Do recommendation letters from coworkers count for the O-1?

Yes. For the O-1 visa, recommendation letters written by coworkers can count, but their weight depends less on the professional relationship and more on the credibility and authority of the person signing them.

Ideally, letters should come from recognized experts or authorities in your field, people with deep knowledge of your work who can objectively attest to your achievements. When a colleague holds a reference position and is recognized in the industry, their recommendation can carry significant weight.

On the other hand, a letter from someone who simply shares the same workplace, without a prominent position or recognition as an expert, tends to have less impact. For this reason, choosing who will write the letter is a strategic decision.

The quality and consistency of the evidence, including the letters, are pillars of the evaluation. Combine strong recommendations with solid proof of your talent and, when in doubt, confirm updated guidance from the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.