What Sources Can I Use to Strengthen My Case?
Use authoritative sources to strengthen your petition with unassailable documentation.
Why Source Credibility Matters
USCIS officers evaluate the reliability of your supporting documentation
Credible Sources Build Trust
Government Recognition
USCIS trusts official government data and recognized institutions
Industry Standards
Authoritative sources provide benchmark data officers can verify
Institutional Backing
Recognized organizations add weight to your documentation
Weak Sources Undermine Cases
Unverified Claims
Wikipedia, blogs, and unofficial sources lack credibility
Outdated Information
Old or stale data can weaken your arguments
Biased Sources
Self-serving or promotional materials lack objectivity
Essential Government & Official Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The authoritative source for U.S. employment data and occupational information
Job Duties
Official descriptions of what professionals in your field actually do
Important Qualities
Skills and attributes needed for success in your occupation
Employment Projections
Growth outlook and demand trends for your field
How to Use BLS Data
Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook to find detailed information about your specific profession. Use this data to support claims about the importance of your field and the specialized skills required.
Visit BLSO*NET (Occupational Information Network)
Comprehensive database of occupational requirements and worker attributes
Key Information Available
Strategic Use
O*NET provides the most detailed occupational profiles available. Use their data to demonstrate the complexity and specialized nature of your work, particularly the advanced skills required.
Visit O*NETERI (Economic Research Institute)
Authoritative salary and compensation data for professionals
ERI provides comprehensive salary data that can support arguments about the high-value nature of your position and the premium employers pay for extraordinary ability in your field.
Salary Documentation
Use ERI data to establish the salary ranges for professionals in your field and demonstrate how your compensation reflects extraordinary ability.
University Rankings & Classifications
Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
Official U.S. framework for recognizing research activity levels at universities
For U.S. University Graduates
R1: Doctoral Universities
Very high research activity institutions
R2: Doctoral Universities
High research activity institutions
USCIS Recognition
USCIS specifically recognizes Carnegie Classifications as evidence of institutional quality. Employment or research experience at R1 or R2 institutions can be a positive factor.
Check ClassificationStrategic Application
"The petitioner documents the person's employment or research experience with leading institutions in the field (such as U.S. universities that have been recognized as having high or very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education)."
QS World University Rankings
Internationally recognized university ranking system for foreign institutions
For Foreign University Graduates
Global Recognition
QS Rankings are widely accepted as credible university assessments
Subject-Specific Rankings
Use field-specific rankings to show institutional excellence in your area
Comparable Standards
Demonstrates your institution meets international standards
USCIS Guidance
USCIS specifically mentions "foreign universities with comparably high research activity, or a university that is highly regarded according to a widely recognized metric such as the QS World University Rankings."
Check QS RankingsSupporting Documentation Standards
Currency Conversion
Use reputable sources for salary and financial conversions
Forbes Currency Converter
Reliable source for current exchange rates and salary conversions
Date Documentation
Always specify the date of conversion and exchange rate used
Document Translation
Proper certification for translated documents
Certificate of Accuracy
Required certification for all translated documents submitted to USCIS
Professional Translation
Use certified translators for important documents
Complete Documentation
Include both original and translated versions with certification
Source Selection Best Practices
Do Use These Sources
Government Agencies
BLS, Department of Labor, USCIS policy guidance
Recognized Rankings
Carnegie Classifications, QS Rankings, Times Higher Education
Professional Organizations
Industry associations, licensing bodies, certification agencies
Academic Institutions
University research reports, peer-reviewed studies
Avoid These Sources
Wikipedia & Wikis
User-generated content lacks official credibility
Personal Blogs
Individual opinions don't carry institutional weight
Commercial Websites
Company promotional materials may be biased
Outdated Information
Data older than 2-3 years may not reflect current standards
Build Your Case on Solid Ground
Using credible sources isn't just about following rules—it's about building a petition that USCIS officers can confidently approve. We know exactly which sources carry the most weight for your specific situation.