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I received 3 invitations to serve on master’s and doctoral thesis committees. Does that count as ‘judge’?

Serving on master's and doctoral thesis committees can count as 'judge' in the EB-1, but what matters is not the number of invitations; it is the prestige of the institutions and your role in the evaluation. See how to document this.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 20, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, serving on master’s and doctoral thesis committees can contribute to the ‘judge’ criterion of the EB-1, which covers evaluating the work of other professionals. The invitations you received can be a positive indicator, but what supports this point is not the number of invitations; it is what they demonstrate about the recognition of your expertise.

For this activity to carry weight in the analysis, it is typically important to document the context around it, such as:

  • The prestige of the institutions that invited you.
  • Your effective role in the evaluation, showing critical and recognized judgment.
  • Records that confirm your participation (official invitations, minutes, communications).

Simple participation alone is unlikely to close the criterion: it carries more weight when it is part of a broader set of evidence that reinforces your track record and impact in your field. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the current requirements and organizing your documentation with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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I received 3 invitations to serve on master’s and doctoral thesis committees. Does that count as ‘judge’?

Serving on master's and doctoral thesis committees can count as 'judge' in the EB-1, but what matters is not the number of invitations; it is the prestige of the institutions and your role in the evaluation. See how to document this.

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