We won hackathon prizes with participation from American companies. Can they serve as evidence?

Yes, hackathon prizes can be part of the evidence package for EB-2 NIW, especially when they help demonstrate your ability and the impact of your work in the field. Because they involved recognized American companies, they can reinforce the perception of relevance, as long as they are well documented.

For these prizes to be taken seriously, the ideal approach is to accompany them with context, not just mention them:

• The nature of the competition and the selection criteria used.
• The role and recognition of the companies involved.
• How the achievement reflects a notable contribution to your field.

Even so, a single prize on its own will rarely sustain an entire case. The EB-2 NIW review is individual and considers the overall body of evidence, so the strongest approach is to combine these prizes with other elements, such as publications, letters from recognized experts, and additional professional recognitions, building a coherent portfolio.

To understand which evidence carries the most weight for your profile, it is worth seeking guidance from an immigration professional, while remaining cautious of offers that promise easy or guaranteed outcomes.

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.