Can USCIS officers question recommendation letters that look identical?

Yes, they can. In the EB-1, USCIS expects each recommendation letter to bring an authentic and individual perspective. When multiple letters repeat the same text or sound nearly identical, it tends to raise a flag about the originality of the material.

The reason is straightforward: standardized letters give the impression of having been drafted by the applicant and merely signed by the recommenders, which undermines their value as independent assessments. What strengthens the case is precisely the diversity of viewpoints on your contributions.

To avoid this issue, each letter should:

• Reflect the genuine voice and experience of the person signing it.
• Highlight specific and concrete aspects of your work.
• Explain how that recommender knows your work and why it matters.

Personalized letters add credibility and transparency to the overall package. If you are unsure about the best way to structure them, it is worth reviewing the updated guidelines from USCIS or seeking specialized support.

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.