Does organizing national hackathons about my technology count as evidence of relevance?

Organizing national hackathons around your technology can indeed serve as an indicator of relevance in the EB-2 NIW. An event like this demonstrates that you play an active leadership role in your field, mobilizing professionals around your work.

What gives this argument strength is not the event itself, but what it reveals: recognition from peers, the ability to influence the sector, and the dissemination of advances you help create. That is the kind of signal that speaks to the idea of national interest.

For this initiative to truly carry weight, document it thoroughly:

• Event reach and impact, including media mentions and audience size.
• Partnerships with recognized institutions or companies.
• Testimonials from experts on the relevance of what was promoted.
• Concrete outcomes that emerged from the gatherings.

One important note: hackathons tend to be persuasive when they appear as part of a broader track record of impact and innovation, not as isolated evidence. To position this evidence effectively, it is worth consulting USCIS guidance and reviewing your case file with a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.