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Can recommendation letters in another language with translation cause inconsistency in EB-2 NIW?

In EB-2 NIW, letters in another language are accepted with a complete and accurate English translation. The risk of inconsistency comes from careless translation, not from the language itself. Learn how to keep your file coherent.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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In the EB-2 NIW, recommendation letters in another language are generally accepted, provided they are accompanied by a complete and accurate English translation. Inconsistency does not come from the language itself, but from careless or incomplete translations.

To reduce the risk of discrepancies between the original and the translated version:

  • Ensure a full translation, without omitting passages or summarizing the content.
  • Work with a qualified translator who certifies that the translation is accurate and complete.
  • Verify that names, dates, and technical terms match between the original and the translation.

Minor discrepancies, omissions, or swapped terms can raise doubts during review and weaken the clarity of your case. Treating the translation with the same rigor as the original document is what preserves the coherence of the file.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth confirming the current guidelines on documents in another language with the official source (USCIS) and, when in doubt, seeking specialized support.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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.

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Can recommendation letters in another language with translation cause inconsistency in EB-2 NIW?

In EB-2 NIW, letters in another language are accepted with a complete and accurate English translation. The risk of inconsistency comes from careless translation, not from the language itself. Learn how to keep your file coherent.

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