For EB-1B, should I submit a resume and reference letters?

Formally, there is no requirement to submit a specific resume format or letters, but in practice it is well worth doing. EB-1B is designed for outstanding professors and researchers, and a well-assembled petition package tends to make a real difference in how your case is evaluated.

A detailed resume or CV helps the adjudicating officer understand your career trajectory, academic achievements, and publications in an organized way. Reference letters, written by recognized experts in your field, reinforce that picture by attesting to your contributions and standing in the academic community.

• Your resume provides a comprehensive, chronological view of your career and scholarly output.
• Reference letters bring the informed perspective of established leaders in your field.
• Together, they help demonstrate consistent recognition and meaningful impact.

In short, even though these documents are not required in isolation, they tend to strengthen the petition considerably. To put them together with the right strategy, it is worth working with a specialist and checking the latest guidance from the official source (USCIS).

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.