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How to respond to an RFE that questions the relationship between costs and national benefits?

To respond to a cost-and-benefit RFE in EB-2 NIW, show with data that the broad impact of your work outweighs the costs. Address each point directly, with transparency and a clear link to the national interest.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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An RFE (Request for Evidence) that questions the relationship between costs and benefits is, in practice, asking you to demonstrate why the value of your work to the country justifies the costs involved. In EB-2 NIW, a strong response is clear, objective, and backed by evidence.

A good approach is to structure the response in blocks:

  • Present the proposal and the expected impact in concrete sectors, such as health, technology, the economy, or education.
  • Explain how the resources involved translate into broad gains for American society and the economy.
  • Honestly weigh the costs against the benefits, drawing on data, studies, and expert references.

Tone matters as much as content: address each point raised in the RFE without exaggeration or promises, and make the connection between your work and the national interest explicit. Consistency across documents builds credibility.

Since each RFE has its own particularities and deadlines and requirements must be observed with care, it is worth reviewing the official guidance from USCIS and, when possible, working with a specialist to prepare the response.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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.

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How to respond to an RFE that questions the relationship between costs and national benefits?

To respond to a cost-and-benefit RFE in EB-2 NIW, show with data that the broad impact of your work outweighs the costs. Address each point directly, with transparency and a clear link to the national interest.

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