Is a letter from a professor who has known me for 10 years a good recommendation for the EB-1?

It can be. In the EB-1, a letter from a professor who has closely followed your work over many years can be valuable, as long as it provides concrete detail about your achievements rather than just generic praise. The length of the relationship helps, but what carries the most weight is the substance of the testimony.

A strong letter describes verifiable facts, explains why your work stands out, and places your contribution in the context of the field. The authority and expertise of the person signing also matter, as they lend credibility to what is stated.

• Specific details about your accomplishments and the impact of your work.
• Context showing how you stand apart within your area of expertise.
• Clear credentials of the letter writer, connecting them to your field.

It is worth pairing that letter with testimonials from other experts, preferably from outside your immediate academic circle, to demonstrate broader recognition. Because each case is evaluated as a whole, review the latest USCIS guidance and consider working with a specialist when assembling your petition package.

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.