I received a ‘recommendation letter’ from someone without a formal title. Does it count?

It can count, but the weight of a letter depends on who signs it. In EB-1, ‘recommendation letters’ help attest to your achievements, and they carry more weight when they come from people with recognized authority and credibility in your field.

When a letter comes from someone without a formal title or a known track record in the sector, its value may be lower in the eyes of the reviewer, because the evaluation seeks the endorsement of experts and established references in the field. That does not invalidate the letter, but it changes its role within the overall package.

A recommendation like this can still contribute when:

• The signer has notable experience or expertise, even without a formal title.
• The evaluation is supported by other strong evidence of your professional trajectory.
• The content concretely describes the impact of your work.

The ideal approach is to gather a set of letters that, taken together, reinforce the recognition of your accomplishments. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the updated requirements with USCIS or 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.