I prefer that my recommendation letters remain confidential. Does USCIS accept them without providing me a copy?

In the EB-1, recommendation letters function as supporting evidence: they help demonstrate the candidate’s recognition and relevance in their field. They are not a standalone formal requirement, but rather part of a body of evidence evaluated as a whole.

There is no obligation for you, as the petitioner, to receive a copy of the letter. What matters in the review is the content, authenticity, and credibility of the recommender, along with the documentation arriving complete and organized to USCIS.

If the recommender prefers to keep the letter confidential, the key consideration is ensuring that the version submitted includes all the information needed to demonstrate your qualifications, following the official guidelines for format and submission.

Since procedural details can change, it is worth checking the updated instructions on USCIS and, if you have questions about your specific case, having your profile reviewed by a specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.