Can the author of an EB-1 recommendation letter list the awards I have received?

Yes. In a recommendation letter for the EB-1, it is perfectly appropriate for the author to mention the awards and honors you have received, as long as they are relevant to demonstrating distinction in your field. This adds substance to the account and reinforces recognition from peers or leading institutions.

The letter works best when it does not simply list awards. Ideally, the author should explain the context of each distinction and why it matters in your field, connecting the honor to a specific contribution of yours. A bare list, without that qualified reading, tends to carry less weight.

• Only cite awards you can back up with documentation.
• Ask the author to contextualize the relevance of each distinction.
• Align the letter with the rest of the petition, without contradictions.

Keep everything truthful and verifiable, because consistency between the letter and the supporting evidence matters greatly. Each case is evaluated individually, so confirm the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist.

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.