Can recommendation letters be submitted as scanned email attachments?

Yes. In EB-2 NIW petitions, recommendation letters can generally be submitted in scanned format via email, as long as they retain all the elements that establish their credibility. What matters is not the delivery method, but the integrity of the document.

A well-prepared scanned letter typically includes the official letterhead of the issuing institution, the signature of the author (even if scanned), and information that allows verification of its authenticity. The file should be clearly legible and free of any edits that might raise doubts about its content.

Since each case is reviewed individually, reinforce the reliability of the letters with the rest of your documentation so that the overall package supports your qualifications. Strong letters work alongside other evidence, not in isolation.

Follow the guidance of USCIS and, if you have questions about format or authentication, confirm the current requirements through official sources or a trusted immigration specialist.

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Victoria Harper

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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.