Reference letter

G

gc_app07

Registered Users (C)
Do the reference letters have to state that I am in the top 2/3% in the field or that I am at the top compared to my peers? The letters I have received so far say that I am an outstanding scientist and have contributed immensely to <blah blah> but none say I am in the top x%.

Also, do any of the referees have to mention about my citations (~100) or is it enough to address it in my personal statement? They do mention that I have published in top journals like Nature, etc.

Thank you very much for your insights.
 
If you are applying for EB1EA, then you need the letters that emphasize the significant impact of your contribution in the field. They probably don't need to mention x%, but it is good to have words/phrases like "top" in your research area (could be your specific area), "first", "international acclaim" etc. They don't need to mention your citation number (as big people usually don't count the number), but it is the best that they mention the quality of your papers, the rank of the journals etc, so to stand you out from others in the field.
 
Thanks a lot, llp1. I am applying for EB1 OR and they do mention about the significance of my work and that it was the first to demonstrate <...>. I have a couple of letters from outside US to make a case for international acclaim. The letters have words like outstanding, extraordinary, and first but none have "top in the research area". Should I try to include "top" in remaining letters (if AOS is looking for certain buzzwords).

Also, they do not mention the rank of the journals but say it was published in prestigious/premier journals like Nature, Science.

Thanks again.
 
International reference letter

A follow-up question: I was wondering how an international referee can make a case for me getting permanent residency in US, given that they are not based in US. I have international letters where they say I have contributed significantly to the research in US and worldwide and am an asset to the US research community, hence be given permanent residency. Is this logic correct?

Thank you.
 
Thanks mmlulin. I will attach their CVs and they mention about themselves for a paragraph or more.

When you say "International referees should ony talk about your work and its significances", do you mean that they should not mention about my permanent residency application or that they strongly endorse my case? I am confused now.

Thanks.
 
What mmlulin said is right. You only need the international referees to confirm your work and significant impact in the field. There will be no base for the references to judge your PR application. It's OK that they mention (in one sentence) that they strongly support your PR application. But don't make a too big deal of it. Especailly for EB1OR, the references are only used to prove your international acclaim. BTW, in my RFE, it said that having international references doesn't automatically mean that you have the international acclaim. The letters have to specifically discuss: Dr. XXX's work has gained the international recognition because of what and what...
About the reputation of the institution, I believe that should be at least discussed deeply in your petition letter as the letter is signed by your institution.
In my impression, EB1OR is relatively easy as long as you satisfy the requirement: strong university endorsement, three years teaching/research experience after your PhD, permanent position, letters attesting your significant contribution, ...
 
Thanks llp1. This is very helpful.

Do the international letters have to be addressed to "USCIS" then or just "to whomever it may concern"? My domestic letters are addressed to USCIS.
 
True, and true, mmlulin's comments.
That reminds me of some "very elegant" institutions (mainly HR guys). They don't expose their documents, but sometimes they make mistakes on their documents and the victim is the employee.
Yes, be cautious. Always follow up with your HR, if possible. Get the receipts for the filing etc. My spouse had been waiting for his case (filed through PERM) for more than a year, and recently was told that the guy in the international office FORGOT to file the petition! My spouse did ask for the receipt of the filing, but was turned back by some elegant saying. Sigh...
Consider you very lucky, if you get a transparent guy in charge of your case who may allow you to draft the petition letter etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top