SAMPLE COVER LETTER
Date
For I-140s filed concurrently with Form I-485:
USCIS Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 852939
Mesquite, TX 75185-2939
For I-140s filed alone:
USCIS Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 852135
Mesquite, TX 75185-2135
Re:
Petitioner:
Beneficiary:
Outstanding Professor/Researcher
University of New Orleans
Name
This letter is submitted in support of the First Preference Immigrant Visa Petition to classify Dr. (name) as
an “Outstanding Professor/Researcher” so that s/he may continue to work at the University of New
Orleans.
Dr. (name) is an internationally recognized and highly regarded (professor/researcher) in the area of
(describe field/discipline)/specialty). Prior to joining the University of New Orleans, s/he worked at (list
places of employment). Dr. (name) received his/her Ph.D. (degree) from (university). (Describe additional
education as applicable).
Description of Teaching or Research Position
See attached letter of employment (item 2) from Dr. (Your department chairman/director or dean), of the
Department of (Name of Department).
Description of Dr. (name’s) Eligibility for Classification as an Outstanding Professor/Researcher
Pursuant to 8 CFR 204.5, evidence that the beneficiary is recognized as outstanding in his academic field
must consist of at least two of the following criteria:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Documentation of the alien’s receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement in the
academic field;
Documentation of the alien’s membership in associations in the academic field which require
outstanding achievement of their members;
Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien’s work in the
academic field. Such material shall include the title, date, and author of the material, and any
necessary translation;
Evidence of the alien’s participation, either individually or on a panel as the judge of the work of
others in the same or an allied academic field;
Evidence of the alien’s original scientific scholarly research contributions to the academic field;
Evidence of the alien’s authorship of scholarly books or articles in scholarly journals with
international circulation in the academic field.
Dr. (name) satisfies XX of the six criteria. S/He a) has received major international prizes, b) holds
membership(s) in prestigious organization(s), c) has had his/her research cited by others in the fields, d)
has judged the work of others, e) has made significant contributions to the field as evidence by enclosed
letters of testimony and f) has published widely in his/her discipline [in this paragraph simply list your
accomplishments relative the above mentioned criteria.]
Receipt of Major Prizes
Dr. (name) received the prestigious (describe any national or international prizes you received).
Membership in Organizations that Require Outstanding Achievement
Describe or list membership in organizations (i.e. NY Academy of Science; Sr. member of IEEE, etc.).
Citations of Dr. (name’s) Research
Write a short paragraph regarding the number of citations, found in top journals or texts of your discipline.
Judging the Work of Others
Write a short paragraph describing how and when you served as a reviewer and/or on doctoral and
master’s committees.
Original Scholarly Contributions
Write two to three paragraphs, using selective quotes from letters of support that attest to your significant
contributions to the field. This should be written in language that someone who is not in your discipline
will understand. In other words, refrain from using technical terms and jargon.
Authorship of Articles in Scholarly Publications
Write a short paragraph about the number of papers (you can also include invited presentations), books
and book chapters you’ve published. Say something briefly about the types of journals (hopefully they are
considered top tier in your discipline).
The above referenced and enclosed supporting documentation attest to Dr. (name)’s qualifications and
eligibility for the immigrant visa. Therefore, we request that Dr. (name) be granted classification as an
“Outstanding Professor/Researcher.” Should additional information be required, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Janice M. Thomas, Ph.D.
Director
Table of Contents
Chapter I - Petition
1.
Form I-140 and fee
Chapter II - Letter of Employment
2.
Letter of Employment from Dr. (name), Chairperson, Department of (name)
Chapter III - Academic and Professional Qualifications
3.
Curriculum Vita
4.
Transcript
5.
Evidence of Ph.D. Degree
6.
Evidence of at Least Three Years Prior Employment as a Professor or Researcher
Chapter IV - Receipt of Major Prizes
7.
Evidence of National/International Award(s)
Chapter V - Membership in Prestigious Organizations
8.
Evidence of Membership in Organizations
Chapter VI - Citations (list citations in date order; use the format below or other acceptable citation)
9.
Doe, John, (year). Title of article. Name of Journal, vol. #, No. #, pp. ## - ##
Chapter VII - Judging the Work of Others
10.
Evidence of Serving as a Reviewer
11.
Evidence of Serving on Master’s Theses and Doctoral Dissertation Committees
Chapter VIII - Evidence of Original Scholarly Contribution (list all support letters in alpha order)
12.
Support letter and curriculum vita of Dr. (name), (Title) (University/Organization)
Chapter IX - Publications & Conference Papers (list selected publications in date order; use format
below or other acceptable citation)
13.
Doe, John, (year). Title of article. Name of Journal, vol. #, No. #, pp. ## - ##
Chapter X - Immigration Status History
14.
Copy of Current Form I-94
15.
Copy of Current Form I-797
16.
Copies of Previous Immigration Documents
17.
Copy of Passport and Visa
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X