For EB-1B, do I need recommendation letters from former professors?

Not necessarily. In the EB-1B category, recommendation letters do not need to come specifically from former professors. What matters is the standing of the person signing: experts who can authoritatively attest to your recognition and the impact of your work.

EB-1B is designed for outstanding professors and researchers, so the goal of the letters is to demonstrate prestige and meaningful contributions in your field. Former professors can certainly write letters, as long as they have in-depth knowledge of your work, but they are neither required nor more important than other qualified voices.

Strong letters often come from people such as:

• Prominent colleagues and recognized researchers in the field.
• Independent experts who can provide an impartial evaluation.
• References able to explain the concrete reach of your contributions.

Beyond the letters, it is worth assembling a broad set of evidence, such as publications, awards, and invitations, to strengthen the overall picture. Since every case is unique, confirm the current requirements with USCIS or a specialist when preparing your petition package.

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.