Can the officer call my recommenders?

Yes, the officer can contact your recommenders, but this is the exception, not the rule. The EB-2 NIW review relies primarily on the written documentation you submit, and recommendation letters are evaluated as part of that package.

When it does happen, the contact typically serves to clarify a specific point or confirm the authenticity and consistency of a letter. It is not a standard step in the process, and most decisions are issued based on the submitted dossier.

To minimize any room for doubt, it is worth putting care into the quality of the letters:

• Recommenders who know your work closely and can speak to it in detail.
• Correct and up-to-date contact information.
• Concrete and verifiable statements, aligned with the rest of the evidence.

Since each case is reviewed individually, keep your documentation organized, truthful, and consistent. If you have questions about how to structure the letters, check the official USCIS guidance or consult 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.