Updated July 13, 2026
Recommendation Letter Evidence Map
A framework for organizing NIW recommendation-letter themes, recommender roles, and evidence references.
Assign a role to each letter
Recommendation letters are easier to review when each recommender has a distinct evidence role.
One letter may explain technical contribution, another may discuss field adoption, and another may connect future work to a broader research need.
Tie praise to records
Generic praise is weaker than a specific statement connected to papers, patents, deployments, standards, datasets, peer review, funding, or measurable field use.
The evidence map should show which facts each recommender is positioned to discuss from personal knowledge.
Keep drafting support reviewable
Drafting support should not invent facts, credentials, or endorsements.
Applicants, recommenders, and attorneys should review any outline or draft direction before a letter is finalized.