Do I need to document the costs of recommendation letters and evaluations for EB-2 NIW?

Let’s clear up a common misconception: for EB-2 NIW, you do not need to document how much you spent to obtain recommendation letters or academic evaluations. Those costs are not part of the petition and are not something the immigration authority evaluates.

What truly matters is the content and credibility of those documents: letters that concretely describe the relevance of your work, and evaluations conducted by reputable professionals. It is the strength of what is written, not the amount paid, that supports your case.

Keeping receipts, invoices, or proof of payment is good practice for personal organization and helps with your financial records, but it is not a process requirement and does not constitute evidence of merit.

• Prioritize letters that are specific, detailed, and signed by recognized authorities in your field.
• Choose evaluations conducted by accredited and verifiable agencies.
• Use receipts and proof of payment for your own records only, not for the petition.

Since every case is unique and requirements can change, it is worth checking the latest guidance from USCIS or consulting a specialist before assembling your documentation.

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.