Guidelines to Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Here is a format for writing a letter of recommendation for an artist or performer

who is a potential visa beneficiary:
1. Basis of Expertise: First and foremost, the letter must establish the writers
expertise or authority. The writer must be someone who is an expert on the visa
beneficiarys field. If the applicant is a musician, the person writing the letter
may be a fellow musician, a music critic, a record producer, a band manager, an
agent, or someone else who could reasonably be considered an expert on music.
Thus, in the letter, he should establish the basis of his expertise. He can do this by
describing the extent of his professional experience in the field.
2. Relationship: The writer should establish how he has come to know the
applicant and came to be familiar with her work.
3. Professional Accomplishments: The examiners are interested in the extent of
the accomplishments and recognition that the applicant has so far attained. So
this could be a reference to roles that the applicant has had, or important projects
that the applicant worked on, or anything that the applicant has done that would
set her apart from others. This is the most important section, so you really want to
give as much detail as is possible here. Give special attention to facts that are
praiseworthy, such as the fact that the applicant had a major role in a production,
or that the applicant organized a production by herself, or that a particular
production that the applicant was in was very successful or well-received. If you
have questions as to what you should write about, talk to me.
4. Talent and Ability: At least one sentence, but preferably a paragraph or more,
should be dedicated to the visa beneficiarys talent. The examiners look for
buzzwords like talent, ability, aptitude, and skill, in combination with
adjectives such as extraordinary, superb, gifted, unique, or genius. The
writer should be specific in regard to what about the beneficiarys work makes her
so talented.
5. Miscellaneous: Any other relevant information that the writer might think would
sway the examiners opinions should be mentioned. This could include awards
the beneficiary won, popular artists/performers with whom the beneficiary
worked, or any other fact that might help to establish the extent to which the
beneficiary has extraordinary ability in her field.

November 22, 2012

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
To Whom It May Concern:
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Robert Edmonds and I
am writing this letter in strong support of Sophia Staglos. Ms. Staglos is
petitioning an O-1 visa in the United States.
I am the chairman and CEO of Kino Lorber Inc., Lorber Media Inc., and
president and CEO of Lorber HT Digital. I started the film and distribution
company Fox Lorber Associates, Inc., from my apartment in 1981. Shortly
thereafter I expanded my company into a worldwide media business with 40
employees and $20 million in annual revenue. By way of the Fox Lorber division,
my business has distributed critically acclaimed foreign films, award-winning
independent features, and classics for years. Additionally, I have worked in
education for the Museum of Modern Art, served on advisory panels for the New
York State Council on the Arts, edited the quarterly journal Dance Scope, written
regularly for Artforum and other periodicals, and served as Assistant Professor on
the New York University and the New School University. I have earned bachelors,
masters, and doctoral degrees from Columbia University.
I met the talented Sophia in 2010 at the New Directors New Films Festival
that took place at the Museum of Modern Art. Sophia was in attendance for her
role in Dogtooth, a critically acclaimed and Academy Award nominated film.
Upon seeing Dogtooth I instantly became captivated by Ms. Staglos
performance. She is a very gifted actress and possesses an incredible level of
talent. Her performance in Dogtooth was riveting and clearly worthy of
distinction. In June 2010, Dogtooth was released in theaters in New York City.
Having been highly captivated by her artistic excellence, I could not pass up the
opportunity to see her performance in Alps, another film by Yorgos Lanthimos
that was showcased at the Toronto Film Festival. Moreover, Alps was the
recipient of the Osella award for Best Screenplay at the Venice International Film
Festival. I was once again enthralled by Sophias performance. Having been
thoroughly impressed by this cinematic treasure, I will be releasing Alps in
theatres in New York City in 2012.
I ask that you approve Ms. Staglos for the O-1 visa. She is an
extraordinary actor who already has and will continue to excel in both Hollywood
and around the world.
Sincerely,
Robert Edmonds
Kino Lorber, CEO

November 27, 2011

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with the highest regard that I write this letter in support of Marco Monte.
Marco is petitioning for an O-1 visa of extraordinary abilities in the United States. I ask
that you accept this letter as evidence of his extraordinary abilities in the field of dance.
My name is Josip Grigo and I am a seasoned professional choreographer. I have
been in the dance industry for many years and have gained invaluable experience
throughout my illustrious career. Currently, I am a Dance Instructor in London,
including at the famous Royal Opera House. My specialty at this highly revered
institution is ballet. For the past 30 years I have performed in countless ballet
productions, largely based in Great Britain. Throughout my career I have performed at
the Royal Opera Houses Covent Garden in productions of Romeo and Juliet, Les
Noces, The Four Seasons, and The Firebird. In addition, I have appeared in two
cinematic productions, Don Carlo and The Nutcracker. These films were produced for
television and were televised around the globe.
In 2003, I met Marco Monte when participated in several productions at the
Royal Opera House in London. Additionally, I had the privilege of being Marcos ballet
instructor. Throughout my career, I have taught many dancers and performers; however,
few have possessed the abilities that Mr. Monte possesses. Marco is a gifted performer
who transcends memorized movement and becomes one with all elements within the
production. Being such an extraordinarily gifted dancer I asked him to lend his talents
to the Royal Opera Houses production of Boris Godunov in 2003. Boris Godunov
was a week-long production that was performed at the world-renown Royal Opera
House Covent Garden in central London. This theatre seats more than 2,256 people and
consists of four tiers of boxes and balconies and an amphitheater gallery.
Throughout the productions sold out engagement, Marcos talent was clearly
demonstrated. His extraordinary abilities were witnessed by a large audience as he
executed an immaculate choreography that was both captivating and riveting. It is my
professional opinion, with over 30 years of experience in the field of dance, that Mr.
Monte is an extraordinarily gifted performer who is very deserving of an O-1 visa. Once
on stage, Montes abilities are clearly evident to anyone in attendance and his brilliance
as a dancer is something truly astonishing.

Sincerely yours,
Josip Grigo
Royal Opera House Covent Garden
June 16, 2012
Vermont Service Center
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
To Whom It May Concern:
It is a privilege to offer my highest recommendation to Cristina Mombellis petition for an O-1 visa
of extraordinary abilities. Cristina is a fantastically talented artist who embodies the greatest
qualities of an actor.
My name is Marie Belland and I am a French cinematography and theatre critic. Currently, I am
serving as a correspondent for the French magazine LEcran fantastique in Italy. I am
responsible for creating articles and feature in the Italian language and other languages as well.
Additionally, I am the author of my own monthly column entitled Ennio & Co su Alias which is
published in Manifesto magazine. Throughout my career I have had the distinct honor of
collaborating with a number of distinguished writers and have produced renowned works
including: Profession reporter de Michaelangelo Antonioni with Farncis Vanoye and Petite
anthologie del Cahiers du cinma (9 volumes) with Antonine de Baecque. Moreover, I have
critiqued several works such as: La Politique des auters, Il cinema horror in Italia, Lars von
Trier, and Dario Argento. Moreover, I have served panels for internationally revered film
festivals including the Festival del Nuovo Cinema di Pesaro and the Sulmonacinema Festival.
Most recently I have published my latest book entitled Teoria y Critica del Cine: Avatares de una
Cinefilia.
Before having the opportunity to meet Ms. Mombelli in person, I like any patron of the arts,
enjoyed her performances on the screen. Before venturing to New York City, Cristina established
herself as a prominent actor in Italy, appearing in numerous productions including:
Methemphsycosis by Stefano Della Pietra, Barbarossa by Renzo Martinelli, and a television spot
entitled Wind 2007 with the renowned actor Nino Frassica. After having witnessed Cristinas
artistry on screen, I can attest to her exceptional degree of talent. Ms. Mombelli commands a rare
gift that very few artists will ever hope to possess. In fact, witnessing Cristina on screen, I am
reminded of the acclaimed Italian actress Eleonora Duse one of the most famous and successful
actors to ever have come out of Italy. Ms. Mombelli possesses many of the same traits that
propelled Eleonora Duse to international acclaim, including an artistic presence that illuminates
stage and screen and commands attention.
I am of the opinion that Ms. Mombelli is very deserving of the O-1 visa in the United States. As a
professional critic, I have seen the work of countless artists and have been underwhelmed by
many. However, every now and again, a true talent comes along that draws my attention and
provokes my curiosity to look beyond the cinematic presentation in order to discover the raw
artist. I have been very impressed by Ms. Mombelli and look forward to her future work, as I am
certain that will continue to produce stellar performances. For the aforementioned reasons I
respectfully request that you approve Cristinas petition and grant her the opportunity to remain
in the United States and continue to thrill audiences, and critics alike, with her masterful art.
Sincerely yours,
Marie Belland

March 22, 2012

Vermont Service Center
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my great enthusiasm that I unreservedly recommend Ashna Rabia
for an O-1 visa of extraordinary ability.
My name is Sagwasi Cohen and I am an accomplished artist. I studied
Fine Art in my native India and successfully completed a Masters in
Fine Arts Paintng from the Banaras Hindu University. Across the years
I have had professional accomplishments that have been numerous
and varied, including: solo and group exhibitions, national exhibitions,
awards and residencies, and several publications. My works have been
showcased around the world in group exhibitions and I have had the
honour of presenting solo exhibitions throughout India, including
National Exhibitions in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Kerala.
Additionally, my paintings have been exhibited at the world-renown
Guggenheim Museum London and the Shanghai Contemporary in
China. In 2008, I was awarded the Khoj International Associate
Residency in New Delhi; in addition to having received the Gold Medal
Award in water colour painting from the XI West Bengal Festival.
I write this letter to offer my unconditional support to Ms. Ashna Rabia,
an artist who is extraordinarily talented and who possesses a truly
international perspective and is constantly producing culturally
conscious works. Throughout the years, I have seen Ashna exhibit her
elegant and highly-stylized work across various mediums. She has
single-handedly created stunning visual designs that have been used
in advertisement for the internationally-renown fashion label Benetton.
These advertisements were circulated throughout India and many
parts of Southeast Asia. Additionally, she has produced elaborate
design work that has been used by the Mackinac Island Tourism
Bureau. Ashna was responsible for creating exquisite and visually
appealing designs that have been published and displayed in all areas
of Mackinac Island. These accomplishments speak very clearly of her
artistic abilities and her enormous excellence in the arts. In addition to
being an incredibly gifted artist, Ashna is an amazing human being.

She has volunteered her time and talent to instruct underprivileged

girls in India in the arts. I am certain that Ashna understands the
importance of giving back to the community, yet the impact that has
had on these girls is truly extraordinary.
I kindly ask that you approve Ashnas O-1 visa of extraordinary
abilities. She is a uniquely talented artist who is capable of achieving
many outstanding accomplishments throughout her career. Her case is
truly unique in the fact that she is bursting with talent and yet
possesses an true intellectual understanding of the world around her.
Ms. Rabias work will greatly contribute to the United States by way of
her artistic courage and determination.
Sincerely,
Susanta Mandal

January 12, 2012

Vermont Service Center

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
To Whom It May Concern:
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Marcello Agnelo and I
am a professional trumpeter, composer, and educator. It is my great enthusiasm
that I write this letter of support on behalf of Montserrat Vials. Montserrat is
petitioning for an O-1 visa of extraordinary ability and I whole-heartedly support
her petition.
Ever since I have had the ability of recollection, music has been a major
pillar in my life. I was born in San Francisco, California into a musical family.
My father, Joe Agnelo, was a classical trumpeter and my mother, Maria Leone,
was an opera singer. Music has always been my passion, as well as, the driving
force in my life. I formally studied the music and specialized in the Jazz Trumpet
and Bass, studying under the legendary Charlie Haden at CalArts, where I
obtained degrees in both musical instruments. Shortly after completing my
professional training, I moved to New York City to pursue my career as a Jazz
musician. Since moving to New York City, my music, a mix of post-bop and neoclassical jazz was widely embraced by the downtown scene. Throughout my
career I have recorded seven albums containing original music and have
collaborated with prominent musicians, including: Steve Coleman, Don Byron,
Ravi Coltrane, Uri Caine, Fred Hersch, Drew Gress, Dafnis Prieto, and Jason
Moran. My debut album, This Against That, was deemed one of the Top 10 Best
Recordings of 2002 by Jazz Times. Additionally, my album Look that was
released in 2007 was praised as an outstanding work of intellect and fire by All
About Jazz. In 2010, my latest release, Cognitive Dissonance received a 4 star
review from Downbeat magazine. In addition to my professional musical career,
I am also an educator. I have been a member of the faculty at New York
Universitys Department of Music. Moreover, I am also the Founder and Director
of the School for Improvisational Music (SIM), a non-profit entity that holds
improvisational music workshops in Brooklyn, New York.
It is with great personal satisfaction that I write this letter in unconditional
support of Montserrat Vials. Montserrat is an extraordinarily talented Jazz
musician, specializing in Piano. I first met Montserrat when she enrolled in
ensemble lessons and workshops at the School for Improvisational Music in
2005. As a student, and colleague, Montserrat is a true pleasure to collaborate
with. She is incredibly disciplined and possesses a solid musical formation. I
have had the distinct opportunity of playing alongside Montserrat in public
concerts throughout New York City. These concerts were attended by large
audiences and have been a staple of the New York City Jazz scene. Additionally, I
have had the pleasure of seeing Montserrat in concert with Ximena, an
internationally recognized and critically acclaimed Portuguese Jazz Vocalist.
While promoting Ximenas album Obrigado, she toured internationally and
showcased her extraordinary abilities to the world. I cannot begin to state how

truly impressed I am by Ms. Vials abilities. Listening to the harmonic melodies

she produces on the piano is both riveting and enchanting. She possesses a
unique ability that draws the audience into the performance and allows for the
music to not simply be heard, but instead to be experienced.
I respectfully ask that you approve Ms. Vials O-1 visa petition.
Throughout my years in the music industry I have met few people to be as
talented as she. Anyone who has had the distinct opportunity to hear her
perform would most certainly agree. I am certain that given the opportunity,
Montserrat will greatly contribute to the American music industry.
Sincerely,
Marcello Agnelo
Director & Founder of SIM

December 20, 2012

USCIS Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
Dear Sir or Madam:
The following is written in unconditional support of Mr. Luca Antonellis
petition for an O-1 visa in the United States.
My name is Francesca Mirtelli and I am the Founder and Owner of Violeta
Film. Throughout my career I have served as a director and producer for
renown artistic personalities, including: Mario Martone, Stefano Incerti,
Mimmo Calopresti, and Nanni Moretti. Moreover, I have been a consistent
contributor to the United Theatre of Naples. In 2001, I joined the faculty of
the distinguished Istituto Universitario S. Orsola Benincasa of Naples in the
Science of Communications department. Additionally, since 2004 I have been
spearheading an annual artistic seminar in Cuba for the Escuela Internacional
de Cinema y Television de San Antonio de los Baos. In 2004, I founded
Indigo Film in collaboration with Francesca Cima and Carlotta Calori. Since its
foundation, Indigo Film has produced a plethora of awarding winning films,
including One man up by Paolo Sorrentino, The Consequences of love, The
Family Friend, Marios War, Il Divo a Jury Prize winner at the Cannes
International Film Festival, The girl by the lake, La Doppia Ora, and This Must
be the Place starring Sean Penn, amongst others.
As one of the most distinguished working producers in Italy I offer my highest
recommendation of Luca Antonelli. Luca is a distinguished and accomplished
director who has achieved an incredible degree of international acclaim. He
has been recognized at the Cannes International Film Festival and has won an
Italian Golden Globe for his short film Sotto il mio Giardino. Moreover, Luca
has collaborated with distinguished Italian artists, most notably with the
critically acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino on more than one occasion.
Their iconic collaboration in Il Divo was internationally acclaimed and was
bestowed the Jury Prize and the Prix Vulcain at the 61 st Annual Cannes
International Film Festival. It goes without stating the incredible honor and
degree of outstanding achievement represented by an award at the Cannes
International Film Festival an award to which all film artists aspire.
Luca has demonstrated time and time again that he is deserving of the
honors and benefits associated with an O-1 visa of extraordinary abilities. His
exceptional talent must be celebrated, not only in Italy, but also in the United
States. Mr. Antonelli is an outstanding director, who in a short time has
established himself as the most awarded short film director in the history of
Italy. His talents will greatly contribute the American film industry and I am
certain he will become of the great directors of our time.
Best regards,

Francesca Mirtelli
Founder & Owner, Indigo Film

July 12, 2012

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is written in unconditional support of Yuri
Takanawas petition for an O-1 visa of extraordinary abilities in
the field of Dance. Ms. Takanawa is an eminently talented artist
who is a leader in her field and an exceptional ambassador of the
Butoh dance.
I am largely considered to be one of the leading members in my
field. Since having earned a PhD in Culture and Performance from
the University of California Los Angeles I have focused my
research on the globalization of the Japanese avant-garde
movement of Butoh. Butoh is an intricate, ancient, and beautiful
dance form that is largely unknown outside of Japan. I have
focused my endeavors on the dissemination of Asian American
dance, including: site-specific performance, arts activism, space
and place, and the representation of sex and reproduction in both
performance and pop culture. Moreover, I am a published author
and have published numerous articles such as: A Manifesto for
Moving: Eiko & Komas Delicious Movement Workshops in the
Journal of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Training. My most
recent endeavors include serving as an Assistant Professor of
Dance at Texas Womans University and authoring a manuscript
about the performances of the renown dancers Eiko & Koma.
As a prominent member in my field, I am often invited to
distinguished festival and showcases that feature the most
talented dancers in the world. It was during one of these
festivals, specifically the Cool NewYork Dance Festival at White
Wave that I met the extraordinarily talented Yuri Takanawa. Yuri
was being featured in a Butoh dance performance that was one of
the most well received and applauded performances of the night.
Yuri is a talented dancer who is bursting with talent and whose
size leads the audience to be unassuming of the exceptional
performances she is capable of producing. She embodies the Butoh
dance form and her stage presence is truly larger than her human
body would presumably allow. From the beginning it was evident

that she was a master of technique fusing Butoh, Contemporary,

Ballet and Jazz into her performance. Having been thoroughly
impressed by her magnificent showcase, I have since followed her
career and I am proud to have her represent the Butoh art form
something which is very difficult to do outside of Japan.
I am of the opinion that Yuri possesses a degree of talent that
will be exceptionally difficult to parallel. Her stage presence
is unwavering and her performances are artistically brilliant and
daring. She is clearly deserving of the honors associated with
the O-1 visa and I would recommend she be allowed to serve as a
pioneer of the Butoh dance in mainstream America. Ms. Takanawa
is more than capable of fascinating American audiences with her
unique talents and technical expertise. She will continue to be
a contributing asset to the United States as a leader in Butoh
dance.
Sincerely yours,
Rosario Villanueva