Are very generic letters from former professors useless?

They are not exactly useless, but very generic letters from former professors tend to carry little weight in an EB-2 NIW petition. Because this visa requires you to demonstrate exceptional ability and benefit to the United States, superficial praise says little about what truly sets your work apart.

A strong letter goes beyond the generic and provides concrete examples. Ideally, the writer, drawing on direct experience, shows how your research, projects, or achievements have influenced the field or opened new perspectives in your area of study.

For a recommendation letter to help your case, it should:

• Detail specific contributions rather than simply offering vague praise.
• Connect your work to its impact on the discipline and to the national interest.
• Honestly reflect your academic and professional background.

In short, the issue is not that the letter comes from a former professor, but that it is too generic. Detailed and personalized letters make a real difference. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the updated criteria at the official source (USCIS) and aligning your evidence strategy with a specialist.

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.