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How to Write Strong O-1 and EB-1 Reference Letters

Strong reference letters are one of the most influential parts of O-1 and EB-1 petitions. While they are not formally scored or ranked, USCIS consistently relies on them to understand a candidate’s impact, reputation, and influence within their field. When drafted correctly, they reinforce technical evidence. When drafted poorly, they can weaken an otherwise strong case.

At Tech Nomads, we work closely with founders, researchers, engineers, creatives, and executive-level professionals preparing O-1 and EB-1 applications. Reference letters are often the turning point: they connect achievements with real-world significance.

This article explains how they work, what USCIS expects, and how to avoid common mistakes in applications.

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Why Reference Letters Matter for O-1 and EB-1

Reference letters are not optional. For both visa categories, USCIS regulations allow petitioners to submit “testimony from experts” as supporting evidence. Officers are not specialists in every field, so authoritative voices play a crucial role in explaining why an applicant’s achievements are truly extraordinary.

For O-1A and O-1B, letters support categories such as:

Original contributions of major significance
Leading or critical roles
Publications and citations (O-1A)
Distinction in creative fields (O-1B)

For EB-1A, expert letters help clarify:

Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, or business-related contributions
Judging experience
Leading roles
International acclaim and sustained recognition

Reference letters alone do not satisfy a criterion, but they help USCIS interpret other evidence. Their primary function is to explain the context of why something matters, how the industry responded, and why the applicant stands out.

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Official USCIS Position on Reference Letters

According to official USCIS policy guidance, expert letters must:

Come from recognised authorities in the relevant field.
Provide specific examples of the applicant’s impact.
Explain how the expert knows the applicant or their work.
Support evidence with concrete facts, not general praise.
Be credible, consistent, and detailed.

USCIS officers are trained to give weight only to letters that are objective, fact-based, and supported by independent evidence. Letters that are vague, formulaic, or exaggerated may be discounted entirely.

Tech Nomads ensures that every reference letter aligns with USCIS evidentiary standards and avoids red flags that can lead to Requests for Evidence (RFE).

‍How Many Letters Are Needed?

While USCIS does not require a specific number, practical patterns have emerged:

O-1A: typically 5–7 strong letters
O-1B: 4–6 letters
EB-1A: 6–8 letters
EB-1B: 5–7 letters (from independent experts)

Quality matters more than quantity. It is better to submit five authoritative, substantive letters than ten generic ones. Officers examine substance, not volume.

‍Who Should Write the Letters?

USCIS places the highest weight on letters from:

Independent experts (no professional gain from supporting the applicant)
Leaders in the field (CEOs, professors, founders, principal researchers, distinguished engineers, award-winning creatives)
Representatives of leading institutions (top universities, multinational companies, scientific bodies, successful start-ups, prestigious studios)
Professionals with no close personal relationship to the applicant
Individuals who understand the applicant’s specific contributions

Internal references (e.g., from supervisors or colleagues) are allowed, but USCIS gives them less evidentiary value. They are useful for confirming leading roles, but not for demonstrating widespread recognition.

Tech Nomads helps applicants identify the right mix of referees, balancing independence, seniority, geographical diversity, and authority.

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‍What Strong Letters Include

A powerful reference letter does not simply praise the applicant. It provides a measurable, supported context. USCIS looks for several clear elements:

‍1. Referee’s Authority

Senior roles, credentials, awards
Clear explanation of expertise
Why does their opinion carry weight in the field?

‍2. Relationship to the Applicant

How does the expert know the applicant or their work?
Whether the relationship is independent

‍3. Specific Evidence of Achievement

Letters must cite objective, verifiable examples:

Publications, citations, patents
Product launches, commercial impact
User metrics, revenue growth, acquisition milestones
Festival selections, exhibitions, viewership data
Investment rounds, innovation outcomes, and technical breakthroughs

‍4. Context and Industry Impact

Experts must explain why an achievement matters:

What problem did the applicant solve
How their contribution changed a system, product, or methodology
Why does PDO recognise the innovation?

‍5. Clear, factual, non-inflated language

USCIS examines tone carefully. Letters must be professional, specific, and objective — not emotional or exaggerated.

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Common Pitfalls That Harm Applications

Short, structured sections as requested:

Overly general praise

Statements such as “extraordinary talent, “best in the world, or “visionary” without evidence are discounted.

Letters from close friends or weak authorities

USCIS may give low weight to letters from peers, junior employees, or personal connections.

Template-like language

If multiple letters have identical structure or phrasing, officers suspect they are not independently written.

Lack of specific, measurable evidence

USCIS does not accept general statements without quantifiable examples.

Contradictions with other evidence

Letters must be consistent with documents such as CVs, publications, metrics, or patents.

No explanation of industry context

Officers cannot infer why something is impressive — experts must explain it.

Overly long bios

A referee’s authority matters, but pages of background dilute the focus and may appear artificial.

Letters not signed or on incorrect letterhead

USCIS requires proper formatting, signatures, and accurate institutional details.

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Best Practices for Strong O-1 & EB-1 Letters

Choose referees strategically

Prioritise independent, senior, internationally recognised professionals who can speak to the applicant’s influence.

Provide referees with structured notes

Experts appreciate clarity. Giving them concise summaries ensures accuracy and alignment with USCIS criteria.

Tailor each letter to a criterion

Every letter should reinforce a specific part of the petition: contributions, publications, leading roles, awards, or industry impact.

Include measurable data

Metrics give officers confidence: user numbers, readership, downloads, revenue, citations, academic impact, viewership, etc.

Ensure diversity

A mix of geographic regions, industries, and organisations demonstrates broad recognition.

Keep tone objective and professional

Letters must read as expert evaluations.

Check consistency across all documents

Every section of the petition must support the same narrative. Strong cases always feel coherent.

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