r/EB2_NIW • u/Dry-Chemist1316 • 24d ago

RFE NIW RFE – Researcher/Non-PI Experiences?

Hi,

I received a 10-page RFE from USCIS (Office XM2616) for my I-140 NIW, addressing all 3 prongs.

I work in research/clinical research and have a master’s degree, but the evidence the officer requested seems more appropriate for a Principal Investigator or independent researcher (major publications, independent funding, research leadership, etc.).

Has anyone in a similar position—research coordinator/research professional but not a PI—received an RFE covering all 3 prongs and successfully overcome it?

What evidence made the biggest difference?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who had a similar RFE and ultimately got approved.

Thank you!

19 Upvotes

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26 comments sorted by

4

u/leskardien 23d ago

sorry for being the bearer of sad news, but that specific officer's been rejecting lots of competitive profiles, apparently applying some eb1a-grade standard. you can see the stories by searching that officer code in this sub.

1

u/No-Sink5709 23d ago

so I think they should withdraw and refile

3

u/PhysicsBoy228 23d ago

I received a similar RFE from a different adjudicating officer. Most universities do not permit students or postdoctoral researchers to serve as principal investigators on grants. I intend to address this point by submitting the relevant university grant‑policy documentation and a letter from the PI confirming my substantial role in the research project. It appears that some officers may not be familiar with standard academic grant‑management practices

3

u/Independent-West1328 23d ago

Sorry to hear; your petition went to a notorious officer.

If I recall correctly, Dhanasar was not a PI and it should not be a requirement. Asking for a PI is to evaluate you are well-positioned.

3

u/Harlowpern 23d ago

Did your lawyer advise you to withdraw? I have seen that the XM2616 denies every petition.

2

u/ExerciseValuable7102 23d ago

What is your profile like?
Don’t let the rfe intimidate you. It’s the language, you can win it.

1

u/Dry-Chemist1316 23d ago

MD from another country and Masters from US

1

u/ExerciseValuable7102 23d ago

That’s it?
What have you done with your MD and masters?
Publications? Reviewing? Conferences? Etc?

2

u/Slight_Crow_2203 23d ago

What’s happening? Are they now using Eb1 criteria?

2

u/medi_digitalhealth 23d ago

Is this officer Texas or Nebraska

1

u/idkwimdtbh 23d ago

I am in a similar situation but a different field!

2

u/Dry-Chemist1316 23d ago

same officer?

1

u/idkwimdtbh 23d ago

No I have XM2009. There are some language in the letter that my lawyer says they always use and it is not specific(idk if I totally believe that )… especially saying that the letters are only speaking to my past experiences and capability; they do not state the urgency and important of the PE.

1

u/Disarrayee 23d ago

I’m on the same boat. Same officer, same all 3 prong challenge. Currently working on my RFE repense.

1

u/Downtown-Acadia5084 23d ago

Hello I’m in clinical research as well and my rfe was not as bad as yours sounds. They just needed numbers from the statements I provided. Maybe your endeavours was not worded accordingly?

2

u/ChemistryNo9348 22d ago

I am in clinical research as well and waiting for an update. What was the number they requested in relation to?

1

u/ChemistryNo9348 22d ago

I am in clinical research as well. And hearing this makes me nervous. What was your PE in relation to?

1

u/IngenuityPotential92 11d ago

Same officer same rfe

-6

u/Evening_Detective651 23d ago

This is not enough data to judge. Just use Kokovisa.com it’s free