Can recommendation letters be from people connected to my team?

The O visa, intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities, requires a strong demonstration of recognition in the field of expertise. Therefore, documents such as recommendation letters play an important role, as they help to prove your achievements and the quality of your work.

However, when it comes to choosing who will write these letters, the aspects of impartiality and authority are fundamental. As a rule, it is preferable that recommendation letters be issued by independent experts or authorities who can objectively attest to your performance and contribution to the field.

Letters issued by people directly involved in your team may not carry the same weight, as the professional connection can be interpreted as a lack of independence. This does not mean that every team member is automatically disqualified from writing a recommendation, but it is important that the evaluator possesses credibility and recognition in your area of expertise.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of following the rules established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), seeking updated and reliable information. In many cases, specialized professionals and companies in immigration can help guide you regarding best practices, avoiding problems and possible mistakes that could compromise your process.

Additionally, exercise extra caution with miracle promises or strategies that seem too advantageous – these can be signs of scams or misleading marketing campaigns. Always remember the importance of strictly complying with U.S. immigration law. The choice of who will issue your recommendations should be based on the credibility and authority of the recommenders in the field. This additional caution can make all the difference in the review of your petition.

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.