Do you need to name two or three peers for USCIS to interview?

There is no such requirement in the EB-2 NIW: you do not need to name two or three peers for USCIS to interview. The review is based on the materials you submit, not on interviews with colleagues you designate.

What supports your petition is a body of documentary evidence demonstrating the value and reach of your work. Recommendation letters play an important role here and can certainly be written by experts in your field (including peers), but they serve as proof of recognition of your work, not as a list of people to be contacted.

• Recommendation letters from experts who know your work.
• Publications, projects, and contributions that show real-world impact.
• Awards, citations, and other signals of recognition in your field.

Each case is evaluated individually, and USCIS may request additional documents or clarifications when it deems necessary. Since the details of the process can change, it is worth checking the latest guidance on the USCIS website or consulting a specialist before assembling your evidence package.

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.