Can recommendation letters quote passages from emails exchanged with experts?

Yes, they can. In EB-1 petitions, recommendation letters serve to attest to the relevance and contributions of the candidate, and quoting excerpts from emails exchanged with experts is acceptable when it helps illustrate a concrete point, such as a collaboration or the discussion of innovative ideas.

The key is in the presentation. The excerpt must appear with a legitimate and coherent context, without distorting what was said, and the letter should keep its focus on the candidate’s merit and achievements rather than becoming a collage of disconnected messages.

• Use the passages to reinforce an argument, not to replace the expert’s own assessment.
• Present the context of each excerpt in a clear and truthful manner.
• Respect the privacy and consent of everyone involved in the exchange.
• Avoid content that could violate copyright or agreements between the parties.

Each case is evaluated individually and demands rigor in clarity, accuracy, and the relevance of the evidence. It is worth checking the updated requirements on the USCIS website and, when in doubt, aligning your letter strategy with a specialist.

About the author

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.