Visto n' Visa

Should I write my EB-2 NIW cover letter in the first person or third person?

For EB-2 NIW, the most common approach is to write the cover letter in the first person, for a direct and authentic narrative. See how to balance a personal tone with the formality your petition requires.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 17, 2026
1 min read
Share

In most EB-2 NIW cases, the recommendation is to write the cover letter in the first person. This style makes the narrative more direct and personal, helping you present your achievements, your experience, and your intentions in an authentic way.

The cover letter is an important part of the petition: it is where you connect your career trajectory to the national interest of the United States. By writing in the first person, you give reviewers a closer view of your path and of why your work is relevant.

This does not mean sacrificing formality. Even in the first person, the letter should be well organized, with solid arguments and a clear thread showing how your skills align with national interests. Authenticity and rigor go hand in hand.

Since every case is unique, it is worth calibrating the tone to your profile and confirming the current guidelines with official sources or a specialist before finalizing the petition.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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.

Victoria's tips

Should I write my EB-2 NIW cover letter in the first person or third person?

For EB-2 NIW, the most common approach is to write the cover letter in the first person, for a direct and authentic narrative. See how to balance a personal tone with the formality your petition requires.

Recommended reading about EB-2 NIW

More content about EB-2 NIW