top-tier journal speaks directly to one of the recognized criteria: judging the work of others in your field. Being repeatedly invited by a Q1 journal signals that peers regard you as a trusted authority.

The key point is that EB-1B is not decided by any single criterion. The category is reserved for researchers and scholars of international standing, and the assessment is holistic: it looks at your overall trajectory, not at any one item in isolation, no matter how strong.

• High-impact publications and the degree to which your work is cited by others.
• Awards and distinctions that are recognized in your research field.
• Original contributions that have influenced the direction of the field.
• Leadership roles, invited talks, and other markers of recognition.

Treat peer review as a strong piece of a larger dossier, not as its foundation. On its own it demonstrates that peers recognize your expertise, but it needs to be accompanied by evidence that together paints a picture of sustained excellence.

Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth verifying the current requirements with USCIS and building your evidence strategy with a specialist before filing.

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.