How to respond to an RFE questioning the originality of your academic and professional contributions?

When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (or USCIS) issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) questioning the originality of your academic and professional contributions, it is essential to prepare a detailed and well-documented response. This type of inquiry may occur in EB-2 NIW immigration petitions, so it is important to understand what is being requested and respond in an organized and convincing manner, always following United States immigration laws.

First, carefully review the RFE to identify exactly which aspects are being questioned and what type of additional evidence can prove the originality of your work. A good strategy is to compile documents that demonstrate the independent development of your ideas and contributions. These may include academic publications, patents, recommendation letters, conference presentations, expert testimonials in the field, and any other evidence that proves your critical participation and the relevance of your work in your area of expertise.

Next, prepare a formal letter or statement in which you clearly and thoroughly describe the process of creating and developing your contributions. Try to explain how your research or work innovated in the field, which problems were solved or which existing gaps were filled, and how your ideas differed from other approaches. This narrative will help clarify the uniqueness and originality of your efforts.

Additionally, it is advisable to organize the documentation into thematic sections, associating each set of evidence with its specific contribution. For example, if a part of your research is mentioned in the RFE, include the corresponding documentation immediately after the explanation of that portion of your work. This makes the evaluation easier for the adjudicator, facilitating verification that your contributions are truly original and significant.

Finally, it is essential to remember the importance of strictly complying with United States immigration laws. Given the complexity of this matter, seek guidance from professionals or companies specialized in immigration to review your case and help you organize the documentation properly. This care can avoid pitfalls and false promises circulating in marketing campaigns, ensuring that your process is handled with the seriousness and accuracy it requires.

This approach, which combines a detailed explanation with robust documentation, can greatly increase the clarity and strength of your argument, contributing to an effective response to the RFE.

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.