Can brothers-in-law, friends, or family members write recommendation letters?

When it comes to EB-1 visas, it is essential to understand that all submitted documentation must convey credibility, objectivity, and, whenever possible, include the opinion of experts and peers in the candidate’s field of expertise.

The EB-1 visa is intended for people with extraordinary abilities, and therefore the evidence proving these achievements must come from sources that demonstrate complete impartiality. In the specific context of recommendation letters, it is important to emphasize that letters from relatives, such as brothers-in-law, friends, and family members, are generally not considered as valuable as those issued by recognized professionals or experts in the same field.

This is because the purpose of the letter is to attest to achievements and skills in an impartial and well-founded manner. Letters coming from people with a close personal relationship to the candidate may raise doubts about the objectivity and credibility of the evaluations since there is a personal interest involved.

The ideal recommendation for processes like the EB-1 consists of documents written by specialists or renowned leaders in the field who can critically and impartially expose the professional’s contributions and achievements. A well-articulated letter from an expert in the area can have a considerably greater impact on the case assessment.

Thus, it is advisable to focus efforts on obtaining letters that truly provide an independent and well-founded view of your accomplishments and capabilities.

It is always worth remembering the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and maintaining transparency in all provided information. Given the complexity of immigration processes, seeking information from reliable sources and specialized professionals can make all the difference.

Furthermore, it is wise to be cautious of dubious offers and marketing campaigns promising miraculous results, as the immigration process requires dedication, patience, and compliance with legal requirements.

In summary, while it is technically possible to include recommendation letters from relatives or friends as part of the evidence set, they carry limited weight in the petition analysis, making it more appropriate and effective to rely on recommendations from external, credible sources in your professional area.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.