Professional Peer Advisory Letters

NAFBAC provides structured peer review evaluations of creative professionals working across a wide range of disciplines. As a national association representing foreign-born artists and creatives, NAFBAC serves as a qualified peer group capable of issuing professional advisory opinions based on established industry standards.

These evaluations consist of an independent assessment of an individual’s professional experience, body of work, and contributions to their field. The resulting advisory opinion reflects the professional judgment of peers within the industry.

In certain cases, these advisory opinions may be used as part of formal processes that require third-party professional evaluation, including visa petitions such as O-1 B petitions. Advisory opinions issued by NAFBAC are non-binding and are based solely on the materials submitted for review.

NAFBAC does not provide immigration services, legal advice, or representation. The organization’s role is limited to evaluating professional credentials and issuing peer-based advisory opinions.

Who We Support

NAFBAC conducts professional evaluations for individuals working across the creative industries, including but not limited to:

Visual artists
Illustrators
Animators
Designers (graphic, fashion, industrial, product, urban, 3D, architectural, and research)
Art and Creative Directors
Photographers and Videographers
Makeup Artists, Hairdressers, and Stylists
Choreographers and performers
Producers (excluding film/TV)
Directors (excluding film/TV)
Content creators and influencers
Marketing, PR, and brand specialists
Art managers and curators

Evaluations are available to independent professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and individuals working through companies or representatives.

Requesting a Professional Evaluation

Requests for peer advisory evaluations may be submitted via email to connect@nafbac.org. Once complete materials are received, submissions are reviewed by qualified professionals, and a response is typically issued within approximately five business days.

Expedited review within one business day may be requested for an additional fee. Expedited requests are accommodated on a best-efforts basis and are not guaranteed.

Submission Materials

Applicants should submit documentation sufficient to allow for a professional evaluation of their work and experience. Materials may include:

Signed and dated Form I-129
Petitioner or representative letter
Professional itinerary outlining work in the United States
Deal memos or contracts
Testimonials from experts in the field
Press articles or media coverage
Documentation of awards or honors
Evidence of compensation or professional standing

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Fees

Standard evaluation and advisory letter: $250

Expedited review (1 business day): an additional $100

Follow-up evaluation (for Requests for Evidence): an additional $100

Expedited review requests are subject to availability based on current review volume and internal capacity. If expedited review cannot be accommodated, the additional fee will be refunded.

Review Process

Issuance of an advisory opinion letter is not guaranteed.

NAFBAC charges a $250 evaluation fee to review submitted materials and determine whether the organization can issue a professional advisory opinion.

Of this amount, $50 is a non-refundable administrative and review fee that covers intake, evaluation of materials, and internal review processes. This portion reflects the professional time required to conduct a substantive evaluation, regardless of outcome.

The remaining $200 is refundable if, based on the review, the submitted documentation does not support issuance of an advisory opinion under NAFBAC’s evaluation standards.

Important Information

NAFBAC is not a union, labor organization, or management organization. It operates as a professional association and peer group within the creative industries.

Advisory opinions issued by NAFBAC reflect professional evaluation only and are non-binding. Applicants are responsible for determining how such evaluations may be used within their specific professional or regulatory context.

NAFBAC does not provide legal advice or assess immigration eligibility. Individuals seeking legal guidance should consult a qualified immigration attorney.