Judge in hackathon and reviewer of 1 conference. Are these enough to be a ‘judge’?

The EB-1 visa is aimed at professionals who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their fields and, therefore, has strict criteria to demonstrate such excellence.

In terms of being a ‘judge’ (evaluator or reviewer) for these categories, it is important to assess the weight and relevance of the experiences presented. When you mention having served as a judge in a hackathon and as a reviewer at a conference, these experiences may be considered evidence of your relevance in the field, but they are generally not sufficient on their own to meet the ‘judge’ standard required for an EB-1.

Typically, it is expected that the applicant has participated in several prestigious events or held roles that demonstrate consistent and outstanding recognition throughout their career. In other words, the authority and impact you exert in your field are evaluated holistically, and having only a single experience as a reviewer, for example, may not demonstrate an extraordinary level of excellence.

Moreover, it is essential to gather other evidence that attests to your contribution and prominence in the field. This may include publications, awards, participation in international panels, leadership roles in relevant organizations, and other activities that reinforce the fact that your performance is among the best worldwide.

Each case is unique, and the combination of different elements will form the set of evidence to be presented to immigration authorities. Finally, we always recommend paying attention to official guidelines and seeking information from reliable sources, considering that U.S. immigration laws are complex and subject to updates.

Be wary of marketing campaigns that promise miraculous results and always look for information from specialized sources. If you have specific doubts or need a more in-depth analysis of your case, seek help from professionals with thorough knowledge of these processes.

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.