I just got an RFE (below) for the i-140 (filed myself). How bad is it in your opinion? Should I hire a lawyer or should I take a chance and do it myself? I have 4 extra letters prepared but should I write the cover letter again proving all the points for NIW and the EB-2? I don't even know what extra info to send besides the letters? Any help would be appreciated.
"We note that the letters submitted in behalf of the beneficiary appear to be predominately written by interested parties, and while they are helpful they do not carry the same probative weight as opinions from experts and institutions that are clearly independent of the beneficiary. It is clear that the authors are experts in the beneficiary's area of specialty, however these letters speak of the beneficiary's accomplishments in glowing but general terms, and do not clearly delineate how the beneficiary's past accomplishments are a reasonable basis for his prospective benefit to the nation should your request for a national interest waiver be approved. In effect, the letters primarily serve to establish that the petitioner is well qualified in his area of expertise.
While the statements made are clearly complimentary, the statements from these witnesses do not persuasively show that the beneficiary has had an impact on the field to a degree that the granting of a national interest waiver would be warranted in this case. The record fails to contain any contemporaneous, corroborative documentary evidence to support the statements made. It is further noted that many of the witnesses stress.the importance of the beneficiary's work rather than the significance of his past individual influence on the field.
It is generally expected that an individual whose accomplishments have gone well beyond the circle of his personal acquaintances, would have letters of recommendation from sources beyond the circle of his personal acquaintances. In other words, if the beneficiary's work is not highly praised apart from his personal and professional associates, then it is difficult to conclude that he is of national interest. Considering the extremely restrictive immigrant category being requested, it is expected that the record would include a wider range ofletters.
Therefore, you are requested to submit opinions from experts and institutions that are clearly independent of the beneficiary. In addition, please submit documentation establishing evidence that the beneficiary's findings have enjoyed widespread implementation and acceptance."
"We note that the letters submitted in behalf of the beneficiary appear to be predominately written by interested parties, and while they are helpful they do not carry the same probative weight as opinions from experts and institutions that are clearly independent of the beneficiary. It is clear that the authors are experts in the beneficiary's area of specialty, however these letters speak of the beneficiary's accomplishments in glowing but general terms, and do not clearly delineate how the beneficiary's past accomplishments are a reasonable basis for his prospective benefit to the nation should your request for a national interest waiver be approved. In effect, the letters primarily serve to establish that the petitioner is well qualified in his area of expertise.
While the statements made are clearly complimentary, the statements from these witnesses do not persuasively show that the beneficiary has had an impact on the field to a degree that the granting of a national interest waiver would be warranted in this case. The record fails to contain any contemporaneous, corroborative documentary evidence to support the statements made. It is further noted that many of the witnesses stress.the importance of the beneficiary's work rather than the significance of his past individual influence on the field.
It is generally expected that an individual whose accomplishments have gone well beyond the circle of his personal acquaintances, would have letters of recommendation from sources beyond the circle of his personal acquaintances. In other words, if the beneficiary's work is not highly praised apart from his personal and professional associates, then it is difficult to conclude that he is of national interest. Considering the extremely restrictive immigrant category being requested, it is expected that the record would include a wider range ofletters.
Therefore, you are requested to submit opinions from experts and institutions that are clearly independent of the beneficiary. In addition, please submit documentation establishing evidence that the beneficiary's findings have enjoyed widespread implementation and acceptance."
. I also got a Nature papers as second auth in the mean time. I hope it will help. Should I prepare the citations in a different way? Originally I just attached the ISI printout. Should I write the cover letter similar to responding to reviewers for a paper, more or less trying to show that the "new version" solves their issues?