Letter TemplateUpdated April 18, 2026

Expert Opinion Letter — Independent Expert Template

Independent-expert recommendation letter adapted from a real approved O-1A petition. Structured around the USCIS-preferred paragraphs: expert's qualifications, basis of knowledge, extraordinary-ability claims.

This is a scaffold, not a fill-in-the-blanks form. Rewrite it in the signer’s own voice and structure — USCIS discounts letters that share wording or layout. Keep the specifics (metrics, named examples); change everything else.

[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS Service Center]

Re: Independent Expert Opinion Letter in Support of the O-1A Petition for [Beneficiary's Full Name]

Dear USCIS Officer:

I am writing this letter in strong support of [Beneficiary's Name]'s petition for O-1A classification as an individual of extraordinary ability in [Field of Endeavor]. Based on my review of Dr. [Last Name]'s record and my own independent knowledge of the field, I have no hesitation in concluding that Dr. [Last Name] is among the very small percentage of individuals who have risen to the top of this field, and I believe his contributions merit the extraordinary-ability classification under INA § 101(a)(15)(O)(i).

My Qualifications to Opine

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