How to respond to an RFE that questions the relevance of costs presented in the petition file?

An RFE (Request for Evidence) that questions the relevance of costs in an EB-2 NIW petition is essentially asking you to demonstrate the connection between each expense and the objectives of the work underlying the petition. An effective response does not defend the expenditures as a whole, but rather item by item, making the purpose of each one clear.

A solid approach is to rebuild that connection in an organized way:

• Gather receipts, contracts, quotes, and explanations that show each cost was necessary.
• Link each expense to a specific activity in the project and to the outcome it made possible.
• Address each item flagged by the officer individually, leaving no point unanswered.

When writing your response, be specific: explain why certain costs are typical of your field and how they connect to the advances or benefits your work can generate. If an amount was spent on specialized equipment, for example, show why it was necessary to achieve the proposed objectives. What resolves the doubt is a clear relationship between cost and purpose.

Respect the deadline and instructions of the RFE and, since each case is evaluated individually, follow USCIS guidance and consider working with an experienced professional to structure your response.

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Victoria Harper

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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.