What are the critical points of an RFE on Academic Evaluation in the EB-2 NIW?

An RFE (Request for Evidence) regarding an Academic Evaluation in an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) case typically asks you to reinforce the soundness of your credential evaluation. This step is sensitive because academic equivalence is one of the pillars that helps demonstrate your qualifications. A few points tend to draw the officer’s attention.

The first is the comparison between your foreign credentials and the academic standards of the United States. The report gains strength when it clearly describes the institution, the program, and the coursework, and shows how your degree relates to its American equivalent.

• Authenticated academic documents and, when in another language, accompanied by a certified translation.
• A recognized evaluation methodology, with objective criteria accepted in the field.
• Evidence of the credibility of the entity or professional who issued the assessment.

Explaining the basis of the evaluation and the reputation of its author helps prevent further questioning. Precision and consistency across all documents build confidence in the submitted materials.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth following the official USCIS guidelines and seeking specialized support, while being cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed results.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.