What are the main elements that USCIS analyzes in the response to an RFE regarding Academic Evaluation?

A detailed and well-founded response to the RFE (Request for Evidence) related to Academic Evaluation is crucial to strengthen the EB-2 NIW visa petition. This process requires the petitioner to prove that their academic background, even if obtained outside the United States, is equivalent to an advanced degree (such as a master’s or doctorate) recognized in the country. Thus, it is essential to address all points requested by USCIS clearly and in an organized manner.

Among the main elements that USCIS analyzes in the response to an RFE about Academic Evaluation are:

1. Evaluating company credentials: It is important that the foreign credentials evaluation report is issued by a reliable and specialized institution. USCIS checks whether the evaluator has the necessary experience and qualifications to compare your degree to U.S. academic standards, ensuring the document’s legitimacy.

2. Supporting academic documentation: Besides the evaluation report, original documents or certified copies of diplomas, transcripts, and, when possible, course syllabi should be included. These documents help USCIS understand the content and scope of your program, corroborating equivalency with advanced-level studies in the United States.

3. Evaluation methodology and criteria: Clarity in presenting the methods used to compare your foreign degree with U.S. degrees is another aspect analyzed. It is crucial that the report details which criteria and standards were applied, enabling USCIS to verify that the evaluation process aligns with recognized industry practices.

4. Relevance of the education to the field of work: In the context of the EB-2 NIW, USCIS also assesses how your academic background relates to the work or project proposed in the United States and how this may benefit the national interest. Therefore, the response to the RFE must convincingly demonstrate this connection, aligning your expertise with the ‘National Interest’ criteria.

5. Consistency and clarity of documents: An organized and contradiction-free presentation is fundamental. The absence of ambiguities in the supporting documents helps build a strong case, ensuring that all essential information is linked and corroborated.

It is important to emphasize that, to avoid complications, it is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws and guidelines. In cases of uncertainty, seeking guidance from experienced professionals on the subject – always carefully avoiding promises of easy results or miraculous solutions – can be a good practice. Patience and accuracy in preparing these documents are key for USCIS to trust the equivalency and relevance of your foreign education, contributing to a safer and more consistent immigration process.

Always remembering that each case has its particularities, it is prudent to carefully review all documentation and be prepared to supplement information whenever requested by USCIS, reinforcing the credibility and coherence of the data presented.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.