Identify the Writer
Establish the expert’s field, position and relevant expertise.
EB1B Expert Evidence
EB1B Recommendation Letters: Explain International Recognition With Specific Facts
Recommendation letters are not one of the six standalone EB1B evidentiary criteria. They can nevertheless be valuable when qualified experts explain the beneficiary’s research, original contributions, professional recognition and influence using specific facts that are supported by objective evidence.
What a Useful Letter Should Do
Translate Technical Accomplishments Into Evidence USCIS Can Evaluate
Explain the Relationship
State whether the writer supervised, collaborated with or independently encountered the research.
Describe Specific Work
Identify the actual contribution rather than offering generic praise.
Corroborate the Conclusion
Connect statements to citations, implementation, patents, publications or other objective evidence.
Potential Letter Sources
Different Writers Can Establish Different Facts
Independent Researchers Explain how outside scholars know
and use the beneficiary’s work.
Research Collaborators Explain individual responsibility
within collaborative projects.
Department Leaders Document academic standing and research role.
Industry Experts Explain technical use or implementation.
Journal Editors Document judging activity or editorial selection.
Research Program Leaders Explain significance of contributions
to major scientific programs.
Common Mistake
Expert Praise Is Strongest When the Facts Are Verifiable
Weak
“He is one of the best researchers in the world.”
A conclusion without supporting facts gives USCIS little information about why the writer reached that opinion.
Stronger
Explain the contribution and cite the evidence.
Describe what the beneficiary developed, how the writer learned about it, what other researchers did with the work and which records substantiate those statements.
Common Questions
EB1B Recommendation Letter FAQ
How many recommendation letters are required?
There is no fixed regulatory number of recommendation letters.
Must every writer be independent?
No. Independent and dependent writers can serve different evidentiary purposes.
Can letters alone prove international recognition?
Letters may be important, but objective corroborating evidence generally strengthens the overall record substantially.
Are recommendation letters an EB1B criterion?
No. They are evidence that may help establish facts relevant to the criteria and final international recognition analysis.
Primary legal source: USCIS Policy Manual — Outstanding Professors and Researchers.