Do I need a recommendation from an American institution?

No. For the O-1, there is no requirement that recommendation letters come specifically from an American institution. What the review looks for is proof of your excellence and distinction in your field, and that can be attested by recognized experts from anywhere in the world.

What truly carries weight is the authority of the person recommending you and the quality of the statement. A strong letter describes your contributions in specific terms and explains, objectively, why your work stands out.

• The recommender’s geographic origin is not the central criterion.
• What matters is their credibility and genuine knowledge of your track record.
• Specific and verifiable testimonials carry more weight than generic ones.

Letters from American institutions can add value through their prestige, but they are not required. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the updated criteria with USCIS and organizing your recommendations with expert support.

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.