Cover letter

Opinion Seeker

Registered Users (C)
Hi fellow GC aspirants..


I am in the process of applying for GC under EB1EA preparing myself. However, I do not know what to write in the cover letter (such as paragraph wise split up....where and what to start and where and what to write and specific pattern to follow etc), which is most important based on the others' opinions in the forum.

I already requested some experts to write me recommendation letters taking some tips from this forum. This forum is really helpful.

So, I seek your opinions, advices, guidance, suggestions and even models (letters) for this.

I really appreciate your help in this regard.

Thank you.
 
If you decide to go by yourself, I'd suggest to get a DIY kit (read the sticky thread first!). They have examples of cover letters (I bought one with one example) and many examples of recommendation letters (in different fields). They are not very expensive. The package I bought costs less than $100 and it was very useful for me...
 
Opinion Seeker - Yes, I did it. My EB2-NIW was approved two month ago and I received my GC two weeks ago (concurrent case)
From my experience, I'd suggest to go with DIY kits but each particular case should be evaluated separately (how strong is the case, how confident do you feel about doing everything by yourself, etc.). I know that EB1 is harder than EB2-NIW... and according to other users, NSC is harder than TSC... many factors to consider to take the correct decision but at least you do need some guidance to prepare your cover letter and support documentation properly.
 
Hi dvila... what do you think of my chances for EB1EA?.....I fall under TSC....

Ph.D. from US University (Jan 2008), currently working as post-doc

Publications 15 (12 first author, 2 second author, 1 third author) and 5-6 (all first author) in various stages for publication (criterion 6)

Citations 20 (out of 15 papers, 12 papers are new i.e. published in 2008-09) (criterion 5)

Can get good number (7-10) of recommendation letters from both references and referees (criteria 5)

Peer reviewer for four international journals and reviewed 18 manuscripts so far (in 20 months) upon invitation from editors (criterion 4)

Co-PI in three grants reviewed by NAS ($500,000)

International conference presentations 25 (both oral and poster) out of which 4 were invited

Member of American Chemical Society and Sigma Xi and an Honor Society (may be not strong for this criterion, so won’t stress much)

Best poster award, few travel grants, and a fellowship; all during Ph.D. (may be not strong for this criterion, so won’t stress much)

Since my university does not sponsor me for EB1 OR, I am planning to go for EB1 EA either by end of this year or first half of next year , because doing everything myself (no lawyer) takes quite a bit time it seems

Thanks.
 
I think its better that you consult a lawyer and ask them that guide you about the letter. So that you are sure that you have the right letter that you need.
 
Ph.D. from US University (Jan 2008), currently working as post-doc

You need to prove that you're in the top of your field. Not very easy for a post-doc...

Publications 15 (12 first author, 2 second author, 1 third author) and 5-6 (all first author) in various stages for publication (criterion 6)

Citations 20 (out of 15 papers, 12 papers are new i.e. published in 2008-09) (criterion 5)
Same thing, if your papers are recently published, it's hard to prove that your are in the top of your field

Can get good number (7-10) of recommendation letters from both references and referees (criteria 5)

Those are not 'standard' recommendation letters. They should carefully drafted according to the criteria you're claiming (EB1-EA in your case). You'd nee some advice how to deal with those letters (lawyer or DIY kit)

Peer reviewer for four international journals and reviewed 18 manuscripts so far (in 20 months) upon invitation from editors (criterion 4)

It's fine

Co-PI in three grants reviewed by NAS ($500,000)

International conference presentations 25 (both oral and poster) out of which 4 were invited

Member of American Chemical Society and Sigma Xi and an Honor Society (may be not strong for this criterion, so won’t stress much)

You're right. It doesn't count

Best poster award, few travel grants, and a fellowship; all during Ph.D. (may be not strong for this criterion, so won’t stress much)

You're right. It doesn't count

Since my university does not sponsor me for EB1 OR, I am planning to go for EB1 EA either by end of this year or first half of next year , because doing everything myself (no lawyer) takes quite a bit time it seems

Why not EB2-NIW? Are you from a retrogressed country?

Summary: I feel that your chances to get an EB1-EA are very thigh. Perhaps other members can give you some advice. My experience is limited to my EB2-NIW case and not to EB1 cases. I hope this helps!

Thanks.
 
Hi dvila...thanks for your criteria wise opinion..

I am from retrogressed country...that is why want to try EBEA1 first which is current...

Thanks.
 
Peers.... an independent scientist from a different country who cited my papers agreed to write a letter for me

My questions are...

To whom the letter should be addressed and what should be the subject. Should it be addressing the USCIS director typically used for reco. letter and petition for I-140 as subject or something else or nothing?

What the letter content should say? Should I ask him to write a typical letter of reco. by sending my CV along with how my research helped him or should strictly confined to how my research helped in his research or manuscripts?

Thanks in advance.
 
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