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RFE objection "Support letters are weak": how it was answered

Key answer

The support letters do not explain the originality and major significance of the contribution in the profession or field. Revise the letters so the authors specifically describe the contribution, its novelty, scope of impact, and independent facts.

The objection belongs to the "Original contribution" criterion. Below is what the community did to close it: the order of steps, the documents that were attached and the wording that went into the answer.

Steps that closed it

  1. Choose recommenders who know the specific contribution, not just the applicant's reputation
  2. Ask them to describe the problem, contribution, novelty, scope of application, and independent significance
  3. Replace general praise with verifiable facts: what changed because of the work
  4. Add a comparison with standard practice in the field and explain why the contribution is not routine
  5. Include links to independent confirmation: implementations, citations, reviews, patents, standards, awards
  6. Get letters from independent experts, not only from colleagues or supervisors
  7. Align the letters with the rest of the evidence package so there are no contradictions

What was attached

  • specific results and impact metrics
  • description of a unique method, product, study, or solution
  • confirmed third-party implementations
  • citations or mentions in independent sources
  • documents on commercial, scientific, or industry impact
  • comparison before and after applying the contribution

How the answer was worded

The letter writer states what significant problem the applicant solved, what the original contribution was, how it differed from standard approaches, who independently used the result, and what measurable effect was achieved.

A pattern, not a template to copy: the wording only works with your own facts behind it.

Where to check this

Other objections on this criterion

Reference information and community experience, not legal advice. The AAO figures are lessons from appeals, not approval odds; fees and timelines change - verify on uscis.gov.