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

In immigration processes, especially in cases involving the EB-2 NIW visa, it is common for USCIS to request additional information — through an RFE, or Request for Evidence — to clarify points such as the originality of the candidate’s academic contributions. This request aims to ensure that the merits presented align with the legal requirements established for granting the benefit.

When responding to an RFE regarding the originality of your academic contributions, it is essential to gather and present detailed and accurate evidence that demonstrates your innovation and the impact of your work. This may include publications in renowned journals, citations by other researchers, recommendation letters from experts in the field, and any other material that proves how your discoveries or methods differ from existing approaches.

Organize the documents clearly, providing a timeline or contextual explanation that illustrates how your idea arose and what advancement it brought to your field of study. Moreover, it is important to objectively and structurally refute any doubts raised by USCIS, presenting arguments that show that your contributions are not only original but also have national or international relevance.

This clarification requires a detailed description of the impact and applicability of your work, connecting your results to significant improvements or innovations in your area. Remember that it is always essential to act in compliance with United States immigration laws.

When faced with requests like this, it is advisable to seek assistance from professionals or companies specialized in immigration, to ensure that your response is complete and meets the required standards, avoiding delays or complications in your process. It is also important to be cautious of miraculous promises or marketing campaigns guaranteeing quick results, as each case has particularities and the final decision depends on USCIS’s detailed analysis of your case.

In summary, the main task is to respond in an organized, honest, and well-founded way, using objective evidence that proves the originality and impact of your academic contributions. This detailed and well-supported approach can strengthen your petition and contribute to a more positive USCIS 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.