Crafting a Good Letter of Recommendation Supporting an EB-2 NIW Petition for Airline Pilots

Date of Information: 07/07/2025

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Introduction

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows foreign nationals of exceptional ability or advanced degrees to bypass the labor certification process if their proposed work substantially benefits the United States. For airline pilots, crafting a compelling letter of recommendation (LOR) is critical to demonstrating how their skills and contributions rise to the level of national interest.

Key Elements of a Strong Letter of Recommendation

1. Author Credentials and Relationship to the Beneficiary

  • The recommender should have significant credentials (e.g., Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Operations, FAA official, aviation professor).

  • Clearly explain how the recommender knows the pilot, the nature of their working relationship, and how long they’ve known each other.

2. Pilot’s Background and Accomplishments

3. Specialized Knowledge or Experience

  • Describe any experience with aviation safety protocols, flight instruction, maintenance oversight, or airline policy development.

  • Highlight involvement in pilot training programs, flight standardization boards, or aviation regulatory bodies.

4. National Importance of Their Work

  • This is an especially important component of letters supporting an EB-2/NIW application because it is an essential element of the national interest waiver analysis on which airline pilots tend to struggle.

  • Connect the pilot's work to the broader national interest: e.g., ensuring reliable transportation, maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting logistics networks, or contributing to aviation safety.

  • Reference shortages in qualified airline pilots and how the pilot helps fill that gap.

5. Impact Beyond the Employer

  • Again, this is a crucial component of letters supporting an EB-2/NIW application because the standards applicable to a national interest waiver require evidence that the applicant’s proposed endeavor will benefit the United States as a whole, not just a particular employer or even an entire industry. For more information on the standards for a national interest waiver, see our research guide on that topic.

  • Emphasize how the pilot’s contributions affect the aviation sector or the traveling public at large, not just a single company.

  • If applicable, discuss innovations in aviation procedures, participation in research, or influence on industry practices.

6. Conclusion and Strong Endorsement

  • Close with a firm endorsement of the pilot’s petition.

  • State that the pilot is a professional of exceptional ability.

  • Clearly state that granting the NIW would benefit the United States.

Sample Language Excerpts

Opening: "I am writing in strong support of Captain [Name]'s petition for a National Interest Waiver. As the Director of Flight Operations at [Company Name], I have supervised Captain [Name] directly for over five years."

Professional Impact: "Captain [Name] has logged over 9,000 flight hours, holds multiple type ratings, and has consistently demonstrated impeccable judgment and adherence to FAA safety standards."

National Benefit: "In light of the severe shortage of qualified commercial pilots, Captain [Name]'s service ensures continuity in essential air transport routes, particularly in underserved regions critical to national logistics and healthcare access."

Closing: "Captain [Name] is an exceptional pilot whose continued contribution to U.S. aviation unquestionably serves the national interest. I strongly urge USCIS to approve this petition."

You can click or tap here to download some templates for Letters of Recommendation. However, please note that Charles International Law does not guarantee the efficacy of these templates and provides them merely to illustrate the suggestions provided above.

Final Tips

Use professional letterhead with contact information.

  • Include signature and title.

  • Avoid vague praise; provide concrete examples.

  • Keep the letter concise (1.5 to 2 pages).

Other Helpful Resources:

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