I just got my NIW approved after RFE, and would be glad to share my experiences. Hope it would be helpful.
Due to the Oct 1 deadline, many our dudes prepared petition in very hurry. As a result, it would be smart to prepare RFE early, just in case.
I believe I got RFE because the recommendation letters were not so strong. I was so shy to ask “big shots” and independent referees. I used too many referees bearing Chinese name (5 of 7 letters). That made the recommendation less credibility. Only one of them can be treated as “independent”. Contributions in letters were not well organized and impacts were not strongly emphasized. It was not surprised I got RFE.
After receiving RFE, I hunted for “big shots” referees for better recommendatin letters. One friend in this forum suggested just use simple language to ask. I believe if you simply ask, you may be simply rejected. I asked a senior American wrote an e-mail for me, pretty polite and professional. I searched e-mail addresses from organization conferences, people who cited my papers, friends or co-authors of my professors….and got several positive responses. I felt so blessed.
I used only four letters (none from Chinese), they are professors, university VP, committee chairs… all shinny titles. Since they have wrote tones of such letters. It was not that hard to ask one more.
I attached the sample of the e-mail for our Chinese fellas, if you are not so confident about your English like me.
I hired a lawyer to prepare my petition. I think it is worthy because these guys know a lot of tricks.
(attached e-mail)
Dear Prof. xxx
I am writing to you for any possible assistance you may be able to offer to alleviate an immediate problem.
Let me briefly introduce myself. … I have been educated in the field of …. through the Doctorate level. Professor … was my advisor….. I am employed by …
I have submitted my application for Permanent US Residency, which is now in the process of review. To support my application, I have submitted letters of recommendation from several researchers who are able to judge my expertise and offer their supporting letters.
However, the Immigration Officer reviewing my case has asked for additional letters of recommendation, especially from leading researchers. This has prompted me to request your support of my US Residency requirements.
I have included my resume, which includes a listing of my published papers. Any assistance you may be able to offer in the form of a letter attesting to the level of expertise that I claim, would be well appreciated by myself and my family.
Very truly yours,
God bless everyone!