Does praising my performance in internal evaluation reports serve as a recommendation?

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is intended for professionals with advanced skills who can demonstrate that their work is of national interest to the United States. One important aspect of this process is the submission of recommendations that attest to your competence and experience in the field. Let’s detail how these documents are evaluated.

When we talk about recommendations for the EB-2 NIW, ideally you should have letters from professionals who are recognized in your area of expertise and who can provide an impartial and external evaluation of your contributions. Praise contained in internal evaluation reports, even if positive, generally does not carry the same weight. These documents usually form part of internal feedback and may be considered less robust in terms of credibility, since they come from a hierarchical source or an internal environment with which you are already associated.

It is important to emphasize that strategic letters for an immigration process need to have specific characteristics: they must be written by professionals who can provide a critical and objective analysis of your skills and achievements, highlighting how your work impacts your field and, potentially, the national interest.

Therefore, while praise in internal reports may complement your background, they are unlikely to be sufficient as primary evidence on their own. The correct guidance is to seek letters of recommendation from people who can speak about your work in an external and independent manner, always consulting the rules defined by United States immigration authorities.

Following immigration laws and regulations, relying on trustworthy sources, and avoiding shortcuts or exaggerated promises is essential to conduct your process safely and transparently. Each case is unique, and the evaluation of documents must be done carefully and with knowledge of the current legislation.

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.