For EB-1A Reference Letters, Independence and Reputation Are Importmant, EB1A, Reference letter, EB-1A Reference Letters, Independence, Reputation

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For EB-1A Reference Letters, Independence and Reputation Are Importmant

Hi William,

I recently got an Request For Evidence letter from USCIS office, asking for more evidence of my "original contribution in the field", and reference letter of "independent" and "well-recognized" expert for my original contribution in the field.

I am now working at a university as a research associate. How could I get reference letter from independent and well-recognized expert for my original contribution in the field?

Answer,

To get strong EB-1A independent expert letters, identify recognized experts independent of you, provide them with your achievements & EB-1A criteria, and guide them to write specific, evidence-based letters on official letterhead, detailing their qualifications, your significant contributions, and how your work sets you apart, avoiding generic templates for maximum credibility.

According to USCIS, the reference letter should come from independent and well-recognized expert, based upon his/her review of the documents that are submitted with the EB1 Extraordinary Ability application.

By "independent", the USCIS means an expert with whom the alien application has not worked before - not an employer, colleague, advisor, or client. By "well-recognized", the USCIS means a well-credentialed expert with lengthy experience in the field of endeavor. The experience should include an advanced degree, more than ten years of experience in the field, a lengthy publication and presentation record.

Not every EB-1A application case needs the reference letter from "independent" and "well-recognized expert", especially when the alien applicant has Ph.D. degree and a lengthy publication record and several wards, which could distinguish the alien applicant from other individuals in the field.

For reference letter, the independence is key, you should select people not from your current/past employers or direct collaborators; look for recognized figures, judges of others' work (reviewers, panelists), or senior figures in your field.

You should also choose experts respected in the field who can credibly attest to your work's significance and have some familiarity with it. You should also get letters from various sources (academia, industry, international) to show broad recognition.