What evidence is required to showcase contributions as a peer reviewer for the EB-1 visa application?

To showcase your contributions as a peer reviewer for an EB-1 visa application, you need to provide clear and credible evidence that highlights your expertise, recognition, and the significance of your contributions. Here’s a breakdown of the required evidence:

1. Formal Invitations to Peer Review

• What to include: Copies of invitation letters or emails from journals asking you to serve as a peer reviewer.
• Why it’s important: It demonstrates that journals trust your expertise enough to invite you to evaluate research.

2. Acknowledgment Certificates or Letters

• What to include:
• Certificates of appreciation or recognition from journals.
• Letters acknowledging your contribution to specific manuscripts or journal issues.
• Why it’s important: These documents validate your active participation and show that your work was appreciated by the journal.

3. List of Journals Reviewed For

• What to include:
• A detailed list of the journals you reviewed for, along with their names, ISSNs, and publisher details.
• Mention the scope and reputation of the journals (e.g., impact factor or international ranking).
• Why it’s important: It highlights the quality and prestige of the journals you’ve contributed to.

4. Record of Completed Reviews

• What to include:
• A record of the number of manuscripts you have reviewed.
• An anonymized sample of a review (if permitted by the journal).
• Why it’s important: It quantifies your contribution and demonstrates the depth and quality of your work.

5. Proof of Association with Peer Review Platforms (e.g., Scholar9.com)

• What to include:
• Profile details or activity reports from platforms like Scholar9.com if you review through them.
• Screenshots or reports showing the number and types of reviews completed on the platform.
• Why it’s important: It shows your active role in peer review and highlights the global reach of your contributions.

6. Letters from Journal Editors or Professional Colleagues

• What to include:
• Recommendation letters from editors or colleagues who can attest to your expertise and contribution as a peer reviewer.
• Letters should describe your role, the quality of your reviews, and your impact on the field.
• Why it’s important: These letters provide third-party validation of your extraordinary ability and reputation in your field.

7. Evidence of Recognition and Expertise

• What to include:
• Mention if you were invited to review based on your previous publications or academic standing.
• Include any awards, honours, or special recognition related to your peer review work.
• Why it’s important: It highlights how your expertise is valued in the academic community.

8. Explanatory Statement for the USCIS

• What to include: A well-written statement explaining the significance of your peer review contributions. Include:
• The critical role of peer reviewers in ensuring the quality of research publications.
• Why you were chosen as a reviewer?
• How your contributions advance the field.
• Why it’s important: It helps USCIS officers understand why your peer review work demonstrates extraordinary ability.

Example from Scholar9.com

If you have reviewed through Scholar9.com, mention this:

• Through Scholar9.com, I was invited to review manuscripts for reputable journals in the fields of biology and AI. Scholar9’s peer review platform connects experts with global journals, ensuring quality research is published, and I have completed 15 reviews for high-impact journals on this platform.