Can I include volunteer work in my portfolio?

Yes. Volunteer work can be included in the portfolio of an O-1 petition, especially when it is connected to your field and helps demonstrate exceptional competencies. What matters is not whether the experience was paid or unpaid, but how much it reinforces the extraordinary ability profile.

For this type of activity to strengthen the case, it helps to clearly show the impact and relevance of what was done. The following can support that:

• Recommendation letters from those who observed the work.
• Certificates, records, and materials that document the involvement.
• Evidence of results or recognition generated by the activity.

Without this supporting documentation, a volunteer experience tends to carry limited weight. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth organizing the evidence carefully and checking the updated criteria at the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist before filing.

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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.