What mistakes commonly trigger an RFE about the Academic Evaluation in the EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW, the Academic Evaluation demonstrates that degrees earned abroad are equivalent to U.S. academic standards. Certain oversights in this document increase the likelihood that USCIS will issue an RFE (Request for Evidence).

The most frequent mistakes include:

• Evaluator without credibility: relying on poorly recognized sources instead of reputable, specialized agencies.
• Superficial evaluation: failing to compare credentials against the U.S. system or to explain the equivalency clearly.
• Translation issues: missing accurate translations or documents with language and formatting errors.
• Incomplete or outdated information: omitting relevant details from the academic record or submitting disorganized materials.

Avoiding these pitfalls is largely a matter of care: choosing a recognized evaluator, ensuring faithful translations, and delivering a complete, current, and well-organized evaluation. Every detail weighs on the clarity of the analysis.

Because requirements can vary and each case is unique, it is advisable to review the latest USCIS guidance or seek specialized support before submitting your documentation.

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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.