Do recommendation letters need to be from Americans?

No. Recommendation letters for the O-1 do not need to be signed by American citizens. What truly matters is the credibility of the person writing the letter and the quality of what it attests about your background.

Ideally, letters should come from recognized experts or authorities in your field: people who know your work and can describe, objectively and in detail, why your contributions stand out. Respected foreign professionals in their fields can carry just as much weight as their American counterparts.

• The author’s origin or nationality is not the central factor.
• The authority of the recommender and the clarity of the evidence matter most.
• The letters should be consistent with the rest of your petition.

Build a cohesive set in which each letter reinforces the others. If you have questions about how to structure this evidence, check the latest guidance from USCIS or consult a specialist.

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.