What are the most common causes of RFE in the O-1B?

An RFE (Request for Evidence) in the O-1B typically arises when a petition fails to clearly and completely demonstrate that the artist possesses recognized extraordinary ability. It is not a denial: it is a request from USCIS to supplement or clarify what was left unconvincing.

Among the most frequent causes are:

• insufficient or inconsistent evidence of recognition (awards, critical reviews, media coverage, support letters);
• disorganized documentation that fails to show how each item satisfies the visa criteria;
• generic recommendation letters lacking the detail needed to support the applicant’s trajectory;
• recognition that appears limited to a local context, without demonstrating broader reach;
• missing translations or documents without a coherent career narrative.

The common thread is a lack of explicit connection between the evidence presented and what the visa requires. A strong petition anticipates the officer’s questions and ties each piece of evidence to the corresponding criterion.

Since evaluation is conducted on a case-by-case basis, it is worth reviewing the latest guidance on USCIS and, if possible, revisiting the evidence strategy with a specialist before filing.

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.