Peer Group Consultation Letter — Advisory Opinion Template
Required for most O-1 petitions under 8 CFR 214.2(o)(5): a written advisory opinion from a peer group, labor, or management organization. Many founders have no relevant peer group — in that case you document that instead, and USCIS decides on the evidence. Both paths satisfy the rule.
Which path applies to you? The advisory opinion is required if an appropriate peer group exists in your field (e.g., a professional society or labor organization). Many founders and entrepreneurs have no such peer group — there's no union or governing body for "startup founder." In that case you don't need this letter; instead, the petition states that no appropriate peer group exists and USCIS decides on the evidence alone. Use the template below if you have a peer group; use the short statement at the bottom if you don't.
[Peer Organization Letterhead]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Advisory Opinion in Support of the O-1A Petition for [Beneficiary's Full Name]
This advisory opinion is submitted pursuant to 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(5)(i)(A) by the [Name of Peer Organization], a [type of organization — e.g., professional association, peer group, labor organization] recognized as having expertise in the field of [Field of Endeavor].
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