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Hi everyone,

I'm preparing to file my EB2-NIW self-petition and could use some guidance on the expert recommendation letters. I've done my research on the Dhanasar framework and have most of my documentation ready, but I'm stuck on the letter strategy.

**My Background:**
- 30 years in enterprise architecture/technical infrastructure
- Currently Senior Technical Position
- Masters

**My Challenge:**
I need 5-7 recommendation letters total, with at least 3-4 from independent experts (people who can assess my work but haven't collaborated with me).

I have 2-3 possible letters from former employers/colleagues, but I need the independent expert letters and I'm hitting cost shock with the commercial services.

For 3-4 letters, that's potentially $1,800-$8,000 just for expert assessments.

**My Questions for Those Who've Been Approved:**

1. Did anyone successfully connect with university professors or independent experts directly, without using commercial EOL services? If so, how?

2. What outreach methods actually worked? (Cold email to university departments? LinkedIn? Professional associations? Something else?)

3. For those who used commercial services, which ones provided good value? Any you'd specifically recommend or avoid?

4. What's a fair compensation range if approaching professors directly? I'm happy to pay for their professional time, just trying to understand appropriate rates.

5. Were there specific academic fields or types of experts that were more responsive? (For example, did computer science professors respond better than business school professors?)

**What I'm NOT looking for:**
- 'Cheap' services (I understand the risks)
- Anything that could be considered fraudulent
- Template letters with no real assessment

I want to do this right and maintain full USCIS legitimacy while finding the most cost-effective path.

Really appreciate any insights from those who've successfully navigated this part of the process. Thanks in advance!

I am looking through some old posts for advice on the I-129F form...

This forum is a real blessing - thank you.

I am currently trying to bring my fianc to the U.S. from Cambodia.

This website and forum has made the confusing k1 visa process a little bit easier.

I just wanted to say thanks and hello!

Hey all;

Title sums it up - we filed concurrently, Adjustment of Status I-485, as well as for I-765 and I-131. Field Office will be San Antonio, Texas.

I don't want to sound impatient - not at all. I'm more just anxious as I see many cases (especially marriage-based) being put through to interview. I filed in June, but have heard nothing beyond "Case is still processing at USCIS".

I do ask EMMA and agents occasionally if I am at least in a queue for interview, but to no avail, I just get told it's still processing at NBC. All are still at NBC.

Should I be concerned? It's just a bit frustrating I guess, as I have no EAD and no hope of any movement on GC any time soon. I can deal with it, but I can't help but worry it's a bad sign?

Thank you.

on the tablet software, is there backspace or erase option?

Hi I'm new to this site, my bf from the UK tried to visit me in 2023 on ESTA. Long story short, he was denied entry due to not having strong enough ties to the UK. At the time, he was recently unemployed and living in a shared household, basically no assests, in general just bad timing. He has a clean record btw. I (US) have visited him 3 times since then because it was a traumatic experience. We agreed to try for him to visit again and he is actively working on applying for a B2. At this time, hes employed, has an apartment and owns a motorbike. Are there any documents that he should carry for his interview with the US embassy or that we should prepare to have on his person whenever he does cross the border? I've seen people mention having a letter from work and utility bills. We want to make sure nothing happens this time and things go smoothly.