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What is an RFE in the context of the EB-2 NIW?

An RFE is USCIS's request for additional documents during the EB-2 NIW process. It is not a denial, but rather an opportunity to strengthen your case by responding to what was requested within the given deadline.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 10, 2026
1 min read
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An RFE (Request for Evidence) is a common step in the U.S. immigration process in which USCIS requests additional documents or information to further evaluate your EB-2 NIW petition. It typically arises when the reviewing officer determines that a particular aspect of the case is not yet clear enough to make a decision.

Receiving an RFE does not mean your petition has been denied. It is an opportunity to strengthen your case, provided you respond within the deadline stated in the notice and address exactly what was requested.

  • Read the RFE carefully, point by point, as the request varies depending on the specifics of each case.
  • Gather documentation that demonstrates your qualifications and the relevance of your work.
  • Organize your evidence clearly, linking each document directly to the issue raised.
  • Observe the deadline stated in the notice so you do not lose the opportunity to respond.

Since every case is unique and the details matter, it is worth checking the latest guidance on the USCIS website and considering the support of a specialist to prepare a thorough and consistent 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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What is an RFE in the context of the EB-2 NIW?

An RFE is USCIS's request for additional documents during the EB-2 NIW process. It is not a denial, but rather an opportunity to strengthen your case by responding to what was requested within the given deadline.

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