How to Write Persuasive EB-1A Recommendation Letters

What letters do

EB-1A requires showing sustained national or international acclaim. Letters let experts explain your contributions, supplementing objective evidence such as publications and awards.

Who should write them?

Ideally a mix.

What to cover

1. The recommender’s background and credentials
2. What you specifically did — not vague praise
3. The impact: industry adoption, changed practice or commercial results
4. Where possible, a specific EB-1A criterion

Common mistakes

• Several letters saying the same thing
• Character rather than concrete achievements
• Recommenders whose credentials can’t support their judgement

The process

1. Organise your achievements and evidence
2. Choose recommenders and understand their background
3. Plan which criterion each letter addresses
4. Recommenders review and sign

An example

One applicant reached out to peers overseas so each letter addressed a different criterion, and was approved on first filing.