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RFE Denial Database — Request for Evidence Database
RFE/NOID/Denial Database for EB-1A: 251 real cases for 2023-2025
An interactive database of 251 cases of RFE (Request for Evidence), NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) and Denials for EB-1A petitions over 3 years. For each case: which criteria were claimed, how many were recognized, the service center and the officer number.
Use the filters below to analyze patterns — by decision type, service center, profession and criteria.
Overall statistics
By service centers:
- Nebraska Service Center: 87 cases (35%)
- Texas Service Center: 164 cases (65%)
Which criteria are recognized most often?
| EB-1A Criterion | Recognized | Claimed | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judgement | 138 | 222 | 62% |
| Scholarly Articles | 86 | 195 | 44% |
| Exhibitions | 26 | 59 | 44% |
| Critical Role | 54 | 223 | 24% |
| Media | 48 | 202 | 24% |
| High Salary | 25 | 162 | 15% |
| Awards | 28 | 187 | 15% |
| Membership | 23 | 191 | 12% |
| Commercial Success | 1 | 10 | 10% |
| Original Contribution | 9 | 208 | 4% |
Detailed analysis
Detailed analysis
Detailed analysis
Key takeaways from 251 cases
Judgement — the most reliable criterion
Recognized in 62% of cases. If you have served on juries, reviewed works, or evaluated grants — this is your strongest argument.
Original Contribution — the riskiest
Only 4% approvals out of 208 claims. USCIS very rarely recognizes “original contribution” — patents, implemented technologies or proven industry-wide impact are typically required.
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Texas Service Center processes almost twice as many RFE/DENY cases as Nebraska (164 vs 87).
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The average applicant files 6-8 criteria, of which 2-3 are recognized. This means the strategy of “submit many” does not work — you need to focus on strong criteria.
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Scholarly Articles and Exhibitions — two criteria with the same approval probability (44%), but Exhibitions are claimed far less often (59 vs 195). If you have exhibitions — that’s a strong asset.
Examples from the database
RFE — Software Engineer (Nebraska): Claimed 6 criteria (Association, Media, Judgement, Scholarly, Critical, Salary) — none were recognized. A typical situation: an IT specialist overestimates their achievements.
RFE — Athlete (Nebraska): Claimed 5 criteria — 2 recognized (Award, Critical). Awards and critical role in a team — what works for athletes.
DENY — Web Developer (Texas): Claimed 8 criteria — only 1 recognized (Scholarly). Attempting to compensate for weak criteria with quantity led to denial.
NOID — Art Teacher (Texas): Claimed 9 criteria — 5 recognized (Media, Judgement, Scholarly, Exhibitions, Salary). A strong case, but USCIS still issued a NOID — additional evidence was required.
Professions in the database
IT and Technology: Software Engineer, Software Developer, ML Engineer, Web Developer, Application Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect, Security Architect, Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Quality Engineer, CTO, Frontend Developer Lead, Game Developer, IT Professional, Technical Director, Telecom Engineer
Business and Finance: CEO, CFO, COO, Business Consultant, Management Consultant, Product Manager, Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Sales Director, HR Director, Business Development Director, Operations Manager, Venture Capitalist, Tax Consultant, Legal Consultant, Accountant, PR Expert, Digital Marketer
Arts and Design: Artist, Visual Artist, Graphic Designer, Product Designer, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Art Director, CGI Artist, VFX Artist, Photographer, Fashion Journalist, Light Designer
Science and Medicine: Research Scientist, Neuroscientist, Chemistry Researcher, Physiologist, Dentist, Surgeon, Medical Professor, Neuropsychologist, Senior Pharmacist, Medical Scientist
Engineering: Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Safety Engineer, Engineering Manager, Construction Manager, Sound Engineer
Sports: Athlete, Soccer Player, Race Car Driver, Sambo Athlete, Armwrestling Athlete, Swimming Coach, Figure Skating Coach, Taekwondo Coach, Powerlifting Coach, Dance Coach
Entertainment and Media: Actor, Film Producer, Filmmaker, Comedian, Music Director, Radio Host, Podcaster, Journalist, Ballroom Dancer, Chef Entrepreneur
Education: Art Teacher, Language Teacher, ESL Instructor, Education Consultant, Curriculum Specialist, Special Education Specialist
Beauty and Wellness: Makeup Artist, Hairstylist, Eyelash Artist, Medical Aesthetician, Skincare Specialist, Massage Therapist
How to use the database
Filter by decision type (RFE, DENY, NOID), service center (Nebraska, Texas), field of activity (IT, Business, Arts, Medicine, etc.) and by specific criteria that were recognized.
This data will help you:
- Understand which criteria actually work in your field
- Assess risks for each criterion before filing
- Prepare a strategy — which criteria to prioritize
- See patterns — how Nebraska vs Texas decide, which professions more often receive RFE
Data collected from real USCIS decisions for 2023-2025. 251 cases, 161 professions, 10 EB-1A criteria. The database is updated as new cases arrive.