I organized a large-scale hackathon. Does it count as a ‘leading role’?

Organizing a large-scale hackathon can indeed help demonstrate a leading or critical role in an EB-1 petition, but it is not an automatic qualification. What matters most is how central you were to the conception and execution of the event and how much recognized relevance it had in your field.

The EB-1 is designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability and recognition in their area. A leading role is typically assessed by the level of responsibility you held and the importance of the organization or project, not merely by the scale of the event itself.

For the hackathon to count in your favor, gather documentation showing your specific role and the event’s impact, for example:

• A description of your role in the organization and its key decisions.
• Media coverage, mentions, or industry recognition of the event.
• Testimonials from relevant experts or partners.

Keep in mind that no single achievement determines the outcome: the EB-1 is evaluated as a whole, on a case-by-case basis. It is worth checking the updated requirements on the USCIS website and reviewing your profile with a specialist before filing.

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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.