I won 2 hackathon awards and was invited to judge another. Does that already count as two criteria?

Hackathon awards and an invitation to judge another event do point to different types of evidence that EB-1 recognizes: prize-winning achievements and service as an evaluator of others’ work. Even so, it is not automatic to say you have already ‘closed two criteria’ just because you have those items.

Each category of evidence is analyzed by its quality and scope, not merely by its existence. An award carries weight according to the prestige of the granting body and the competitiveness of the selection; an invitation to judge carries weight according to the formality of the role and the relevance of the event. Items with limited reach may count as supporting evidence without sustaining a category on their own.

It is worth noting that gathering evidence across different categories is only the first step. After that, the full record undergoes a final merits evaluation, which examines whether the overall picture demonstrates sustained distinction in your field. Counting items, therefore, does not replace an analysis of the strength of each one.

• Awards and judging roles are distinct types of evidence, but each has a quality standard.
• Document the prestige, competitiveness, and reach of each achievement.
• Meeting categories is the beginning; the final evaluation looks at the whole picture.

Because the assessment is made on a case-by-case basis by the competent authority, it is worth reviewing the updated criteria at the official source (USCIS) and evaluating your profile with a specialist before filing.

About the author

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.