Categories: Employment

The EB-2 visa category is a pathway for foreign nationals with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees to obtain permanent residency in the United States. There are two main types of EB-2 petitions: the regular EB-2 petition and the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition. The key differences between the two are as follows:

Job offer: The regular EB-2 petition requires a job offer from a US employer, whereas the EB-2 NIW petition does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.

Labor certification: The regular EB-2 petition requires a labor certification from the Department of Labor, which involves the employer demonstrating that there are no qualified US workers available for the position. The EB-2 NIW petition does not require a labor certification.

National interest: The EB-2 NIW petition requires the applicant to demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States, whereas the regular EB-2 petition does not have this requirement.

Eligibility criteria: The eligibility criteria for the regular EB-2 petition and the EB-2 NIW petition are different. For the regular EB-2 petition, the applicant must have a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the field. For the EB-2 NIW petition, the applicant must have exceptional abilities in the sciences, arts, or business, or an advanced degree, and their work must be in the national interest of the United States.

In summary, the main differences between the regular EB-2 petition and the EB-2 NIW petition are the job offer requirement, labor certification, national interest requirement, and eligibility criteria.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a category of the employment-based visa for individuals who have exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business, or an advanced degree, and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the national interest of the country.

To be eligible for the EB-2 NIW, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

Exceptional ability:
The applicant must have exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, which is demonstrated by evidence of a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the field.

Advanced degree:
The applicant must hold an advanced degree or equivalent, which is a master’s or higher degree or a bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience in the field.

National interest:
The applicant must provide evidence that their work will be in the national interest of the United States. This can be demonstrated by showing that their work will improve the US economy, create jobs, improve healthcare, or provide other significant benefits to the country.

Self-petition:
Unlike other employment-based visas, the EB-2 NIW allows applicants to self-petition, which means that they do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply.

In addition to meeting these requirements, the applicant must also provide evidence of their exceptional abilities, advanced degree, and the national interest of their work. This evidence can include academic achievements, publications, patents, awards, and letters of recommendation from experts in their field.

No. Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition since they do not need a U.S employer to sponsor them. The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) falls under the U.S employment-based second preference green card category (EB-2). Under this category, a foreign national may seek a waiver of a job offer and therefore the labor certification/PERM process by establishing that his/her admission to permanent residence would be in the ‘national interest’ of the United States. For an NIW petition, the beneficiary needs to provide evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability.

The endeavors that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute; instead, USCIS considers the beneficiary meets the 3 factors below (Matter of Dhanasar):

• The proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance because it:
  • has national or even global implication within a particular field,
  • has significant potential to employ US workers or has other substantial positive economic effects,
  • will broadly enhance societal welfare or cultural or artistic enrichment,
  • impacts a matter that a government entity has described as having national importance or is a subject of national initiatives.
• The beneficiary is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
• On balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer, and thus the labor certification.

Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest waiver) immigrant petition for obtaining a Green Card in the United States. Strong recommendation letters from peers and independent distinguished experts in the beneficiary’s field of endeavor can determine the outcome of a petition. Carnegie Evaluations’ experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria-claims, based on the documentary evidence provided. Headquartered in New Jersey, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) have retained a myriad of experts in hundreds of disciplines (specialties). Our panel include industry experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S who are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Our experts’ opinions are highly researched and customized to meet the specific endeavor of the beneficiary and recommended on the quality and the level of details by several legal practitioners and customers alike. Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community and is known for case winning expert opinions or letters of recommendations for EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) falls under the U.S employment-based second preference green card category (EB-2). Besides, those seeking a national interest waiver (NIW) may self-petition since they do not need a U.S employer to sponsor them. Furthermore, under this category, a foreign national may seek a waiver of a job offer and, therefore, the labor certification/PERM process. Most importantly, the beneficiary needs to provide evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability to be eligible to apply.

Primarily, the beneficiary needs to establish that his/her endeavor has both substantial merit & national importance. Secondly, the beneficiary must show that s/he is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor. Finally, the beneficiary needs to prove that his/her admission to permanent residence would be in the ‘national interest’ of the United States.

Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

As a matter of fact, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, strongly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

There are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.

In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

Since a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

For a long time, Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims to bolster the petition to meet the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) falls under the U.S employment-based second preference green card category (EB-2). Besides, those seeking a national interest waiver (NIW) may self-petition since they do not need a U.S employer to sponsor them. Furthermore, under this category, a foreign national may seek a waiver of a job offer and, therefore, the labor certification/PERM process. Most importantly, the beneficiary needs to provide evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability to be eligible to apply.

Primarily, the beneficiary needs to establish that his/her endeavor has both substantial merit & national importance. Secondly, the beneficiary must show that s/he is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor. Finally, the beneficiary needs to prove that his/her admission to permanent residence would be in the ‘national interest’ of the United States.

Why USCIS issues an RFE (Request for additional Evidence)?

In most circumstances, USCIS issues an RFE when the beneficiary is unable to convince the adjudicating officer that s/he meets the three prongs of Matter of Dhanasar.

As a matter of fact, the endeavors that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute. Instead, USCIS considers the three factors below:

• First, the person’s proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance. 
• Second, the person is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
• Third, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and, thereby, labor certification.

Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

As a matter of fact, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, bly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

There are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.

In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

Since, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

 Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

For a long time, Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Undoubtedly, our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims based on documentary evidence to address any RFEs or NOIDs. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.

Headquartered in New Jersey, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community and is known for case winning expert opinions or letters of recommendations for EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions. Carnegie Evaluations’ panel of experts include industry experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S who are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations.  We have retained a myriad of experts in hundreds of disciplines (specialties). Our panel of experts stay abreast with the USCIS adjudication trends, and our experts’ opinions are highly researched and customized to meet the specific endeavor of the beneficiary and recommended on the quality and the level of details by several legal practitioners and customers alike.  Carnegie Evaluations has a well- earned reputation for Quality and Quick turnaround and handling some of the most challenging USCIS RFEs as attested by our clients in over 500 Google reviews.

This letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. Since the USCIS adjudicating officers are rarely experts in the field of applicant’s endeavor, USCIS always adjudicates the petition based on objective evidence submitted. Since expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of EB-2 NIW petitions, it’s always recommended to include minimum 5-7 such letters of recommendation or expert opinions, preferably from recognized faculty experts to attest to the accomplishments of the beneficiary on his or her field of endeavor. bly worded expert opinions or letters of recommendation from independent distinguished experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements and contributions in the field which can determine the outcome of a case.

Since USCIS adjudicating officer considers the objective evidence submitted it’s important to include as many experts’ opinions as possible to attest to the 3 prongs of Matter of Dhanasar- the beneficiary’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance, the beneficiary is well positioned to advance in the proposed endeavor and on balance beneficial to the U.S to waive the job offer and thereby labor certification.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) falls under the U.S employment-based second preference green card category (EB-2). Besides, those seeking a national interest waiver (NIW) may self-petition since they do not need a U.S employer to sponsor them. Furthermore, under this category, a foreign national may seek a waiver of a job offer and, therefore, the labor certification/PERM process. Most importantly, the beneficiary needs to provide evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability to be eligible to apply.

Primarily, the beneficiary needs to establish that his/her endeavor has both substantial merit & national importance. Secondly, the beneficiary must show that s/he is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor. Finally, the beneficiary needs to prove that his/her admission to permanent residence would be in the ‘national interest’ of the United States.

Why USCIS issues an RFE (Request for additional Evidence)?

In most circumstances, USCIS issues an RFE when the beneficiary is unable to convince the adjudicating officer that s/he meets the three prongs of Matter of Dhanasar.

As a matter of fact, the endeavors that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute. Instead, USCIS considers the three factors below:

• First, the person’s proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance. 
  • Second, the person is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
  • Third, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and, thereby, labor certification.

Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

As a matter of fact, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, strongly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

There are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.

In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

Since, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

 Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

For a long time, Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Undoubtedly, our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims based on documentary evidence to address any RFEs or NOIDs. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.

First and foremost, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition.

Ideally, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

There are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

• The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.
• In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

Of course, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, strongly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

For a long time, Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Undoubtedly, our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims based on documentary evidence. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.

First and foremost, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition.

For this reason, there are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

• The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.
• In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

 How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Undoubtedly, our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims based on documentary evidence. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.

 Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

Of course, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, strongly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How many letters of recommendation (expert opinions) beneficiary should submit?

To sum up, an expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW petition. Ideally, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

First and foremost, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant petition.

For this reason, there are two letters of recommendation for an EB-2 NIW immigrant petition. The first is from the foreign national’s “inner circle” of peers. The second one is from the “outer circle” of distinguished independent industry experts in the field of foreign national’s endeavors.

• The “Inner Circle” includes peers who worked with the foreign national either as a co-worker or in the business/profession. In other words, these peers should have firsthand information about the foreign national’s accomplishments and exceptional ability.
• In contrast, the “Outer Circle” includes government officials, agencies, globally recognized industry organizations, independent experts, or Professors in the field of the proposed endeavor. However, these experts may not have any ties with the applicant. Even though, they can testify to the applicant’s merit and exceptional ability by reviewing the documentary evidence. For instance, such evidence includes qualifications, resumes, experience letters, peer reviews/ letters, achievements, memberships, publications, presentations, and invited talks. For this reason, this letter of recommendation is also called an expert opinion or expert letter.

Even though letters of recommendation from the inner circle may help, it is doubtful that USCIS might give weightage to such biased letters.

Role of Letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter

Of course, the USCIS adjudicating officers may not be experts in the field of the applicant’s endeavor. USCIS adjudicates the petition based on the objective evidence submitted in this context. Undoubtedly, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter is an integral component of an EB-2 NIW petition. For instance, a letter of recommendation from a recognized faculty expert can bolster the beneficiary’s credentials & accomplishments. Moreover, strongly worded expert opinions from distinguished independent experts can provide specific insight into the beneficiary’s achievements/contributions. In a nutshell, such expert opinions can determine the outcome of a case.

Contents of a case-winning recommendation letter or expert opinion

Primarily, a letter of recommendation or expert opinion letter for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) should include the following:

• An introduction about the scope of the letter
• Qualifications and role of the expert
• Nature of the expert’s association with the applicant
• Any supporting evidence which validates the capacity of the expert to relate to the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• A detailed resume of the expert.

In addition, a case-winning expert opinion should include as much objective evidence as possible to attest to the three prongs of the Matter of Dhanasar. For example, Objective evidence includes independently verifiable analytics, statistics, factual data, references, citations, and quantitative & qualitative information.

How many letters of recommendation (expert opinions) beneficiary should submit?

To sum up, an expert opinion letter is the cornerstone of an EB-2 NIW petition. Ideally, the beneficiary should submit a minimum of 5-7 letters from distinguished independent experts to bolster the factual, objective evidence. Ultimately, the USCIS officer considers the persuasive objective evidence while adjudicating an EB-2 NIW petition.

How can Carnegie Evaluations help?

For a long time, Carnegie Evaluations has been the trusted partner for the U.S business immigration community. Besides, Carnegie Evaluations (www.carnegieevaluations.com) has retained various faculty experts in several disciplines (specialties). Undoubtedly, our experts can opine on the veracity of such criteria claims based on documentary evidence. Notably, our panel includes industry-experienced faculty experts from highly reputable Universities across the U.S. Moreover, these experts are also active members of relevant industry/professional associations. Indeed, our experts’ opinions are highly customized and researched. They are known to be case-winning, as attested by several legal practitioners and clients.