The Final Review: A Checklist to Avoid Common EB-1A Pitfalls

You are at the final mile. Before you submit the petition that represents months of hard work, it's time to perform one last critical task: a strategic case review. This isn't just about checking for typos; it's about putting on an adjudicator's hat and critically evaluating your own case to catch weaknesses before they do.

Phase 1: The Objective "Red Flag" Check

These are the simple, unforced errors that can cause an immediate Rejection or Request for Evidence (RFE). Get them out of the way first.

• Forms: Is my I-140 the absolute latest version from the USCIS website? Have I signed it by hand with ink?
• Fees: Have I double-checked the current filing fee on the USCIS site and prepared the correct payment?
• Exhibits: Does every single exhibit number in my petition letter match the label on the corresponding evidence? Is every page legible?

Phase 2: The Strategic "Adjudicator's Hat" Review

Now, read your petition as if you were a skeptical but fair USCIS officer seeing it for the first time. Ask yourself these tough questions:

✓ Have I Told a Clear Story?

Does my petition letter present a clear, logical narrative of my career, or is it just a list of accomplishments? Can the officer easily understand what I do and why it is significant?

✓ Is My "Field of Endeavor" Clearly Defined?

Have I defined my field narrowly enough to make a credible claim to be at the top? "Software Engineering" is too broad. "Specialist in Scalable Machine Learning Systems for Financial Fraud Detection" is specific and defensible.

✓ Does My Evidence Show Impact?

Am I relying too heavily on internal company awards or evidence that only shows I am a good employee? The best evidence demonstrates your influence and recognition *outside* of your own organization.

✓ Are My Recommendation Letters Truly Powerful?

Do my letters come from a diverse mix of experts, including independent ones? Do they use strong, unambiguous language and explain my work in clear, simple terms? Or are they filled with generic praise?

Phase 3: The "Weak Evidence" Purge

This is the final, difficult step. Be honest with yourself and remove evidence that might hurt your case more than it helps. As your research shows, weak evidence is a red flag.

If you are tempted to include a student award, a membership in an association that anyone can join by paying a fee, or an article from a known "predatory journal," resist. These items signal to an experienced adjudicator that you may be padding your case. It is far better to submit a lean case with undeniably strong evidence than a bloated one with questionable materials.

By completing this three-phase review, you can submit your petition not with hope, but with confidence, knowing you have presented the strongest, clearest, and most professional case possible.