Do letters from former colleagues abroad help an EB-1B petition?

Yes, letters from former colleagues abroad can support an EB-1B petition, but their value depends on who writes them and what they say. This category is designed for outstanding researchers and professors, and recommendation letters serve as part of the evidence of recognition in the field.

To carry real weight, these recommendations should come from credible professionals and read as substantive assessments, not personal favors. Ideally, they describe the concrete impact of your work in objective terms and place it in perspective within the field.

• Authors with recognized authority in the field.
• Technical arguments about your contributions, free of favoritism.
• Concrete references to the reach and impact of your work.

Keep in mind that letters are one element among many: they gain strength when accompanied by publications, awards, relevant projects, and other evidence that supports your merit. To build a cohesive case, it is worth reviewing the current requirements with USCIS and working 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.