Do I need recommendation letters from famous figures?

No. The O-1 does not require your recommendation letters to come from famous figures. There is no rule that only high-profile public personalities can recommend you.

Letters are, in fact, an important part of your evidence package, because they help support your record of professional recognition. But what truly matters is the credibility of the person signing, not the fame of the name.

You can gather testimonials from academics, industry leaders, researchers, or other experts who know your work, even if they do not have high public visibility. The key is that they are respected individuals capable of attesting to your contributions and relevance in your field.

Since the quality of recommendations matters more than the recommender’s name, it is worth assembling this set carefully and, if needed, seeking specialized guidance to strengthen your case.

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.