I have invitations to program committees at renowned conferences. Does that count as judge for the EB-1?

Yes, in most cases this aligns closely with the judge criterion in the EB-1. Being invited to a program committee at a renowned conference typically means you will review, evaluate, and provide opinions on the work of other professionals, which is exactly the role of judging the work of others recognized under this visa category.

The exact classification may vary depending on the context and how the evidence is presented, but the invitation itself already signals that peers recognize your authority in the field. What strengthens the case is demonstrating the activity, not merely mentioning it.

• Keep the official invitations and the description of your role on the committee.
• Show the prestige and reach of the conference in your field.
• Gather evidence of the review or evaluation work you carried out.

Since each case is read individually, it is worth checking the updated USCIS guidance and evaluating with a specialist how this invitation fits within your overall profile.

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Victoria Harper

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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.