Can a former American employer who fired me still recommend me for the EB-2 NIW?

Yes, a former employer who ended your working relationship, including through a termination, can in principle write a recommendation letter for your EB-2 NIW. What matters is not the current status of the relationship, but the quality and objectivity of the account of your work.

In the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), recommendation letters help demonstrate professional recognition and the impact of your contributions. A strong letter is typically professional, honest, and fact-focused, impartially highlighting:

• Your specific skills and competencies.
• Concrete achievements and results you delivered.
• The relevance of your contribution to the field.

It is worth considering the circumstances of your departure and whether your former employer feels comfortable recommending you without reservations that could be read negatively. To strengthen your petition package, it is advisable to gather letters from varied sources (former colleagues, project partners, field experts) so that they support one another.

Since each case is evaluated individually by the USCIS, it is worth verifying the updated requirements and working with a specialist to determine which recommendations best support your petition.

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.