My advisor passed away. Can I use an old letter from them?

Yes. In an EB-2 NIW petition, a recommendation letter written by an advisor who has passed away can still be used, as long as its content is clear, relevant, and continues to represent your contribution to the field accurately.

The value of a letter does not disappear with time or with the passing of its author. What matters is that it consistently describes the significance of your work and that the reviewer can connect those observations to your more recent career trajectory.

To strengthen the use of this document, it is worth reinforcing the overall package:

• Include a brief explanatory note about the passing and the context in which the letter was written.
• Supplement it with other letters, publications, awards, and current evidence.
• Make sure all information is consistent and verifiable.

In this way, the older recommendation becomes part of an updated and robust record. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is advisable to review the updated guidance from USCIS and align your strategy with a trusted 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.