Does the USCIS return documents submitted in the EB-1 process?

It can happen, yes. In the EB-1 process, you typically submit a large volume of supporting documents (awards, publications, letters, and other evidence), and the USCIS may return some of them in certain situations, particularly original documents that do not need to be retained for review.

Not everything comes back: much of the material remains on file as part of your case, and originals or certified copies may be kept for verification purposes. The key point is that official correspondence usually indicates what was or was not returned.

• Read the receipt notices and notification letters you receive carefully.
• Keep all proof of submission and delivery.
• If you need to resubmit anything, follow the guidance provided in the notification itself.

Every case has its own specifics. Monitor all correspondence closely and, when in doubt, check the latest guidance in official USCIS materials or consult a trusted immigration specialist before taking action.

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.