How to get recommendation letters for EB-1A when my colleagues don’t know how to write formally?

In the EB-1A, recommendation letters help demonstrate your extraordinary ability by showing the impact of your work. If your colleagues have a clear picture of what you do but struggle with formal writing, the solution is to provide a structure without putting words in their mouths.

A common approach is to give them an outline with the essential points for them to adapt:

• how you know each other and the professional relationship;
• projects or research you worked on together;
• your specific contributions and qualities, with concrete examples;
• a clear statement of support for your application.

Each letter should reflect the genuine perspective of the person signing it, without exaggeration or generic text, because authenticity is precisely what gives the document weight. If needed, the colleague can get help from someone more comfortable with formal writing, as long as the content remains truthful.

Since each case is reviewed individually, it is worth checking the updated guidelines on the USCIS website and reviewing your evidence strategy 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.