How to respond to an RFE questioning the Academic Evaluation?

When an RFE (Request for Evidence) questions your academic evaluation in the context of an EB-2 NIW petition, the goal of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is to ensure that your degrees and credentials obtained abroad are equivalent to US educational standards. This type of questioning may occur if there are doubts about the validity, equivalence, or even the methodology employed in the evaluation of your academic credentials.

The first step when responding to an RFE is to carefully read the request issued by USCIS, identifying exactly which additional information or documents are being requested. If USCIS questions the Academic Evaluation, it is important to gather and submit supplementary documentation that clarifies points such as: detailed information about courses completed, including syllabi and credit hours, to demonstrate content equivalence; explanation of the credibility of the evaluation service used, emphasizing compliance with international standards; certified translation of all documents not in English; and, if possible, expert opinions confirming the validity of the qualification.

Additionally, you should draft a clear and organized response letter, addressing each point requested in the RFE with the attached documentation, facilitating the analysis by the immigration officer. It is crucial to strictly follow USCIS instructions and deadlines to avoid negative impacts on the process. It is recommended to seek specialized professional guidance and beware of promises of miraculous or guaranteed results. Accuracy and compliance with regulations are essential for success in responding to an RFE regarding academic evaluation.

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.