I. BREAKDOWN OF THE LAW
This criterion is fulfilled if the applicant has received recognition for their achievements from experts. Typically, this is demonstrated by obtaining recommendation letters.
The law is divided into three key components:
1. The applicant has received recognition;
2. For their achievements; and
3. This recognition comes from experts.
II. MEETING THE CRITERIA
When determining if an applicant meets this requirement, it is important to consider the following details from those who would write a recommendation letter on the applicant’s behalf:
- The nature of your relationship with the recommender
- How many years they have known you
- The recommender’s full name
- Their job title
MATCHUPS
The tangible details correspond to the statutory components as follows:
1. “Applicant has received recognition” stands alone.
2. “For achievements” is demonstrated by the relationship and the number of years they’ve known you.
3. “From experts” is supported by the recommender’s full name and job title.
III. PROVING IT TO USCIS
1. RELATIONSHIP
Law: This element confirms that the applicant’s recognition comes from experts (matching component 2).
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
USCIS expects that the expert providing the recommendation is objective. This means the recommender should not be too close to you. In addition to being an expert in your field, they should not be related to you, and only one of them at most may be a former teacher. Ideally, each recommendation comes from someone who has a distinct relationship with you.
HOW TO PROVE IT
The nature of the relationship is typically described in the recommendation letter itself, and USCIS will accept the recommender’s statement as evidence.
EXAMPLES
For instance, a letter from your mother or from an 8th-grade teacher would not be acceptable because they are not considered objective experts in your field.
2. YEARS KNOWN
Law: This element supports the recognition criterion by verifying that the expert has known you long enough to comment on your achievements.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
USCIS wants evidence that the recommender is familiar with your career highlights. They should have known you for at least a year, with their familiarity reflecting your professional experience rather than personal acquaintance.
HOW TO PROVE IT
The duration for which the recommender has known you is usually stated in the recommendation letter, and USCIS accepts that at face value.
EXAMPLES
A recommendation from someone who has known you since early childhood is not acceptable, as it does not provide an objective perspective on your professional accomplishments.
3. FULL NAME
Law: This element confirms the “from experts” portion by ensuring the recommender’s identity is clearly established.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
USCIS expects the recommender to be an established professional in your field. While they do not need to have extraordinary talent themselves, a long and reputable career is desirable.
HOW TO PROVE IT
The recommender’s credentials are typically provided in the recommendation letter, and USCIS accepts these details as evidence.
EXAMPLES
For example, if you are applying as a dancer, a letter from a professor at a dance school with 30 years of experience would be ideal.
4. JOB TITLE
Law: This element further supports the “from experts” requirement by identifying the recommender’s professional role.
WHAT USCIS IS LOOKING FOR
USCIS prefers that the recommender holds a position related to your field. While their title need not exactly match yours, it should be similar or related, demonstrating their expertise in your area.
HOW TO PROVE IT
The recommender’s job title is usually clearly stated in the recommendation letter, which USCIS takes at face value.
EXAMPLES
If you are a writer, a recommendation letter from a photographer would not be considered relevant.
IV. DIFFICULTY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
This criterion is considered a level 1 difficulty, meaning that most applicants are able to meet it.
RELATED CATEGORIES
This criterion is standalone and does not have related categories.