I was invited to judge 2 competitions, but both are regional. Does that help with EB-1?

Being invited to judge the work of others in your field is precisely one of the types of evidence that appears in EB-1 extraordinary ability cases. Even if the competitions are regional, the invitation shows that institutions trust your judgment as a reference in your area, and that can be included in your petition file.

The regional scope does not invalidate the evidence, but it tends to carry less weight than participation at the national or international level. The key point is not simply the number of invitations, but what they demonstrate: that you were recognized as someone qualified to evaluate the merit of your peers. Describing the context of each invitation clearly, what was judged, and the criteria by which you were selected helps strengthen the overall record.

To make the most of this experience, consider gathering:

• The formal invitation or appointment to serve as a judge or reviewer.
• A description of the competition and your specific role in the evaluation.
• Evidence that your selection was based on your reputation in the field.

Each invitation on its own carries limited weight, but it adds to the other types of evidence to build the overall picture, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the authorities. To understand how these elements fit together, it is worth consulting the updated requirements on the USCIS website and reviewing your strategy with a specialist.

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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.