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Can I submit just one letter per criterion in the EB-1A?

The EB-1A has no one-letter-per-criterion rule: what counts is that each criterion is supported by clear and convincing evidence. See when a single letter is enough and when adding more strengthens your case.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 10, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, you can. There is no rule in the EB-1A that requires submitting exactly one letter per criterion. What the adjudication looks for is different: for each criterion you claim, there must be clear and convincing evidence that it is met.

If a single letter covers a criterion thoroughly, with concrete facts about your impact, its relevance, and the recognition your work has received, it may be sufficient for that point. What carries weight is the quality of the content, not the number of letters.

That said, in practice many applicants prefer to gather more than one letter, because doing so tends to strengthen the overall package. It helps when the letters:

  • Come from independent sources with credibility in the field.
  • Provide specific examples rather than generic praise.
  • Fit coherently with the rest of the evidence.

What matters is that the dossier as a whole forms a robust and consistent picture. Because every case is unique, it is worth checking the latest USCIS guidance and reviewing your letter strategy with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Can I submit just one letter per criterion in the EB-1A?

The EB-1A has no one-letter-per-criterion rule: what counts is that each criterion is supported by clear and convincing evidence. See when a single letter is enough and when adding more strengthens your case.

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