There has been a growing conversation around the increasing number of RFEs (Requests for Evidence) and the perceived difficulty of NIW (National Interest Waiver) adjudications. This reminds me of a common sentiment during job searches where people claim that coffee chats are “useless.” In both cases, I believe the issue is less about external circumstances and more about mindset. Instead of falling into negativity and self-doubt, it’s better to see these challenges as opportunities to refine your approach and stand out. With RFEs, more information about what the USCIS is scrutinizing becomes available, which can only help you tailor your case better. Dwelling on these difficulties, however, leads to unproductive worry and does nothing to improve your chances.
I strongly believe that first impressions are the most critical part of any process, whether it’s a coffee chat, a job interview, or an NIW application. Your first chance to connect with someone is often your best chance, so it’s crucial to make the most of it. For example, during my job search, I paid special attention to making positive impressions during coffee chats. When I reached out, I was polite and personalized in my approach, showing genuine effort. If the other person agreed to meet, I would go a step further and ask what they liked to drink. Often, they wouldn’t give a specific answer or would decline. To prepare, I’d bring two safe options—a black coffee and an Earl Grey tea—and let them choose when we met. These small but thoughtful actions made a significant difference in how I was perceived.
When it comes to NIW applications, I took a similar approach by focusing heavily on crafting a strong first impression for the immigration officer reviewing my case. I created a concise, two-page introduction that summarized the most compelling aspects of my application. This introduction highlighted my key qualifications, outlined my contributions to the U.S., and presented me as someone relatable and optimistic—an individual who enjoys living and working in the U.S., rather than just a list of achievements. Immigration Officers, like anyone else, are human and more likely to engage positively with a case that feels approachable. To connect with them, I researched their professional profiles on LinkedIn to better understand their perspectives and tailored my materials accordingly.
Currently, RFEs are becoming more common, and this trend has been noticeable since mid-2023. My own application was approved during this period, so I prepared with this in mind. Officers have countless reasons to approve or deny a case, and your goal is to make the path to approval as clear and straightforward as possible. This involves understanding their psychology and presenting a case that feels logical, compelling, and easy to approve.
This focus on first impressions mirrors my experience with job interviews. In almost every successful interview I’ve had, I could sense within the first few minutes that the tone was positive and conversational. A good first impression sets the stage for the rest of the interaction to flow naturally. On the other hand, when the initial impression is negative, interviewers tend to probe more critically, trying to confirm their doubts, and it becomes much harder to change their perspective. Immigration officers reviewing an NIW application operate in a similar way. A strong first impression ensures they approach the rest of the case with a positive mindset, making it easier to achieve a favorable outcome.
While the increased frequency of RFEs may seem daunting, I view it as a challenge that underscores the importance of preparation. Immigration officers, like all professionals, have biases, workloads, and expectations. Presenting your case in a way that aligns with their perspective and leads them to see you as approvable is an essential part of the process. By focusing on crafting a strong first impression and understanding the officer’s mindset, you can significantly improve your chances, even in a more rigorous review environment.