Can recommendation letters be used as evidence for more than one criterion?

Yes, a single recommendation letter can serve as evidence for more than one criterion in the EB-1. What makes this possible is the content: the letter must address each aspect clearly, specifically, and with solid support.

If a single letter demonstrates, for example, both the originality of your work and your influence in the field, it can support different requirements. The risk to avoid is vague generalizations, which weaken the connection between the evidence and each criterion.

To make the most of a letter across more than one criterion:

• Address each point distinctly and with solid support within the text.
• Tie each statement to concrete facts and examples.
• Supplement with additional documents when a criterion calls for more detail.

Keep in mind that USCIS expects to see a direct connection between the evidence and the criterion it supports. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth organizing the overall package carefully and, when in doubt, seeking specialized guidance.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.