Do EB-1 recommendation letters need to come from famous people?

No. For the EB-1, recommendation letters do not need to come from celebrities or well-known names. What gives a letter its weight is the signer’s authority in their field and the substance of what they say, not the author’s public fame.

A compelling recommendation typically comes from an expert who knows your work closely and can describe, with concrete details, why your contributions stand out. That kind of qualified testimony provides meaningful context for the evaluation of your merit.

• Author with clear credentials and recognized standing in the field.
• Specific account of your achievements and the impact of your work.
• Genuine and impartial assessment, not generic praise.

It is worth assembling a diverse set of letters from people who have followed your trajectory in different contexts. Since each case is evaluated as a whole, review the updated USCIS guidance and consider aligning your strategy 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.