How to explain spelling or grammar errors in recommendation letters?

Minor spelling or grammar errors in recommendation letters do not typically disqualify the testimony in an EB-2 NIW case. What the adjudicator looks for is the weight of the content: the contributions described, their relevance, and the credibility of the person signing.

Even so, when it makes sense, it is worth explaining the context clearly and objectively. A brief note can clarify that the author is a highly qualified professional whose native language is not English, or that the letter was originally written in another language and later translated. This helps keep the focus on merit, not form.

A few precautions can reduce the problem at the source:

• Review the letters carefully before submitting them.
• Use professional translation when the text comes from another language.
• Make sure the central message, about your contribution, is unambiguous.

The essential point is to preserve the clarity and credibility of the testimony. If in doubt about how to present these documents, it is worth checking the updated USCIS guidelines or reviewing the case with a specialist.

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.