I volunteer as a peer reviewer. Do I need to formalize that?

Serving as a peer reviewer is, in itself, the kind of contribution that EB-1 petitions typically value, because it signals that others trust your judgment to evaluate their work. There is no mandatory formalization that turns this volunteer role into a checked box; what matters is being able to demonstrate clearly that you carried out that function.

Rather than signing a contract, focus on gathering records that document the activity and show its scope. The more concrete and verifiable, the stronger the case.

• Invitations or emails from the journal or conference requesting your review.
• Letters or certificates from the organization confirming your involvement and the period covered.
• Indication of the type of material reviewed and the standing of the publication in your field.

Because each petition is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the latest USCIS guidance and speaking with the organization about obtaining those supporting documents, in line with its internal processes.

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.