A Request for Evidence (RFE) represents one of the more demanding stages of adjudication in the employment-based immigration process. When USCIS issues an RFE, a petition undergoes additional scrutiny, and further evidence or clarification may be requested regarding the applicant’s qualifications and eligibility under the applicable immigration standard. Successfully navigating this stage requires an evidentiary record that remains organized, internally consistent, and directly responsive to the concerns raised during review.

The following success stories highlight 29 approvals involving RFE review or adverse petition histories, consisting of 6 EB-1A approvals, 22 NIW approvals, and 1 O-1A approval. Several cases presented circumstances that added complexity to adjudication, including withdrawn or denied petitions followed by subsequent approvals, multiple service center transfers, an applicant without an advanced degree, non-STEM cases, and petitions adjudicated without premium processing for 799 and 837 days.

Cases With Inherent Challenges

Adverse Petition Histories

Several applicants had petition histories involving RFEs, denials, withdrawals, or subsequent filings under the same or different immigration classifications. These circumstances can add complexity to adjudication because an adverse outcome or unresolved issue associated with one petition does not determine eligibility in another. Each petition must independently establish that the applicant satisfies the requirements of the applicable immigration classification, supported by an evidentiary record that addresses the relevant legal standard regardless of the outcomes or adjudicative histories associated with other petitions.

Multiple Service Center Transfers

Several petitions underwent transfers between the Nebraska Service Center and the Texas Service Center during adjudication. Such procedural movement can add administrative complexity because the evidentiary record must remain clearly organized and internally consistent throughout review across different service center operations.

Applicant Without an Advanced Degree

One NIW applicant qualified through the exceptional ability pathway without holding an advanced degree. The case therefore required sufficient evidence of exceptional ability to support the underlying EB-2 classification, together with evidence addressing the separate NIW requirements.

EB-1A Approvals After RFE (6)

#1: EB-1A in Human Reproduction

This EB-1A approval involved a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Human Reproduction, the applicant initially filed an NIW petition, followed by an EB-1A petition. The NIW has received an RFE from Officer XM2534 and remained pending, while the EB-1A petition has received an RFE from Officer XM1209 before approval was ultimately granted.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 25 publications and 484 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 4 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 6 additional recommendation letters and 2 testimonial letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing EB-1A approval after RFE review while a related NIW petition also received an RFE and remained pending.

#2: EB-1A in Electric Power Engineering

This EB-1A approval involved an Associate Teaching Professor, born in India and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Electric Power Engineering, the petition received an RFE from the Nebraska Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated an extensive scholarly record consisting of 32 publications and 956 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 4 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 2 additional recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

#3: EB-1A in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

This EB-1A approval involved a Senior Data Scientist, born in India and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the petition received an RFE from the Nebraska Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 9 publications and 610 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing included 4 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 2 additional recommendation letters and 1 testimonial letter were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#4: EB-1A in Robotics

This EB-1A approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Research Assistant), born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Filed in Robotics, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM1258 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated an extensive scholarly record consisting of 31 publications and 3,039 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2026. The initial filing included 6 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 2 additional recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing EB-1A approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#5: EB-1A in Microsystems Engineering

This EB-1A approval involved a Postdoctoral Scholar, born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Microsystems Engineering, the petition received an RFE from the Nebraska Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 15 publications and 279 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The petition included 4 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

#6: EB-1A in Molecular Biology

This EB-1A approval involved a Research Scientist, born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Molecular Biology, the applicant secured approval through a refiled EB-1A petition after the earlier EB-1A petition received an RFE from Officer XM1452 and was withdrawn.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 17 publications and 639 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2026. The petition included 6 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing EB-1A approval through a refiled petition after an earlier EB-1A petition received an RFE and was withdrawn.

NIW Approvals After RFE (22)

#7: NIW in Cancer Biology

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born in Taiwan and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Postdoctoral Scientist in industry. Filed in Cancer Biology, the applicant initially filed an NIW petition, followed by an EB-1A petition. The NIW has been approved, while the EB-1A has received an RFE from Officer XM2042 and remains pending.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated an extensive scholarly record consisting of 11 publications and 1,158 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The petition included 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval while a related EB-1A petition remained pending after receiving an RFE.

#8: NIW in Bioinformatics

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born in Turkey and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Bioinformatics, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2513 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 16 publications and 240 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 4 recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#9: NIW in Biostatistics

This NIW approval involved a Visiting Associate, born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Biostatistics, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2549 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 8 publications and 63 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing included 4 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 2 additional recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center without premium processing and was approved after 837 days.

#10: NIW in Neurogastroenterology

This NIW approval involved an Associate Research Scientist, born in India and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Neurogastroenterology, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2069 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 12 publications and 193 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing included 3 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 3 additional recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center without premium processing and was approved in 799 days. 

#11: NIW in Power Systems

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born in Bolivia and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Research Associate. Filed in Power Systems, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2144 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 9 publications and 40 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 2 recommendation letters and 2 testimonial letters, while 1 additional recommendation letter was submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#12: NIW in Finance

This NIW approval involved a Teaching and Research Assistant, born in Vietnam and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as an Assistant Professor. Filed in Finance, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2191 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a Ph.D. and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 19 publications and 244 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2023. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 5 recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review in a non-STEM field while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#13: NIW in Weed Science

This NIW approval involved a Technology Development Representative in industry, born in Brazil and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Weed Science, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2556 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 7 publications and 37 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 4 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 3 additional recommendation letters and 1 testimonial letter were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#14: NIW in Biomedical Informatics

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Researcher), born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as an Assistant Professor. Filed in Biomedical Informatics, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2055 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 14 publications and 163 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 5 recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#15: NIW in Computer Science

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born in Iran and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Computer Science, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2164 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated an extensive scholarly record consisting of 32 publications and 788 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2023. The initial filing proceeded without recommendation letters and included 1 testimonial letter, while 3 recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition underwent a transfer from the Texas Service Center to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#16: NIW in Applied Machine Learning

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Research Assistant), born in Sri Lanka and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Filed in Applied Machine Learning, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2622 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 7 publications and 238 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 1 recommendation letter and 1 testimonial letter, while 4 additional recommendation letters and 1 testimonial letter were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

#17: NIW in Structural Engineering

This NIW approval involved a Research Associate, born in Lebanon and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Structural Engineering, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2259 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 7 publications and 111 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 3 recommendation letters and 1 testimonial letter were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#18: NIW in Electrical and Computer Engineering

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. candidate (Graduate Researcher), born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Senior Lead Microfluidic Engineer in industry. Filed in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2545 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 6 publications and 134 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 4 recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#19: NIW in Renewable Energy

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Research Assistant), born in Pakistan and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Research Scientist. Filed in Renewable Energy, the petition received an RFE from the Nebraska Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 5 publications and 70 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 2 recommendation letters and 2 testimonial letters, while 1 additional recommendation letter was submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#20: NIW in Radiation Oncology

This NIW approval involved an Assistant Professor, born in Egypt and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Radiation Oncology, the petition received an RFE from the Texas Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held an M.B.B.Ch. degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 9 publications and 102 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The petition included 4 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review in a non-STEM field.

#21: NIW in Mechanical Engineering

This NIW approval involved a Manufacturing Engineer I in industry, born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment in industry. Filed in Mechanical Engineering, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM1747 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 3 publications and 42 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2024. The initial filing included 2 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 1 additional recommendation letter was submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#22: NIW in Biotechnologies

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Research Associate, born in Egypt and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Biotechnologies, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2418 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 10 publications and 113 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing proceeded without recommendation letters and included 4 testimonial letters, while 6 recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#23: NIW in Applied Machine Learning

This NIW approval involved a Research Assistant, born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Principal Investigator. Filed in Applied Machine Learning, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2164 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 2 publications and 41 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2022. The initial filing included 2 recommendation letters and no testimonial letters, while 2 additional recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#24: NIW in Artificial Intelligence

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Research Assistant/Graduate Teaching Assistant), born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as an Assistant Professor. Filed in Artificial Intelligence, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2479 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 9 publications and 108 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 4 recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#25: NIW in Generative Design

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Research Assistant), born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Filed in Generative Design, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2560 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 7 publications and 131 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The initial filing included 3 recommendation letters and 1 testimonial letter, while 5 additional recommendation letters were submitted with the RFE response.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

#26: NIW in Physical Chemistry

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Student Research Assistant), born in Ghana and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Research Fellow. Filed in Physical Chemistry, the applicant secured approval through a refiled petition after the first NIW petition received an RFE from Officer XM2582 and was denied.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 19 publications and 184 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2026. The petition included 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval through a refiled petition after the applicant’s first NIW petition received an RFE and was denied.

#27: NIW in Molecular Nutrition

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Graduate Research Assistant), born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Research Scientist. Filed in Molecular Nutrition, the applicant secured approval through a refiled petition after the first NIW petition received an RFE from Officer XM1910 and was denied. The refiled petition subsequently received an RFE from Officer XM2164 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant did not hold an advanced degree and qualified through the exceptional ability pathway. At filing, the applicant demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 5 publications and 117 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The petition included 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval via a refiled petition after RFE review through the exceptional ability pathway and multiple service center transfers after the applicant’s first NIW petition received an RFE and was denied.

#28: NIW in Electrical and Computer Engineering

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student (Research Assistant), born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Filed in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2259 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM master’s degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 14 publications and 91 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2023. The initial filing proceeded without any supporting letters, while 5 recommendation letters were submitted as part of the RFE response.

The petition underwent transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

O-1A Approval After RFE (1)

#29: O-1A in Pharmaceutical Development

This O-1A approval involved a Senior Research Chemist II in industry, born in India and residing in the United States, who proposes to remain in the same employment. Filed in Pharmaceutical Development, the applicant initially filed an O-1A petition, followed by an EB-1A petition. The EB-1A has received an RFE from Officer XM1475 and was denied, while the O-1A petition has received an RFE from the California Service Center before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 9 publications and 241 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2022. The petition included 4 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the California Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing O-1A approval after an RFE review despite a related EB-1A petition receiving an RFE and being denied.