Do I need to notarize my recommendation letters?

In the EB-1, recommendation letters serve to demonstrate your experience and recognition in your field. What tends to carry the most weight in the review is the content of the letter and the credibility of the person signing it, not its form.

Notarization is generally not a standard requirement for these letters to be accepted. What matters most is that each letter is signed by its author and provides detailed information to support your qualifications.

That said, specific situations may call for additional validation procedures, and guidelines can change. It is therefore worth confirming the formatting details before submitting.

• Prioritize detailed content and the recommender’s credibility.
• Ensure the letter is signed by its author.
• Review the official instructions for your specific case.

Because documentation requirements are updated periodically, consult the official USCIS instructions or a specialist whenever you have questions about how to present your letters.

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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.