What is the difference between serving as a judge and serving as a conference reviewer in the EB-1?

These are two distinct types of evidence in the EB-1, though closely related: both show that your opinion is sought to evaluate the work of others, but in different contexts.

Serving as a judge means being chosen to assess or judge the work of other professionals, for example as a juror for awards, competitions, or panels in your field. It demonstrates that your knowledge and judgment are recognized to the point where you decide on the merit of others’ work.

Serving as a conference reviewer refers to participating in the review of papers submitted to congresses, symposia, or academic events. It shows that you are considered qualified to analyze and improve scientific or technical contributions before they are accepted.

In practice, both reinforce your authority in your field, and the same professional background may include both. The weight of each piece of evidence is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the competent authority. To understand how to document each one, check the updated guidelines from USCIS or consult a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

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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.