What are Expert Advisory Letters and How Can You Get One?
Expert advisory letters, also known as expert opinion letters, are formal documents written by a recognized authority in support of an immigration petition. Expert advisory letters are used to prove an applicant’s expertise, authority, or achievements to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These letters carry a great deal of weight as they provide an objective and independent assessment of the applicant’s abilities, which makes them an important piece of evidence for certain visa applications. Below, our Atlanta immigration lawyer explains further.
When are Expert Advisory Letters Necessary?
Expert advisory letters are often necessary when a foreign national is applying for an employment-based visa and they must prove their extraordinary ability or specialized skills. Expert advisory letters are often necessary for the following applications:
- H-1B Specialty Occupation: When applying for an H-1B visa, an expert advisory letter can confirm that an applicant works in a ‘specialty occupation’ or that their experience is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. If USCIS has issued a Request for Evidence (RFE), an expert advisory letter becomes even more critical.
- EB-2 National Interest Waiver: Expert advisory letters are critical when applying for a National Interest Waiver. These letters can provide an objective evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications and detail how their work is of significant merit and national importance to the U.S.
- O-1 Extraordinary Ability: O-1 visas for applicants with extraordinary abilities must obtain an expert advisory letter. It must come from a union, peer group, or other expert that can confirm the extraordinary ability of the applicant and showcase their achievements in their field.
How to Get an Expert Advisory Letter
There are many steps involved in obtaining an expert advisory letter. They include:
- Determine the need: Not all visa applications require an expert advisory letter. While they can provide strong evidence in any case, they are required for certain applications.
- Choose a provider: If you know an expert in your field who is familiar with your work, you can ask them to write you an expert advisory letter. These letters provide evidence that is particularly strong because the expert has no financial or personal ties to you. You can also purchase an expert advisory letter from a professional evaluation service.
- Provide important paperwork: You must be able to provide detailed documentation proving your credentials to any agency writing a letter. These documents can include resumes, transcripts, degrees, detailed job descriptions, patents, publications, and more.
- Drafting and delivery: After an expert chosen by an agency has written your expert advisory letter, they will deliver it to you so you can submit it with your immigration application.
Our Immigration Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help You Obtain a Letter
Expert advisory letters are very important in many immigration cases. Obtaining one is not always easy but our Atlanta immigration lawyer can advise on the documentation to collect and help you through the entire process so it is as easy as possible for you. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611.
Serving clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
Source:
uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2
