Regulatory language: "Participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization." — 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)(iv)
Panel judging with documented criteria — letters specifying evaluation rubrics, not mere refereeing or timekeeping roles
National or international competition judging — events with documented selection of judges by recognized bodies
Peer review with editorial letters — journal peer review counts when the letter confirms substantive evaluation of merit
Grant review panel service — federal or major foundation grant panels with confirmation of judging role
Refereeing without evaluation function — ensuring fair play or enforcing rules is not judging under the regulatory standard
Internal employer competitions only — judging within one's own organization without external recognition
Student thesis committees alone — routine academic duties without showing selectivity or external recognition
Vague letters using 'referee' language — officers distinguish refereeing from applying defined evaluation criteria
Officers dismiss judging evidence when letters describe rule enforcement rather than merit evaluation. AAO remands when letters specify defined criteria used to evaluate competitors.
The regulation does not require Olympic-level events. National competitions with documented judge selection can qualify.
Substantive journal peer review is judging. Officers who dismiss all peer review without analysis err.
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