For the EB-1B, do I need a recommendation from the university provost or department chair?

Not necessarily. In the EB-1B, there is no rule requiring a letter signed by the university provost or department chair. What actually carries weight is the authority of the person signing the letter, not the title they hold at your institution.

This category is designed for researchers and professors with outstanding track records, and recommendation letters serve to confirm that you are a recognized reference in your field. For that reason, prioritize signatories who:

• Are recognized and respected experts in your area.
• Can attest, with genuine knowledge, to the impact of your work.
• Have proven credibility and influence in the field.

In many cases, letters from independent experts with no direct affiliation with your institution add even more value, because they reinforce your reputation without any appearance of institutional interest. The ideal approach is to put together a balanced and coherent set of letters. It is worth verifying the current requirements and aligning your letter strategy with a specialist before filing.

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.