What strategies can be adopted to minimize RFEs related to costs?

In the EB-2 NIW, the most effective way to minimize RFEs is to submit a clear, complete, and consistent petition from the start. It is worth remembering that the USCIS does not decide a case based on costs, but rather on the merit and national importance of your work. An RFE typically arises when evidence is missing or when there are contradictions, not because of any financial consideration.

A few careful steps significantly reduce the likelihood of a request for additional evidence:

• Organize and review all documentation before submitting, ensuring information is current and consistent.
• Eliminate contradictions between documents so that each piece of evidence supports the others.
• Gather strong proof of the relevance and impact of your work, such as publications, letters, and recognitions.
• Review the full package with a critical eye, closing any gaps that could raise questions.

Working with an experienced professional helps identify weak points before submission and build a solid dossier. This reduces the likelihood of the officer requesting additional information and, as a result, the rework and costs of responding to an RFE.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth confirming updated guidance with USCIS and being wary of any promise of guaranteed approval.

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.