I volunteered as a speaker at NGOs. That is not judge, right?

When we think about pathways to obtaining visas like the EB-1 in the United States, it is important to consider the different types of activities that can make up your portfolio of achievements. The EB-1A, for example, is aimed at people with extraordinary abilities, and some criteria involve activities of evaluating or judging the work of other professionals.

For this reason, the definition of ‘judge’ in these cases has a specific meaning. In the context of this visa, the activity of ‘judge’ refers to performing evaluation or review functions, which involve judging the work, projects, or contributions of other individuals in your field. Usually, this happens when a professional is invited to serve as a member of an evaluating panel, reviewer, or jury in specialized competitions or conferences.

From what you described – having volunteered as a speaker at NGOs – this activity does not constitute the typical function of a ‘judge’. In this case, you shared your knowledge and experience with the audience and collaborated with the institution, but you did not perform the function of evaluating or judging the work of other professionals.

It is always essential to remember the importance of strictly following the United States immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources. Consulting specialists in the area can help understand exactly how your activities fit the criteria of different visas, avoiding miraculous promises from marketing campaigns that guarantee results without a detailed case analysis.

Maintaining focus on transparency and fact-checking is essential to build a safe and well-founded process. Make sure all experiences and contributions are documented and proven, following the established rules, which can make a big difference in the context of a successful immigration application.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.