When submitting an EB1A green card application, demonstrating extraordinary ability through the judging criteria is one of the most impactful ways to do so. This consists of reviewing the work of someone else in your field, and this can involve things like reviewing research papers at a conference, serving as a judge for a prestigious award, etc. So what does this mean, and how can you leverage this experience in your EB1A application?

There are two main types of judging criteria that USCIS recognizes under EB1A categories:

• EB1A green card
• Conference judging
• Award judging

Both types are perfect EB1A evidence that you are regarded as an expert in your field and trusted by your colleagues to make significant decisions on the quality of work in your discipline.

EB1A Green Card Conference judging: Reviewing work at professional events

What is conference judging?

EB1A Green card conference judging consists of reviewing research papers, abstracts, workshops, or presentations that were submitted to academic or professional conferences. When you are invited to be a reviewer, you are influencing what will be presented at these important conferences in the world of academia or research.

Role of conference judging in EB1A visa approval?

If you are asked to be a peer reviewer for a conference, it shows:

• You are qualified enough to judge others’ work.
• Your judgment impacts what gets accepted or published.
• You are keeping up with recent trends and developments in your field.

It’s great if you have volunteered as a peer reviewer over multiple conferences, that is trust and recognition from your community. USCIS recognizes this as a sign of influence and leadership.

How to document it

If you have served as a conference judge, keep records of:

• Review invitations or emails.
• Screenshots of the platform, for example, CMT and EasyChair, showing you are listed as a reviewer.
• Thank-yous from the conference organizers or a certificate confirming your review of papers.
• The number of papers or entries you were asked to review.

Award judging : Recognizing excellence in your field

Judging awards such as the Stevies, Globee Awards, or Titan Awards is also a great form of recognition. These awards reward innovation and leadership, as well as product design, writing, and other accomplishments across industries.

When you are judged in these awards, it may mean:

• You are trusted to judge on a national or global level.
• You are recognized as someone who can realize excellence.
• You help to create standards in your field.

Why is award judging enough for an EB1A?

When you are selected as a judge for well-known awards, it signifies:

• Professional Recognition : Organizations trust your judgment to assess others' work.
• Position in the Field : You are thought of as someone who understands excellence.
• Influence : Your decision will help determine recognition in your field.

Why award judging will increase EB1A success rate

Award judging will show immigration officers:

• Your peers view you as qualified to assess extraordinary work.
• You know the difference between good work and excellent work.
• You are an active contributor in moving your field forward.

How to qualify for EB1A using judging roles: Practical steps

Getting started

If you aren't currently judging anything:

• Professional Organizations : Many organizations have judging opportunities for members.
• Conferences : If you are attending an academic conference, let the organizers know you will be a judge.
• Contacts : Email the chair or awards administrator of the conference.
• Lean into your background in your outreach : Reference your background and/or experience when volunteering to be a judge.

Documenting your activities

For your EB1A application, you will need to have the following items to document your judging criteria activities:

• Invitation Letters : Keep emails or letters that invite you to serve as a judge or item reviewer.
• Completion Certificates : Sometimes, organizations provide certificates when you complete something.
• Thank You Letters : Many times, organizations will send letters acknowledging what you did (thank you letters) to let you know they appreciated your work.
• Statistics : The number of papers you reviewed, used your scoring rubrics, etc.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Just List Activities

While stating that you were a judge is nice, you need to answer:

• Why do they invite you to judge (your qualifications)?
• Why is the conference or award esteemed?
• The significance of your judging role.

Quality, Not Quantity

Application officers generally prefer that applicants have consistent activity with respected organizations over sporadic involvement in many small events.

Lack of Documentation

Make sure to start gathering materials upon acceptance in the judging activities. It is much harder to obtain letters of acknowledgement or thank-yous months or years later after judgment activities.

Together, these judging activities can help prove that you’re not just skilled, but seen as a leader in your field. That’s a key standard for EB1A eligibility.

It may be easy to think of judging a conference or awards as just another box to check for your application. But, it isn’t. Judging gives an indication that you are trusted by your colleagues and organizations. It shows that you are actively engaged and contributing to the advancement of your field—and that’s exactly what the EB1A category is supposed to demonstrate.

If you are working on an EB1A application and want to know how to best present your judging experience, please let us know. At EB1A Experts, we do our best to guide you with professionals in every industry, assisting them in making strong, well-documented applications.

FAQs

Does judging a conference or competition really help with EB1A approval?

Yes, judging conferences or competitions can significantly help an EB1A approval. Still, only if the judging is for a high-profile competition or awards in your field, and you can provide clear evidence like an invitation letter demonstrating your participation in evaluating the work of your peers.

Do I need to meet other EB1A criteria besides judging?

Yes, you need to meet other EB1A criteria besides judging, as you must meet at least three of the ten criteria listed by USCIS to demonstrate your exceptional ability in your field.