How to strengthen a response to an RFE questioning the originality of my publications in EB-2 NIW?

When an RFE (Request for Evidence) questions the originality of your publications in an EB-2 NIW case, the goal of the response is to reconstruct, with evidence, the authorship trail and the process that brought your work into existence. It is not enough to assert that the work is yours: you need to show how it was developed, evaluated, and recognized.

A strong response typically combines documentary evidence and external validation:

• Authorship trail: drafts, preliminary versions, submission and acceptance history, and correspondence with editors that demonstrate the development of the content.
• Peer validation: review reports, feedback, and editorial protocols showing the rigor of the process the publication went through.
• Expert attestation: independent letters confirming the originality and impact of the work, connecting it to the advancement of your field.

Organize everything clearly and chronologically so the officer can follow the evolution of the ideas without effort. Precision and transparency tend to carry more weight than volume. Since each case is evaluated individually, confirm the current guidelines with the official source and consider the support of an experienced professional.

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.