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Should recommendation letters explicitly cite Dhanasar?

Recommendation letters for EB-2 NIW do not need to cite Dhanasar but should clearly evidence the required criteria to prove the national interest and the candidate's impact.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on October 9, 2025
2 min read
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When it comes to the EB-2 NIW visa, it is common to have doubts about the format and content of recommendation letters, especially regarding references to the Dhanasar case. The Dhanasar case, with its guidelines for evaluating qualifications and national interest, has greatly influenced the interpretation of the criteria used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. There is no mandatory requirement to explicitly cite the Dhanasar case in recommendation letters. What is important is that these letters clearly and thoroughly address the criteria established in the Dhanasar decision – such as the relevance of the candidate’s work to the national interest of the United States, the ability to innovate and generate significant impact, and the demonstration that the granting of the benefit will bring substantial advantages to the country.

In other words, even without mentioning the name ‘Dhanasar,’ the content of the letter must show how the candidate’s work and achievements meet the requirements imposed by the case. Recommendations should be prepared by professionals who are well acquainted with the candidate’s area of expertise and can attest to their relevance and contribution. It is essential that each letter conveys concrete information, focused on results and experience that demonstrate the potential benefit the candidate brings to the United States.

Clarity in presenting the relevant points can often be more advantageous than a mere direct citation of the Dhanasar case. Always remember that it is fundamental to follow United States immigration laws and seek advice from experienced professionals in the field. Be cautious of offers promising miraculous results or approval guarantees, as the immigration process is complex and depends on a detailed analysis of the evidence presented. Avoid scams and dubious marketing campaigns, and prioritize information from official sources or recognized experts.

In summary, recommendation letters for the EB-2 NIW should focus on demonstrating how the candidate meets the eligibility criteria defined in the Dhanasar case, but do not necessarily need to mention the term or the case itself. The essential point is that the letter’s content is solid, well-structured, and in line with current immigration guidelines.

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
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.

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Should recommendation letters explicitly cite Dhanasar?

Recommendation letters for EB-2 NIW do not need to cite Dhanasar but should clearly evidence the required criteria to prove the national interest and the candidate's impact.

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