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Explore visasEB-2 NIWCommon RFE topics

Specific evidence

Defining the proposed endeavor

Whether the petition clearly describes a specific endeavor, not just an occupation.

What USCIS is questioning

  • Whether the petition clearly defines the specific endeavor, distinct from the general occupation, and explains how and where you will carry it out.[1,2]

The legal standard

  • The Policy Manual says the endeavor is more specific than the general occupation: the petition should describe the specific projects, goals, and area of work, its potential direct impacts, and whether it will be carried out through a particular employer or in another way.[1,2]
  • In Matter of Dhanasar, the first prong focuses on the specific endeavor the person proposes to undertake. The Policy Manual encourages describing technical endeavors so that an average person can understand them.[1,3]

How the request usually reads

  • Interpretation An RFE on this issue typically says the endeavor is described only as an occupation or a list of duties, and asks for the specific projects, goals, and way you will pursue them.[1,4]

Evidence petitioners often provide

  • Interpretation A plain-language statement of the endeavor (projects, goals, field, where and how you will work, expected impacts), supported by documents such as research plans, offer letters or communications with prospective employers, or a business plan.[1]

Where responses go wrong

  • Listing an occupation's duties instead of describing the endeavor.[1,2]
  • Interpretation Evidence submitted in response to an RFE must show eligibility as of the filing date, so the response should support the endeavor described when you filed.[4,5]

AAO decisions on this issue

This information is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not predict the outcome of any individual case.

Sources

  1. 1.USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 5 — Advanced Degree or Exceptional AbilityUSCIS · USCIS Policy Manual · Checked Sep 27, 2026
  2. 2.Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 (includes National Interest Waiver filing tips)USCIS · Agency page · Checked Sep 27, 2026
  3. 3.Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016)USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (published in DOJ EOIR Virtual Law Library) · AAO decision · Published Dec 27, 2016 · Checked Sep 27, 2026
  4. 4.USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 - EvidenceUSCIS · USCIS Policy Manual · Checked Sep 27, 2026
  5. 5.8 CFR 103.2 - Submission and adjudication of benefit requestseCFR (Office of the Federal Register) · Regulation · Checked Sep 27, 2026