How to respond to an RFE about the relationship between costs and benefits in the EB-2 NIW?

When responding to an RFE that raises costs and benefits in the context of the EB-2 NIW, the first step is to remember that this is a merit-based visa. The underlying question is not an accounting one: it is how your work translates into benefit for the United States.

With that in mind, structure your response to demonstrate this connection in a verifiable way:

• Clearly describe the impact of your work on innovation, jobs, or services.
• Support each claim with studies, reports, expert letters, and publications.
• Show consistency between what was previously submitted and the new clarifications.

Any figures should only appear to provide context to the reasoning, never as the criterion itself. Because this is a case-by-case evaluation, it is worth reviewing the updated guidance from USCIS before submitting your 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.