Can I Use the Same Expert Letters for O-1, EB-1A, and NIW Petitions? Here’s What You Should Know
If you’re applying for a U.S. visa or green card based on your professional achievements, you’ll likely hear about “expert letters” — also known as letters of recommendation. These letters can be incredibly powerful, but it’s important to know not all expert letters are created equal.
At our firm, we often get asked: Can I re-use the same letters for my O-1 visa, EB-1A green card, and NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card applications? The short answer is no — and here’s why:
O-1 & EB-1A: All About You
For the O-1 visa and EB-1A green card, the letters need to show that you are extraordinary in your field. These letters focus on:
- Your specific talent or expertise
- Awards or recognition you’ve received
- Major achievements or innovations you’ve led
- Why you stand out compared to others in your profession
These letters are written by people who are recognized experts: they explain why you’re a leader or top talent in your area.
NIW: All About the Impact
NIW petitions are different. It’s less about fame and more about how your work benefits the U.S. These letters focus on:
- The importance of your work to society (public health, economy, education, etc.)
- How your plans will solve big problems or fill critical gaps
- Why the U.S. should support you without requiring a job offer or labor certification
The key is showing how your work aligns with the public interest, not just that you’re good at what you do.
So, Can You Re-Use Letters?
Not really. While some background info might overlap, a letter written for one type of petition usually won’t meet the needs of another. Each petition category has different goals, and your letters must match those goals clearly.
Final Thoughts
Expert letters are a big part of these applications. But they only work when they’re written with purpose and tailored for the right visa type. Re-using the same letter for multiple petitions can weaken your case and that’s the last thing you want.
