Do recommendation letters need to be in English?

For the O-1, recommendation letters should ideally be written in English. The entire review process in the United States is conducted in that language, and letters already in English make it easier for the officers examining the petition to evaluate them.

Recommendation letters carry significant weight in the petition: they help demonstrate the candidate’s recognition and relevance in their field. For that reason, beyond language, it matters that the letters be consistent and specific about the candidate’s career trajectory and achievements.

If any original letter is in another language, it must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. This prevents delays and confusion during the review, keeping the file clear and aligned with the process requirements.

• Prefer letters written directly in English.
• Letters in another language require a certified translation.
• Organize documents in a cohesive and verifiable manner.

Each petition is evaluated individually, under rigorous standards. It is worth checking the latest guidance on the USCIS website and, if needed, seeking professional support to prepare the letters.

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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.