Key Highlights

Current EB-1A Adjudication Landscape is Highly Scrutinized

USCIS is issuing more RFEs and NOIDs even for strong EB-1A profiles.

Approval rates have dropped compared to previous years due to stricter evaluation standards.

Officers are focusing less on the checklist and more on final merits determination whether the applicant truly represents sustained national/international acclaim.

RFEs and NOIDs Are Becoming Standard Checkpoints

An RFE means USCIS wants more evidence or clarification - the officer’s decision hasn’t been made yet.

• A NOID suggests USCIS is leaning toward denial and requires a rebuttal to specific concerns.
• Both can be overcome, but NOIDs are generally more serious and require stronger rebuttal evidence.

Data-Driven RFE Trends

Certain EB1A criteria trigger RFEs more frequently (like “original contributions of major significance” and “leading or critical role”).

RFEs often center on evidence quality, context, metrics, and demonstrated impact beyond internal or employer-specific achievements.

Final Merits Determination Is the Critical Make-or-Break Step

Meeting at least three criteria is necessary, but not sufficient.

USCIS final merits evaluation assesses whether the totality of evidence proves the applicant is truly among the very top of their field.

Petitioners must connect accomplishments to real-world impact and external recognition.

Effective Strategies for RFEs & NOIDs

• Point-by-point responses that clearly tie evidence to specific standards are essential.
• Avoid “document dumps” - quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
• Independent, objective documentation (like external citations, media coverage, adoption/use metrics) carries more weight.

Narrative & Evidence Framing Are Key

Your EB1A submission must tell a persuasive story not just list achievements.

Clear evidence mapping, impact explanation, and expert letters are critical layers that strengthen the final merits argument.

Reframing isn’t just about more evidence; it’s about better evidence in the right context.

An RFE or NOID Is Not an Automatic Denial

Many cases overcome RFEs with strong responses and are ultimately approved.

Even NOIDs, though serious, can be rebutted successfully with strong strategy and evidence positioning.

What matters most is how you address the officer’s concerns, not simply submitting more documents.

Summary Takeaway

The webinar likely emphasized that EB1A success in 2026 requires strategic preparation, not just strong credentials. Applicants must anticipate scrutiny, frame evidence precisely around USCIS expectations, and respond to communications (RFEs/NOIDs) with clarity, context, and objective proof of sustained impact.