Informal letters ‘he is great’ without details. Do they count for anything?

The EB-1 visa requires robust evidence demonstrating extraordinary recognition in the candidate’s field of expertise. Therefore, recommendation letters need to be well detailed, specifically revealing the professional’s contributions, achievements, and qualities, supporting with concrete examples why he is considered exceptional.

Informal letters with vague statements, such as ‘he is great,’ without additional information, will hardly carry weight to prove the level of excellence required. It is essential that these letters contain details about technical ability, recognition in the field, impact of contributions, and comparisons with other professionals.

We recommend that if you choose to include recommendation letters in your application, you ensure to obtain testimonials that clearly and convincingly explain the relevance and impact of the candidate’s work. It is important to emphasize the necessity of strictly following immigration laws and seeking guidance from specialized professionals in the area to avoid falling into traps or illusions of simplified results in the process.

Although a brief and generic letter can be part of a document set, by itself, it does not prove the level of excellence required for the EB-1. Thus, the strategy should be assembling a solid and detailed portfolio demonstrating all the merit and recognition supporting the immigration petition.

Ensuring that the documentation meets the necessary standards is fundamental so that the process is analyzed fairly and accurately by immigration authorities. Therefore, focus your efforts on the quality of the evidence presented and, if possible, seek specialized guidance to strengthen your case safely.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.