Do letters from satisfied clients count as recommendations in the EB-2 NIW?

They count as supporting evidence, yes, especially when they show the direct, positive impact of your work. In the EB-2 NIW, client letters help demonstrate concrete results, but they tend to carry more weight when accompanied by technical references.

The process places considerable importance on evaluations from recognized professionals in your field, because those letters provide a specialized perspective on the relevance and originality of your work. A client letter proves the practical effect; a letter from a peer or expert proves the technical merit. The two complement each other.

• Client letters: show real-world impact and the application of your work.
• Letters from colleagues, researchers, or specialists: attest to the technical value and your professional reputation.
• Together, they support both practical recognition and professional standing.

The best approach is to combine both sources for a well-rounded petition package. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing USCIS guidance and aligning your evidence strategy with a specialist before filing.

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.