I have self-petitioned my EB-1 EA but in a music field. Therefore I can't help you with sample reference letters, but I can share with you the basic principles my cover letter was written on.
A. The actual cover letter (1st page) lists:
- the NSC address you're filing to
- date
- title (Re: I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, ORIGINAL SUBMISSION; Petitioner/Beneficiary: [Your Name])
- text (something like "Dear Sir or Madam, Please find enclosed an I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) by me as self-petitioner/beneficiary. The petition is on the basis that I am an alien of extraordinary ability in [your field] under § 203(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The initial petitioning documents are submitted as following:
1. This cover letter.
2. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) executed by [Your Name].
3. Supporting documentation, exhibits 1 – [N].
4. Filing fee in the amount of $195.00 for Form I-140.")
B. The following pages of the cover letter (or what attorneys might refer to as "memorandum in support of a petition") have to prove that you are eligible in EB-1 EA category. This may include:
- citation of the law ("
Pursuant to § 204.5(h)(3) of the 8 CFR, a petition for an alien of extraordinary ability must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. Such evidence shall include evidence of a one-time achievement (that is, a major, internationally recognized award), or at least three of the following: (i) Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor; (ii) Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields; (iii) Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media, relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence shall include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary translation; (iv) Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought; (v) Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field; (vi) Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media; (vii) Evidence of the display of the alien's work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases; (viii) Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation; (ix) Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field; or (x) Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales".)
- you have to pick at least 3 out of those criteria, clearly state them (I did it in separate paragraphs) and explain how each of them applies to your case; give details, underline (or "bolden" or both) the key points that you want to draw attention to, provide plenty of references to exhibits.
C. You might also want to put in a separate paragraph a statement confirming your current lawful status in the US (and include a copy of the proof of status).
D. In the end, you might want to write a summary, making a conclusion from all the facts you presented. It would also be a good place to list (and, of course, further attach copies of) pre-arranged commitments / contracts that demonstrate your intent to continue working in your field (
important!), as that is required for EB-1 EA category more so than being employed (actually, you don't have to have an employment offer at all).
E. It's not a bad idea to insert page numbers as well as tabs that make it easier to get to exhibits.
This is my input. Hope it helps. If in doubt, please seek more information as well as professional advice. Also, here are a few links you might find useful:
Good luck!!!
