How can I strengthen my response to an RFE questioning indirect costs in an EB-2 NIW petition?

When an RFE (Request for Evidence) questions indirect costs in an EB-2 NIW petition, the goal of your response is to show, clearly and with evidence, how those costs relate to your project and why they make sense. Transparency in the methodology matters more than any isolated figure.

Several approaches tend to strengthen the response:

• Explain the composition of the indirect costs, such as facilities, services, administrative support, and other expenses that enable the core activity.
• Support with consistent documentation, such as invoices, budgets, contracts, and support letters from institutions or partners.
• Show the methodology used to arrive at the figures, making clear how they connect to the expected impact of the work.
• Provide context with recognized references from the field, such as standard indirect cost practices in research or grant funding, where applicable.

Statements from independent experts or audit reports can reinforce the credibility of the figures. The tone should be objective and respond directly to what the RFE flagged, without unnecessary elaboration.

Since each case is evaluated individually and requirements may change, it is worth confirming updated requirements from the official source (USCIS) and considering the support of a trusted professional when preparing the response.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.