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I won 2 hackathon awards and was invited to judge another. Are these 2 separate criteria?

Winning awards and being invited to judge events are distinct criteria that demonstrate extraordinary ability in the EB-1 visa process.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on December 15, 2025
1 min read
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The EB-1 visa is intended for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or sports through evidence recognized nationally or internationally, like awards and invitations to serve as a judge in competitions.

Winning two hackathon awards proves a high level of recognition in the field, and the invitation to judge another event highlights your authority and expertise.

These are two distinct criteria in the process: recognition for achievements and recognition as an authority. Each piece of evidence must be presented with clear documentation proving its relevance and prestige, considering factors such as the visibility of the events.

It is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and seek reliable professional support, as each case is unique and requires a detailed evaluation to prove extraordinary ability under the EB-1 category.

Learn more about EB-1 Visa

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

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I won 2 hackathon awards and was invited to judge another. Are these 2 separate criteria?

Winning awards and being invited to judge events are distinct criteria that demonstrate extraordinary ability in the EB-1 visa process.

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