For EB-1B, I sent only 1 letter. The officer asked for more. Is that normal?

The EB-1B visa is intended for professors and researchers with international recognition, and the evaluation process involves a thorough analysis of the submitted documentation.

In the case of recommendation letters, several factors may influence the officer’s decision. Therefore, it is relatively common for the officer to request additional evidence, such as more letters, to confirm the candidate’s recognition and the relevance of their work in the field.

When you send only one letter, the officer may understand that, although the document has value, there are doubts about the strength of the international recognition or the consistency of the required criteria to prove excellence.

In many cases, immigration authorities seek multiple sources that corroborate the candidate’s career and professional relevance; therefore, the request for more letters can be considered standard practice in the process. This does not, by itself, mean that the request is a cause for concern – it only serves to ensure that the visa’s rigorous criteria are fully met.

It is important to remember that compliance with United States immigration laws is fundamental. Always strive to support your application with robust evidence and, if necessary, specialized guidance from recognized professionals in the immigration field.

Be alert to scams or marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed results, as the complexity of these processes demands care and a detailed analysis of each case. Staying informed and closely following the immigration officer’s requests can make a difference in the proper preparation of documentation.

If you need to supplement your petition with more letters, seek people who can offer a critical and well-founded view of your professional trajectory, preferably specialists or renowned colleagues in your area. In this way, you reinforce the consistency of your process, increasing the chances of success in the EB-1B visa review.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.