How to respond to an RFE that questions the consistency of submitted costs?

When receiving a RFE (Request for Evidence) that questions costs in an EB-2 NIW petition, it helps to remember that this is not an investment visa: the case is decided on the merit and national importance of your work, not on the amounts spent. That said, if you submitted cost information and the USCIS requests clarification, it is worth responding carefully and transparently.

The first step is to reread the RFE and understand exactly which figures are being challenged. From there, build a well-organized response that addresses each point. The following typically help:

• Documentation supporting the submitted figures, such as receipts, contracts, and quotes.
• A clear explanation of the methodology or criteria used to arrive at those figures.
• Context linking each expense to your work and its relevance.

Respond point by point, leaving no gaps that could raise new questions, and keep the documentation well organized and indexed to facilitate the officer’s review.

Meet the deadline stated in the letter and rely on trustworthy sources. If the response is complex, consider seeking specialized guidance and confirming current guidelines with USCIS.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.