Judging Criterion

Official Definition

Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;

— 8 CFR § 204.5(h)(3)(iv)

What Adjudicators Look For

The activity must involve judging or evaluating the work of others in the same or an allied field for which classification is sought—examples include peer review for journals, grant review panels, conference program committees, thesis examination, or competition juries. USCIS looks for evidence the beneficiary was selected because of expertise, and for proof of actual participation (completed reviews, committee rosters with dates, thank-you letters from editors with specificity).

Routine classroom grading for students, absent a showing it is judging the work of others in the regulatory sense, may not fit this prong; strategy depends on facts and USCIS policy guidance.

Compared to O-1A: 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(4) parallels this language. For EB-1A, a pattern of selective judging for prestigious venues strengthens both Step 1 and Step 2.

Evidence Strength

Common RFE Triggers

Tips

Relevant Document Types

Editor letters, panel appointment PDFs, conference committee pages, completed review forms (redacted), email confirmations, and expert letters that corroborate reputation. Use Recommendation Letter, Other, or Press Article (for public committee listings) as appropriate in Visa Engine.