I received an RFE because awards were not considered important. Should I argue another criterion?

When USCIS issues an RFE (Request for Evidence) for EB-1 cases, it means that the immigration officers understood that the documentation presented, such as awards, did not sufficiently demonstrate the required level of recognition. This situation is relatively common, as each criterion requires robust and consistent evidence to prove the candidate’s eligibility.

An alternative that can be considered is strengthening your petition with other established criteria for the EB-1 visa. For example, besides awards, there is the possibility of presenting evidence of academic or professional publications, participation as a reviewer or judge in prominent events in the field, original and significant contributions to the field, among others.

The important thing is to compose a dossier that cohesively demonstrates your outstanding position and relevance in your area of expertise. It is essential to keep in mind that each piece of evidence needs to be well documented and aligned with USCIS requirements. In many cases, a combination of various types of recognition can strengthen your case, demonstrating that your performance goes beyond the merit of a single criterion.

Therefore, if the awards were not considered sufficiently relevant, arguing in favor of other aspects can also be a valid strategy, provided that these other elements are presented consistently and convincingly.

Finally, it is crucial to strictly follow the laws and immigration procedures of the United States. Always consider seeking information from official and reliable sources for assembling your documentation, as well as being cautious with promises of quick or guaranteed results through marketing campaigns. This approach not only helps to avoid risks but also ensures that your petition is structured within the requirements demanded by USCIS, protecting your case from possible fraud or inadequate guidance.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.