Do recommendation letters for the O-1 need to be notarized?

In general, no. The formal requirements of the O-1 do not state that recommendation letters must be notarized or have any official seal. The weight of the document comes from its content, not from any authentication stamp.

What truly matters is the credibility of the person writing the letter, the clarity with which they describe the candidate’s achievements and merit, and the demonstration that the author is a respected authority in the field. Letters with those qualities provide stronger support for an extraordinary ability claim.

In practice, it is advisable that letters be written on official letterhead when possible, be signed, and include contact information so that the reviewing authority can verify the authorship if needed. Authenticity and clear presentation carry more weight than any official seal.

Because official instructions may include specific details, it is worth reviewing the guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, and consulting a specialist when in doubt to build a solid body of evidence.

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.