The following are typical documents to support an NIW petition:

1. Degree certificates and, if applicable, records showing that your educational background is comparable to at least a Master’s Degree awarded in the United States;
2. All publications, publication citations, abstracts, & invitations to conferences, if any;
3. Comments on your published works by critics/journal referees, if any;
4. Requests for reprints of your publications, if any;
5. Evidence of awards or honors received, if any;
6. Evidence of membership in professional associations, if any;
7. Details of the funding for your research projects or grants, if any;
8. Newspaper articles describing the professional reputation of persons preparing your references, if any;
9. Your resume;
10. List of persons providing you with recommendation letters, including their names, titles and employers; and
11. Recommendation letters*.

*Letters of Recommendation: The candidate must provide Letters of Recommendation or letters of support from experts within the candidate’s field of specialization such as professors, researchers, etc..

These Letters of Recommendation should demonstrate that:

1. The alien seeks employment in an area of substantial intrinsic merit;
2. The candidate possesses unique knowledge, abilities, or experience which sets him/her apart from his/her professional peers;
3. The candidate will utilize his/her unique talents in an activity significantly benefiting the field of specialization;
4. The proposed benefit will be national in scope; and
5. National interest would be adversely affected if a Labor Certification were required for the candidate.