What questions does the USCIS typically raise in an RFE about the Academic Evaluation?

In the EB-2 NIW, the Academic Evaluation is one of the points that most often triggers scrutiny. When the USCIS issues a RFE (Request for Evidence) on this topic, the focus usually falls on how the foreign educational background compares to U.S. standards.

Among the most common questions are:

• Whether the evaluation was conducted by a recognized entity that specializes in converting international credentials.
• How the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. diploma and what methodology was used for that comparison.
• Whether the documents were translated and authenticated in accordance with the requirements, with no discrepancies between the original and the evaluation report.

The USCIS may also request evidence connecting that academic background to the relevance of your work to the national interest. For that reason, an evaluation report that not only converts the credentials but also explains how your education supports your professional contribution tends to address these concerns more effectively.

Since every case is unique, it is worth verifying the current requirements and, if needed, strengthening the petition with supplemental evaluation reports and the guidance of trusted professionals.

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.