Does a letter from an immediate coworker count as a recommendation?

When seeking the EB-2 NIW, recommendation letters are important documents that demonstrate your exceptional ability and the relevance of your work to the United States. These letters help support that your experience and achievements have a significant impact in your field of expertise.

In the case of a letter from an immediate coworker, it can be considered valid as long as the author of the recommendation is able to demonstrate a critical and impartial view of your professional performance. However, it is common for immigration authorities to give greater credibility to letters written by external experts or professionals who do not share direct and daily ties with the applicant.

This happens because recommendations coming from sources not directly involved in the routines of the same work environment tend to carry more weight, as they provide a more independent assessment. It is important to emphasize that each case is unique, and a combination of recommendations – from both immediate coworkers and external experts – can strengthen your petition, provided each clearly demonstrates your professional value, your contributions, and how your work meets the visa criteria.

Thus, if you choose to include a letter from a coworker, make sure it emphasizes aspects that only an external analysis could highlight, strengthening your argument as an outstanding professional. Always remember the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and consulting reliable sources. When planning your petition, it is worthwhile to seek information from specialized professionals and avoid promises of easy or guaranteed results, since adherence to legal norms is fundamental for the success of the process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.