How to respond to an RFE questioning the validity of Academic Evaluation documents?

When USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) related to the validity of academic evaluation documents, it is essential to respond in an organized and detailed manner. In the context of the EB-2 NIW visa, these documents are fundamental to demonstrate the equivalence of your academic qualifications to United States standards, and any doubt about their validity requires a well-founded and well-structured response.

The first step is to carefully review the RFE to identify the specific points the immigration officer questioned. In many cases, USCIS may request clarifications regarding the credibility of the agency that conducted the evaluation or about the methodology used in analyzing your documents. Therefore, it is important to include in the response authenticated copies of diplomas, academic transcripts, and, if available, supporting documentation on the reputation and accreditation of the agency that performed the evaluation.

If the evaluator used a specific conversion or equivalency method, clearly and concisely explain how this process was carried out and, if possible, provide references or publications that validate the method used. If you identify discrepancies or information that may have been misunderstood, include a detailed explanatory letter outlining the steps of the evaluation process, contextualizing the submitted documents, and arguing the quality and reliability of the responsible agency.

Whenever possible, mention official documents or correspondence that reinforce the legitimacy of the evaluation, demonstrating that the procedure followed international standards and the guidelines adopted by regulatory bodies in the academic field. It is important to remember that strictly following United States immigration laws is imperative. Thus, if you have doubts about how to structure your response or need specialized assistance, seeking support from experienced professionals can help avoid mistakes that may jeopardize your case progress.

Extra care helps avoid falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous and guaranteed solutions. In summary, respond to the RFE by presenting robust documentation proving the validity and credibility of the academic evaluation, explain any pending issues clearly and in an organized manner, and be attentive to the deadlines for submitting the requested documents. This way, you increase the chances of USCIS recognizing the authenticity of your academic documents, advancing your immigration process safely and aligned with legal requirements.

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.