When preparing an EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition, applicants often wonder whether they need recommendation letters. While USCIS does not explicitly require them, strong and well-crafted letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen an NIW case by providing independent, credible testimony about the applicant’s qualifications and the national importance of their work.
What Does USCIS Say?
According to the USCIS Policy Manual, NIW petitions must demonstrate that the applicant’s work has substantial merit, is of national importance, and that they are well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor. USCIS officers assess whether the evidence presented convincingly supports these claims. While recommendation letters are not mandatory, they can serve as valuable supporting evidence. In fact, in our previous blog, "USCIS HAS SPOKEN," we discussed how USCIS adjudicators place significant weight on independent endorsements when evaluating the petitioner’s influence in their field. Letters from experts in the industry, government officials, or other reputable sources can help establish that the applicant’s contributions meet the NIW criteria. Additionally, USCIS focuses on credible and objective evidence. A well-drafted recommendation letter must not only praise the applicant but also provide specific, verifiable details that align with USCIS’s adjudication standards.
How Can Recommendation Letters Strengthen an NIW Petition?
Effective recommendation letters can:
Validate the applicant’s impact and contributions.
Confirm that the applicant’s work has national importance.
Support the claim that the applicant is well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor
Demonstrate the lack of need for labor certification due to the applicant’s unique expertise and contributions.
However, simply having recommendation letters is not enough. USCIS adjudicators scrutinize letters that are vague, overly generic, or lack substantive evidence. Many applicants have colleagues, mentors, or industry leaders willing to recommend them but struggle with what these letters should say to be persuasive and compliant. That’s where we come in.
Need Powerful, Solid, and Credible Recommendation Letters?
We specialize in drafting compelling, well-structured recommendation letters that align with USCIS standards. Our expertise ensures that your letters effectively highlight your qualifications while maintaining credibility and compliance. If you need a recommendation letter that makes an impact, contact us today.
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The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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