What to consider when responding to an RFE about costs in EB-2 NIW?

It is important to start with a point that often causes confusion: EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is not an investment category. USCIS does not score how much you spent; what it evaluates is whether your work has substantial merit and national importance. When an RFE (Request for Evidence) touches on costs, the goal is not to measure amounts, but to confirm that the financial data in your petition file is coherent and reliable.

Therefore, when responding, the focus should be on the clarity and consistency of the information. A few points help support the response:

• Present each figure in detail, linking it to a concrete purpose within the project.
• Indicate the source of the data, based on verifiable sources, so they do not appear arbitrary.
• Show consistency across documents, avoiding contradictions between the pieces of evidence.

More than justifying expenses, it is worth reinforcing how your work connects to a broader benefit for the United States. It is that connection to the national interest, not the dollar amount, that sustains the petition.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is advisable to follow the official USCIS guidelines and consider specialized support to structure your response, while being wary of any promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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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.