Visto n' Visa

Is a recommendation letter with a notarized signature acceptable?

For the EB-1, a recommendation letter with a notarized signature is acceptable, but what carries weight is the content, not the stamp. See what truly strengthens the document.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
Share

Yes. A recommendation letter with a notarized signature is acceptable for EB-1. The notarization attests to the authenticity of the signature and can reinforce the formal credibility of the document, which is generally well-regarded.

That said, in the EB-1 the greater weight lies in the content of the letter, not in the notary’s stamp. What makes a difference is how specifically it details your achievements, contributions, and relevance in your field, supported by concrete facts. Formality complements, but does not replace, the strength of the narrative.

  • Prioritize specific content with verifiable examples.
  • Use the notarized signature as a reinforcement of authenticity.
  • Integrate the letter into the full body of supporting evidence.

Since each case is evaluated individually, keep your documentation organized and verify the current requirements for the EB-1 with USCIS or a qualified specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

Victoria's tips

Is a recommendation letter with a notarized signature acceptable?

For the EB-1, a recommendation letter with a notarized signature is acceptable, but what carries weight is the content, not the stamp. See what truly strengthens the document.

Recommended reading about EB-1

More content about EB-1