I agree with these comments. I realize what the RFE is about. First of all, did you get a letter from some one outside US or atleast did you mention that you presented your work in an international conference. If you did not mention either, then you have not proved about the international importance of the work.
If you end up hiring another lawyer, make sure the lawyer is specialized in NIW/EB-1. You have a very specific task to do, prove that your work is internationally recognized. (proving 3 year exp is relatively easy). You can do this by getting a letter from somone outside US (preferred route). alternatively (less preferred) show that your work has been presented in an international conference (even if the conference was held here it is ok. We are saying that people from other countries attend it or the same conference might be held in other locations later).
I had written pages of cover letter (paragraphs and paragraphs) based on some format that I purchased during my inital NIW application, it was a total waste. Using the quotes is very important. You need to say Dr.xxx says that "work of YYY is pivotal because ....". You are basically going to pick 3 or 4 sentences from each letter (perhaps even 2 such references) from each and put them in the cover letter.
You can go and pick evidence for international recog from old letters. However, you need to make sure that your response is targeted to address the things asked (international recog). Don't dilute your letter by writing other things. Quotes that support only the international recog and 3 years exp should be mentioned as you are responding to a specific concern.
You can get a letter from your employer to show that you have 3 years exp (or other places you worked) to show that.
Lawyer cannot do much if you don't offer him evidences. Lawyers basically present your info in a suitable format (provide quotes). You will have to take the responsibility of providing him with enough material or evidence. Perhaps that is one of the hesitations that the lawyer is having (does not know what else to do).
Even before you go to another lawyer, start looking for evidences within your old letters and get more letters (if you can). You will get guaranteed results if you can manage to get letters from someone who is in Govt organization like NIH, FDA, etc. Even the authors of the new letters could say that your work is bound to be internationally acknowledged due to its importance (less powerful argument, but you can use it).
Bottomline, you need to first look into old letters and highlight relevant sections that you could use for showing intl recog. Then get more letter(s) (if possible, outside the US) talking that your work is known outside the world. ONE IMPORTANT thing you can do is see if someone outside US has published and has referred to your work. That will show that your work was noted outside US.
Again, because it is your life, you need to take the responsibility to acquire proofs. Lawyers will only write a letter. You will have to highlight the necessary sections so the lawyer uses it. basically, you need to spoon feed them.
I think your lawyer is stalling because he does not know how to proceed. 50% of it may be due to lack of new evidence.
One more thing, try to get a copy of the package he sent originally. If he has not used quotes and had gone on and on, then he does NOT know what he is doing. I do understand it might be hard for you to get it.
Use diplomacy, don't yell/scream as it will not get the things done. Tell him that you are ready to pay any consulting fee (extra) if reqd, but you would like to speak to him personally about this issue. Make an appt and go down there. While you are there say that you are curious to see how the inital package looks (look/read the covering letter). if possible this will be a time to get a copy of the package.
Call USCIS and find out if they will accept the copy of the RFE (not necessarily the original), that will pave way for a new attorney. Double check by calling at a diff time and re-confirm. Consult a new lawyer and tell him the situation and see if he says that it is ok to use the copy of the RFE. Reconfirm by consulting another lawyer. There are many lawyers who offer free initial consultation.
if you do end up choosing another lawyer, make sure he is experienced in EB1 or it is not going to help. PM me if you want to talk more about this..
Ela
For international recognition you'll need primarily reference letters from people outside of US who can attest that you work is indeed outstanding and internationally renown.
I would strongly recommend that you write a very good cover letter, arguing your case, and choosing the best quotes from the reference letters.
Although we did not resubmit the original material, my husband (who spent many nights writing the cover letter) mentioned it by dividing the answer to each criterion claimed in "new evidence" and "previously submitted". He included quotes from all the reference letters (new ones and old), because the original petition was very badly written (by the international advisor).
Think like a lawyer. Argue your case, but always support it with evidence.
Also search this forum for great information. Go back starting in September 2006 and you'll find some great information about responding to RFEs. Also you can use keywords to search the forum.
Good luck!
