Can public or mixed-ownership companies (such as Petrobras) issue recommendation letters?

When it comes to immigration processes for the United States, especially in categories like the EB-2 NIW visa, it is crucial to understand how supporting documentation, including recommendation letters, can strengthen a petition. These documents must demonstrate the impact, relevance, and independence of the candidate’s contribution in their field of expertise.

Regarding the issuance of recommendation letters by public or mixed-ownership companies, such as Petrobras, the practice can be considered, but there are some important points to evaluate. Firstly, what really matters is the authority and recognition of the signer in their field, as well as the quality of the content. If a credible and experienced professional, working at a renowned company, can objectively attest to the candidate’s achievements and contributions – without personal ties that could compromise the independence of the opinion – such letters can indeed be used as part of the robust set of evidence required in an EB-2 NIW petition.

However, it is important to remember that, for this type of visa, independence in recommendations is highly valued. Recommendation letters from professionals who have a direct relationship or institutional dependency with the candidate may be received with some caution by immigration authorities. Therefore, the letter must demonstrate that the opinion comes from someone with an impartial view of the candidate’s qualifications and the relevance of their work for the United States.

I always emphasize the importance of strictly following immigration laws and consulting reliable sources and experts in the field to guide the process. Avoid relying on miracle solutions or unfounded promises that guarantee approval, as each case requires detailed and individualized analysis. Seeking guidance from experienced professionals and recognizing the necessity of coherent and complete documentation is the safest path to a solid petition.

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.