Previous post explained what should be included in National Interest Waiver letter of support. Today we will only summarize it and show practical example of NIW reference letter which can serve as a template for anyone. All real NIW recommendation letters which were part of our successful EB2 NIW petition may be found in our Do It Yourself kit.
UPDATE [2017/02/06]: On December 27, 2016 AAO issued a new precedent case Dhanasar which established new National Interest Waiver requirements.
Note, that this is not a real NIW recommendation letter, just an example of sentences which could be used in the letter. These sentences should be accompanied by more specific details and laymen’s explanations wherever it is possible.
It is not necessary to include everything in one letter – we rather focused each letter on a few important points and discussed them more in detail.
[Institution letterhead]
National Government Agency
Department of Physics
927 Louise Street
San Francisco, CA 87934-2619
Tel: (375) 748-2367
Fax: (375) 748-4625
Email: John.Doe@nga.gov
February 26, 2013
USCIS
Attn: I-140
P.O. Box 660128
Dallas, TX 75266
Re: Recommendation letter for Dr. Zdenek Sverak’s Petition (EB-2 National Interest Waiver)
Dear USCIS Officer:
It is my great pleasure to support Dr. Sverak’s petition for Permanent Residency in the United States of America in category EB-2 National Interest Waiver.
[Introduction of recommender – credentials and background]
First, please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I am currently a Senior Researcher at National Government Agency. I have been in radiation physics for more than 30 years. I received a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University in Experimental Physics. I worked as a researcher at several universities (Harvard, Yale, Berkeley) and national institutions and laboratories (NASA, Argonne National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory). I received grants in total value of 11 Million USD from federal organizations (NASA, National Science Foundation). I published more than 200 journal papers and 8 book chapters. I served as a reviewer in major physics journals (Journal of Applied Physics, Radiation Imaging Journal). Among the awards that I received: Faraday Medal, Einstein Prize (APS), IEEE Heinrich Hertz Medal, Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics. My current research in National Government Agency includes major projects in radiation imaging, monitoring and development of new detector technologies used in space missions.
[How the recommender knows petitioner]
I have never met Dr. Sverak personally but I became aware of his distinguished pixel detectors research published in leading Journal of Applied Physics in 2009. His papers bring original new approach to radiation imaging which significantly improves quality of images. I am familiar with his papers because of their significance to radiation imaging field and I have cited some of these papers in my own publications.”
[or]
I invited Dr. Sverak to join my research group (9/2012) because I noticed his significant contributions he made in world recognized laboratory CERN in Switzerland. Dr. Sverak developed new technique of radiation imaging which reduces doses of rays and at the same time improves quality of images. He could apply this unique experience in our laboratory.
[or]
I was a supervisor of Dr. Sverak during his PhD studies in Experimental Physics at University of California. [Detailed laymen’s description follows.]
[Demonstrating of 1. NIW criterion – substantial intrinsic merit]
Dr. Sverak has developed new technology for radiation detectors which significantly helps to reduce doses to patients during medical cancer imaging. [Detailed laymen’s explanation follows.]
[or]
Dr. Sverak discovered new vaccine which successfully treats dengue fever. [Detailed laymen’s explanation follows.]
[Demonstrating of 2. NIW criterion – national in scope]
Dr. Sverak’s distinguished research achievements bring superior benefits to national security in the form of early warning against radiation threat. His unique radiation monitoring equipment was already installed and used with success in National Government Agency. Similarly, these detectors are now being installed in 8 other federal facilities over the whole USA as a part of their security system.
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest – past track of achievements]
Dr. Sverak published his original research contributions in more than 50 papers in major peer reviewed journals which is extraordinary number in the radiation imaging field.
[or/and]
Dr. Sverak was asked to review over 30 papers in Radiation Physics Journal which is the most important journal in this field.
[or/and]
Dr. Sverak was elected from more than 100 most skilled researchers from the whole USA as a most innovative researcher and jury composed from distinguished independent experts in the field awarded him by Norman’s Prize.
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest – impact on field as a whole]
Dr. Sverak’s research significantly affected radiation physics field as evidenced by more than 250 citations of his journal papers by wide community of researchers in this field.
[or/and]
My research group in National Government Agency uses Dr. Sverak’s original invaluable technology because it effectively solves problem with low image contrast. As far as I know, Dr. Sverak’s research discoveries are used also in other national facilities in USA and Europe.
[or/and]
I invited Dr. Sverak to advise researchers in our laboratory with development of new radiation monitoring technology because he has invaluable experience in this field. [Detailed laymen’s explanation follows.]
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest – applicant is substantially better than others]
Dr. Sverak has made outstanding contributions in radiation imaging technology and he was first researcher who developed device with sufficient image resolution and significantly lower doses to patients. Discovery of such technology is a spectacular achievement.
[or/and]
Dr. Sverak’s strong knowledge and distinguished expertise of pixel detectors goes far beyond the skills of ordinary peers with same education in this field. [Detailed laymen’s explanation follows.]
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest – critical role in the project]
Dr. Sverak plays a critical role in my radiation imaging research and it would be seriously impaired without his invaluable contribution. In such case accomplishing of this whole nationally important project would be threatened.
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest – prospective benefits]
[Begin with detailed laymen’s explanation.] I truly believe that Dr. Sverak’s impressive and nationally important past track of achievements is strong indication that he will serve to US national interest also in the future.
[Demonstrating of 3. NIW criterion – national interest adversely affected]
National Government Agency would like to offer a permanent job to Dr. Sverak. However, our policy doesn’t allow to give such an offer to foreign aliens who don’t poses permanent residency. Hence, traditional labor certification cannot be applied in this case. Dr. Sverak is a key member of our team in this nationally important project and if we cannot employ him it would negatively affect national interest. [Detailed laymen’s explanation follows.]
[or/and]
Dr. Sverak developed outstanding technology in radiation imaging and National Government Agency is further critically dependent on his experience with this technology. Labor certification process would probably find somebody with minimum education, PhD in physics, but not with such high level of expertise in this particular research. Our projects which are in national interest would be seriously impaired if labor certification were required.
For the above reasons, I strongly support and recommend to grant Dr. Sverak Permanent Residency in the United States of America.
John Doe, PhD
Senior Researcher
Department of Physics
National Government Agency
We have published several examples of real NIW recommendation letters in our NIW DIY package – these letters helped enormously to approval of our National Interest Waiver application.
Do you find this website useful? You might be interested in NIW DIY Kit - our complete successful green card application.
PLEASE NOTE: I want to be clear that NONE of the information on this site is a legal advice. I provide this information as general information only, and you should always do your own research and even consult an attorney if necessary.
Thanks a lot for the information, it’s so useful for me, because I want to apply the Green card by myself through NIW! Thanks you!
Hi, I am not sure what do you mean. USCIS requires submitting documents in English or with certified translation.
Hi, Is it necessary to address on the domestic labor and certification process in the EB2-NIW?
Thanks in advance
Hi Sam, this is one of the advantages of National Interest Waiver – it waives lengthy Labor Certification process. Veronika, EB2 NIW team
I have a PhD with only 2 conference publication and 3 independent citation. What are my chances?Hi Yadav, if you need evaluation of your case you might want to try “free niw evaluation” (google this keyword). You will find plenty of attorneys who might do this for free. We are not allowed to evaluate because we are not lawyers. I am sorry, hope you understand. Just a little note – think about what arguments you want to use to satisfy 3 NIW requirements. Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
One question about recommendation letters… Should we keep the NIW criterion mentioned in brackets for officer’s guidance?
Thank you for the sample. I wrote a letter based on the sample to support a person’s NIW a few months ago- but recently found out some serious issues with the person’s qualifications and don’t want to be involved in this person’s NIW any more as a recommender. * How can I revoke (or cancel) my recommendation letter? I don’t know NIW file number of that person. Should I directly write a letter to USCIC? To where?
If that is impossible, should I let the person (and the person’s lawyer) know that I don’t want to be involved anymore and need to work through them?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Angel, I don’t have any experience with this. Personally I would let the person know that you don’t want your letter in his petition and ask him to remove it. But then you have to believe that he will not submit it because you have no chance to check it. Then I would probably try to contact USCIS but hard to say where exactly. Really sorry that you have to deal with this situation. Good luck! Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
I have 11 Years experience in IT working for State Govt Agency , I had my master in computer applications.
is there any one guide me how can apply for thi
Hi madhusudana, yes, we created this blog to guide people 🙂 Start to read from the beginning and you should have an idea how to do it soon. Or if it is too overwhelming for you now and you need more step by step instructions, you can read our book. I am glad you came here, you are at the right place. Let me know if you have questions. Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
Hi,
Thank you for this write-up. I am a foreign medical doctor with extensive public health research experience, I am interested in the NIW visa. But I am contemplating whether to combine my intention to practice medicine in the US as well as my desire to pursue clinical research or should I just state one intent or career path?
Hi David, which one will convince USCIS officer the best about your critical role in particular job serving to US national interest? It could be both but it can also distract him from the most important thing in your case. Veronika, Founder of EB2 NIW project
Hello Veronika (Founder of EB2 NIW project): Thanks for your selfless service in this forum. I am a professor, filing NIW. My Dean wants me to send him a draft letter. How can I get a suitable sample letter of recommendation from a College Dean? Thank you very much.
Hi Christian, I do not have exact letter from dean but I would follow the general scheme – let him introduce himself, describe how he knows you and then let him explain how you satisfy one or more of the needed arguments for your case. In case you need more examples of recommendation letters we provide 8 letters in our DIY kit, plus drafts and templates. These letters came from various distinguished experts, including university professors, but no dean. DIY kit is available here. Let me know in case of any other questions. Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
Hi Daniel, thanks for a great tip for blog post! We have some basics covered here. If I am able to get more detailed info I will publish it on our blog. Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
I am planning to apply for Green Card (PR) on the basis of Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 (Member of the professions holding an advanced degree with national interest). Could you please tell me which forms I have to submit? I know that I need to submit I-140. What else? I want to know the step by step process for the application.
Hi Hossain, here is a list of forms for NIW: https://www.eb2niw.com/documents-checklist-for-i-140-eb2-niw-petition and here for adjustment of status: https://www.eb2niw.com/documents-i-485-eb2-niw-national-interest-waiver If you need more “step by step” guide, you might find our book useful. Veronika
Founder of EB2 NIW project
I appreciate your hard work, this is a great site for the beginners. I have a question regarding independent recommender. I have a recommender who took a course with me while in school, but we never worked together (in a school project, or after graduation in the same company), we may have group-studied together. Will he be the independent recommender?
Hi TT, thank you very much for your feedback! It is good to let him mention that you never worked together, but it should be also clear how you two know each other. I wouldn’t worry that much about the exact line if he is independent or not. It is good to have recommenders from both groups anyway. I would focus on showing that he is sufficiently qualified to provide expert opinion about you (is he a distinguished leader in that particular field?). I wish you good luck!
Hey, some of my recommenders are not able to use letter head from the Institute as they are not higher rank, like manager or above. They are engineers/lead engineers working in reputed companies and the national labs. My question is, will it hurt my application, should I use letter without a letter head?
Hi TT, I am not allowed to provide any advice regarding your case because I am not a lawyer (only they are authorized to do so). In our case we had some letters without official letterhead. Good luck!
who are the independent recommenders? If I collaborate with a person from another institute for work, will the person be independent?
Hi, I would not do some strict border between those two groups, and it is only my personal opinion not some rule. Personally, I consider people who are collaborating closer (dependent). Veronika
It is an amazing , experience and versatile knowledge by reading above EB2-NIW LOR. In depth explanation and true wording of how to write a LOR with supreme justification, Thanks NIW team i`m also applying for the same hope it will guide through the path of success.