Can I ask former colleagues to help strengthen my RFE response?

Yes. Seeking support from former colleagues to respond to an RFE (Request for Evidence) in the EB-1 process is legitimate and common. Letters and statements from people who worked directly with you can confirm your contributions and help validate your recognition in the field.

What gives these declarations value is authenticity. They must report real, verifiable facts that the person knows firsthand. A vague, generic, or seemingly coordinated statement tends to add little, or may even raise doubts about the overall package.

A few points help strengthen this type of evidence:

• Choose declarants whose background lends weight to their testimony.
• Request specific accounts with concrete examples of your work.
• Ensure consistency between the letters and the rest of the file.

Keep in mind that the RFE is an opportunity to clarify what was missing, so each new piece should add something meaningful. In more complex cases, consulting a specialist and reviewing USCIS guidance helps build a solid, contradiction-free response.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.