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Navigating the employment-based immigration process for an EB-1 visa can be a daunting task. The visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their given field, so proving yourself among the elite can be difficult. To make things even more challenging, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), requiring you to provide additional proof to support your application. This article aims to guide you through the steps to successfully respond to an EB-1 RFE.
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A Clearer Path For U.S. Immigration
At VisaNation Law Group, we are committed to facilitating your immigration process with utmost efficiency and care. We walk you through each legal milestone to ensure that you can hit ground running in your new home. A 20-minute consultation with our immigration attorneys can be what you need to jumpstart your visa application.
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A Request for Evidence is a notice from USCIS asking for additional documentation or clarification to support the claims made in your EB-1 visa application. An RFE is not a denial but merely a request for more information.
The EB-1 visa is designed for individuals who excel in their field of work. The visa has three main categories: EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C for multinational executives or managers. The evidence required by the USCIS varies depending on the category. Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re unsure about any of the criteria or evidence, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney specializing in EB-1 visas for personalized guidance.
When the USCIS feels there is a potentially insufficient amount of data provided for the visa, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) for further proof of merit. It is crucial to respond accurately and promptly to give your application the best chance of success.
The duration it takes for the USCIS to process an RFE for an EB-1 visa can differ substantially. Factors influencing this include the specific details of your case, the particular USCIS office reviewing it, and current caseloads. Usually, USCIS allots a period of 60-90 days for applicants to submit their RFE responses. After receiving your comprehensive response, USCIS generally aims to finalize its decision within a 60-day timeframe, although more intricate cases requiring additional review could take several months.
If time is of the essence, you might consider opting for premium processing available for certain EB-1 categories. This expedited service comes with an extra fee but promises a decision or another action from USCIS within 15 calendar days. It’s important to be aware that if a subsequent RFE is generated, the 15-day timeline restarts once your updated evidence has been submitted to USCIS.
Cost of an RFE There is generally no separate fee charged by the USCIS for issuing or responding to a RFE. The fees for the original visa petition should cover the RFE process. However, additional fees may arise when it comes to the procurement of the additional evidence. A 20-minute consultation with an immigration attorney will offer a glimpse into what to expect on the financial side, so you’re prepared for everything. Schedule a Consultation
Cost of an RFE
There is generally no separate fee charged by the USCIS for issuing or responding to a RFE. The fees for the original visa petition should cover the RFE process. However, additional fees may arise when it comes to the procurement of the additional evidence. A 20-minute consultation with an immigration attorney will offer a glimpse into what to expect on the financial side, so you’re prepared for everything.
Schedule a Consultation
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are often triggered when the USCIS requires additional documentation to establish an applicant’s eligibility for an EB-1 visa. Below are some common reasons for RFEs in the different EB-1 categories:
Common Trigger: Insufficient Evidence of Extraordinary Ability
How to Address: To respond effectively, you might consider submitting additional evidence like prestigious awards, documentation of commercial successes, or testimonials from other experts in the field. Detailed letters of recommendation that outline your significant contributions could also help strengthen your case.
Common Trigger: Lack of Scholarly Publications
How to Address: You could supply more published works, or if that’s not possible, letters from academic peers acknowledging your contributions could help. Additionally, evidence of awards or other recognition from scholarly associations can add weight to your application.
Common Trigger: Unclear Managerial Role
How to Address: To clarify any ambiguities, you can submit organizational charts that specify your position, detailed job descriptions outlining your managerial tasks, or letters from supervisors or colleagues verifying your role and responsibilities. Financial reports or annual reviews showing your impact on the company’s performance can also be beneficial.
Understanding these common triggers can help you preemptively address any areas where your application might be lacking, reducing the likelihood of receiving an RFE. However, each case is unique, so it may be advantageous to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure your application is as robust as possible.
An RFE from USCIS is a formal document, typically arriving as a physical letter, although it may be sent electronically as well. It contains critical elements like your USCIS Case Number, the names of the petitioner and beneficiary, and the type of application you’ve submitted.
The letter will outline the specific information or documents you need to provide, along with detailed submission guidelines. Due to its legal significance, it’s essential to read the RFE carefully. Here is a good guide on how to approach an RFE for an EB-1 visa application
First and foremost, read the RFE carefully to understand what is being asked of you. Fully grasping what the USCIS is missing in terms of evidence is crucial to effectively move forward with your application.
Based on the RFE, collect the necessary evidence. This can include recommendation letters, additional scholarly publications, or detailed job descriptions and organizational charts to prove managerial roles. You typically have a few months to get your new information in order, but be proactive in your efforts. The sooner you gather the necessary information, the sooner the USCIS will fully process your application.
When you reply, address each query separately and methodically. Offer a cover letter summarizing how you are fulfilling each request. Include any contextual details that help to paint a fuller picture of your qualifications. Put simply, make it as easy and simple as possible for the USCIS to digest. This will expedite their processing and move you along in your application process.
Before sending your response, double-check for any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies. Make sure all documents are well-organized, properly labeled, and easy to read. Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer who specializes in EB-1 visas before submitting anything.
Be conscious of the deadline specified in the RFE and make sure to send your response well before it. Missing the deadline can result in the full-on denial of your application. Be prompt and professional; the USCIS will take that into account.
After submitting your response to the USCIS, you can expect a few things to happen. First, you’ll likely receive an acknowledgment from USCIS, either electronically or via physical mail, confirming that your additional documents or information have been received. Then, the review process resumes as the USCIS officer evaluates the new material along with your original application.
The duration of this review can vary widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the RFE and the current workload of the particular USCIS office handling your case.
There are three primary outcomes after responding to an RFE:
