Do recommendation letters need to explicitly cite Dhanasar?

It is not required. Recommendation letters for an EB-2 NIW petition do not need to explicitly mention the name Dhanasar to be effective. What truly matters is the content: how it demonstrates that you meet the criteria that decision established.

The Dhanasar case shaped how the USCIS evaluates national interest in NIW petitions. A strong letter translates those criteria into concrete facts, without needing to recite the case by name:

• The importance and merit of the candidate’s work in their field.
• Their ability to lead and advance that work in practice.
• Why it makes sense, taken as a whole, to waive the usual requirements.

Strong letters come from people who know your work closely and describe specific results, not generic praise. Clarity and concreteness tend to be more persuasive than a direct citation of the case name.

Since the interpretation of these criteria continues to evolve, it is worth checking the updated guidance from USCIS or consulting a specialist when preparing the letters for your petition package.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.