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Caterina A. Ranieri, Anna Putintseva

In last month’s alert, we discussed a popular question among many employer-sponsors, namely how many expert letters should be submitted to support a petition. Here is the link to that alert:  http://bhlawpllc.com/publication/expert-letters-how-many-letters-are-enough-for-an-o-1-petition/

In this alert, we are addressing the format of how these letters should be written. The government gives some insights in the regulations about this question. The regulations state, “testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien’s achievement.” 8 CFR 214.2 (o)(3)(iv)(B)(5).

Breaking down the above quote from the regulations, we recommend that expert letters follow the following format:

  1. The letter should start with the expert introducing him or herself, describing the expert’s credentials and what makes the writer an expert in the field;
  2. Next, the expert should explain how the expert knows the beneficiary or the beneficiary’s professional background;
  3. Finally, the letter should set forth specific and detailed information of which the expert has first-hand information that describes the beneficiary’s specific accomplishments in the field.

Keeping to this format will make it easier for experts to draft and prepare their expert opinions on the beneficiary’s accomplishments. It also provides the government a clear road map of the purpose of the expert’s letter. Working with a professional law firm that is experienced in immigration will help make the process of ensuring that expert letters are written in a clear and concise format smoother.

SPECIAL NOTE: We now offer a free 30-minute webinar on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon EST discussing visa options for dancers and other work industries. There will be an opportunity to ask us questions at the end of our presentation. Please register for our next webinar which is scheduled for February 6, 2019 at the following link:
http://bhlawpllc.com/immigration-webinars/ We look forward to hearing from you!