How to respond to an RFE questioning the originality and impact of your publications?

An RFE (Request for Evidence) is a request from USCIS asking for additional information to clarify points in your petition. In the specific case of the EB-2 NIW, when USCIS questions the originality and impact of your publications, it is important to provide detailed answers that demonstrate the relevance of your work in the field and objective evidence supporting your contribution to the development of the field and national interest.

When preparing your response, organize the documentation in a clear and logical way. First, present a brief description of how your publications differ from similar studies, highlighting the original aspects of your research. To do this, include comparisons with previously published research, explaining which knowledge gaps your publications fill or which new methods and findings were introduced. If possible, emphasize the journal’s peer-review process and, if there were peer comments or observations supporting the originality, include those references.

Next, address the impact of your publications. Gather quantitative and qualitative data that can demonstrate this influence, such as the number of citations, mentions at important conferences, analyses, and reviews conducted by other experts in the field. Letters from specialists who publicly acknowledge the relevance of your work can be strong support to demonstrate both the quality and impact of your research. These statements should be written by professionals without personal ties and who have recognized credentials in the field of expertise.

When preparing your response, remember the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and regulations. Special care in organizing and presenting the evidence can make a difference in the USCIS evaluation. Always seek updated information and consider consulting specialized professionals to avoid falling for promising offers that guarantee results without legal support.

Finally, clarity and consistency in presenting your arguments and evidence are essential. Each document submitted should contribute to showing that your publications had a significant and innovative role in advancing knowledge in your area, emphasizing their value and relevance for the national interest. This approach, carried out in an organized and documented manner, is essential to meet USCIS requirements in an RFE of this type.

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.