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Key takeaways

Strong recommendation letters should detail your exceptional abilities with concrete evidence of achievements and national impact.
Quality over Quantity. Choose credible recommenders like industry leaders, mentors, or collaborators to add authority to your petition.
Again, Quality over Quantity. Use specific examples over vague praise, avoiding jargon while aligning with USCIS criteria.
Partnering with experienced immigration attorneys ensures your letters strengthen your EB-2 NIW application effectively.

EB-2 NIW recommendation letters are essential for demonstrating your exceptional ability, substantial merit, and contributions that serve the U.S. national interest. They provide third-party validation to USCIS, making your case more compelling.

This guide draws from our team’s hands-on experience assisting clients with successful EB-2 NIW petitions. For personalized advice, consult our immigration experts.

Why EB-2 NIW Recommendation Letters Matter in Your Petition

Recommendation letters for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) are endorsements from professionals familiar with your work, emphasizing its significance to the U.S. They go beyond your resume, offering credible insights into your impact.

To succeed in an EB-2 NIW petition, you must satisfy three prongs: your endeavor’s substantial merit and national importance, your positioning to advance it, and the benefit of waiving job offer requirements. These are known as the Dhanasar prongs. In 2016, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) established these 3 prongs as a way for USCIS to evaluate the merits of a NIW petition. Recommendation Letters connect your achievements to these prongs.

For instance, a publication list shows your output, but a letter from a peer explains its field-wide influence. Strong letters build a narrative that resonates with USCIS officers.

The EB-2 NIW is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (note this is different from extraordinary ability (O1 Visa), but similar). The EB2 NIW allows self-petitioning without a job offer if your work benefits the U.S. nationally.

Ideal Recommenders for EB-2 NIW Letters

The recommender’s credibility is crucial. USCIS values endorsements from respected figures who can attest to your work’s value. Quality over Quantity.

Consider:

Field leaders (e.g., directors, researchers).
Peers or collaborators highlighting project impacts.
Supervisors detailing your track record.
Academic mentors linking research to broader benefits.
Clients or partners showing real-world applications.

Recommenders don’t need personal relationships but must credibly discuss your contributions.

Pro tip: Prioritize quality – detailed letters from influential voices outweigh numerous generic ones. They should tie your work to U.S. national interests. Make sure you address all 3 Dhanasar prongs.

How to Request an EB-2 NIW Recommendation Letter

Requesting letters can be daunting, but clear communication helps. Provide drafts or key points to ease the process.

Pro tip: Make it simple and offer templates. Our attorneys at German American Legal can assist in this step.

Elements of a Strong EB-2 NIW Recommendation Letter

Effective letters:

Describe your abilities, skills, and leadership.
Provide specific examples (awards, publications, innovations).
Explain impact (e.g., how a patent advanced industry standards).
Tie to national interest (economy, health, etc.).
Use professional tone, avoiding exaggeration.

Structure:

Introduction: Relationship and credentials.
Body: Achievements with evidence.
Conclusion: Endorsement for NIW.

Aim for 1-2 pages. No more.

EB-2 NIW Recommendation Letter Samples

Download Recommendation Letter Samples

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to strongly recommend Applicant Name for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). As Applicant’s direct supervisor at (Company Name) for the past (number of years/months), I have had the opportunity to closely observe and collaborate with them on several critical projects in (specific field/industry).

(Applicant) possesses exceptional ability in (specific area of expertise), demonstrated through their leadership on (specific project or result). For instance, they spearheaded the development of (describe key innovation or achievement), which resulted in (quantifiable outcome, e.g., a 30% increase in efficiency, cost savings of $X, or advancement in technology). This contribution not only drove our company’s success but also advanced (specific field/industry) by (explain broader impact, e.g., setting new standards or enabling scalable solutions).

Beyond our organization, (Applicant) has made significant contributions to the field, including (specific examples such as presenting at national/international conferences, collaborating with industry leaders, or receiving awards). Their work has influenced (mention specific entities or standards), fostering innovation and positive change in (area of expertise).

(Applicant)’s proposed endeavor to (briefly describe the applicant’s future plans in the U.S., e.g., continue research in sustainable energy) is of substantial merit and national importance, as it addresses (key national priority, e.g., energy security, economic growth, or public health). They are well-positioned to advance this endeavor due to their proven track record, unique skills, and expertise, which surpass what is typically available in the U.S. labor market. Waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would serve the national interest by allowing (Applicant) to contribute immediately to U.S. priorities without delay.

In summary, (Applicant)’s exceptional contributions will benefit the U.S. economy, workforce, and broader society. I wholeheartedly endorse their EB-2 NIW petition.

Sincerely, (Your Full Name) (Your Title) (Company Name) (Contact Information, including phone and email)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague praise without examples.
Overly technical language.
Exaggeration.
Understatement.
Ignoring national interest ties.

How Many Letters Do You Need?

Typically 3-7; focus on a good mix of peers, employers, academic mentors and quality.

Working with German American Legal

Our team helps craft compelling letters aligned with USCIS. Bize ulaşın for support or info@germanamericanlegal.com

Written By: Alexander Thorlton, Esq. Immigration Attorney at German American Legal.

Updated: December 29, 2025.

EB2 NIW Recommendation letters samples and how to draft your application in 2026