Meet the Team: Roshn Vazhel - U.S. Immigration Attorney - RFE Director at Colombo & Hurd

CH: Thank you for being with us today, Mr. Vazhel. To begin, could you share a little about yourself?? ?

RV: I'd be happy to. I'm Roshn Vazhel and I'm the RFE Department Director here at Colombo & Hurd. I've been in the immigration field for several years and have specialized experience handling Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for several types of employment-based petitions, most importantly self-petitioned categories such as EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions. I'm originally from the East Coast, but I've settled in Chicago after attending the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana-Champaign. Immigration law has allowed me to make the positive impacts on people's lives that my previous field did not, and I am very happy that I made the switch.? ?

Can you share how you first specialized in handling Requests for Evidence (RFEs)? ?

RV: I began my career in immigration law by working on EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, EB-1B, and O-1A cases. Transitioning from a technical field, I was particularly interested in the intricate details of each case. I focused on determining the most effective strategies for clients, ensuring maximum flexibility at the time of filing and beyond, and highlighting their unique profiles to USCIS for the best chances of approval. Over time, I shifted my focus to handling Requests for Evidence (RFEs), refiled petitions, and complex cases, which involve a considerable overlap in skill sets. Currently, as the RFE Director, I thoroughly enjoy working on these challenging cases and have no regrets about the path I chose.?

How has your experience shaped your approach to addressing RFEs, particularly in complex cases??

RV: My previous experience taught me to handle large volumes of data, identify trends, work under tight deadlines, and discern what is crucial versus potentially harmful to a case. It also emphasized the importance of precise wording. Coupled with my direct work on RFEs (Requests for Evidence), this background has refined my approach. I now break down complex cases to pinpoint specific challenges, address them effectively, and understand what the officer is most concerned about in a particular RFE. Every RFE and piece of evidence has its layers; it’s essential to consider the recipient of the response, the reasons behind the RFE, and how to present strong evidence that casts the client in the best possible light. Ultimately, I’ve found that the most effective strategy is to respectfully defend the initial filing—acknowledging that USCIS may not have fully reviewed or understood the initial evidence—while providing additional evidence and information to address their requests. This approach has proven successful and remains my guiding strategy.?

When you receive an RFE, what is your first step in assessing the case and formulating a response strategy??

RV: When we receive an RFE for a case, our team conducts a thorough review of the initial filing, the supporting evidence, the RFE itself, and any relevant insights about the officer and recent trends. We then schedule meetings with clients to discuss our strategy, the documents we may need, and address any concerns or questions they have. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor a strategy that maximizes our clients' chances of success.?

How do you ensure that each RFE response is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the client??

RV: During our initial process and meeting, we not only assess the situation at the time the case was filed, but also evaluate the client’s current circumstances. This allows us to develop a final strategy tailored to the client’s specific needs and situation. Throughout the entire process, we provide close support, answering questions and preparing evidence that reflects each client’s unique profile.?

When drafting the overall RFE response, we focus on addressing the officer’s specific concerns and providing the requested evidence, always considering the client’s unique situation and the available documentation. Each RFE response is therefore highly personalized.?

Additionally, every RFE response goes through several layers of review within our firm. Multiple team members ensure that the response not only addresses the RFE thoroughly but also reflects the client’s specific needs, maximizing the strength of the response.?

What aspects of your role as RFE Director at Colombo & Hurd do you find most fulfilling??

RV: We have an incredible team in our RFE department, and it's a true pleasure to work alongside such professional, empathetic, and hardworking individuals. For me, the most rewarding part is not only guiding and leading the team in responding to USCIS challenges and ensuring the best possible service for our clients, but also witnessing how, day by day, each team member makes a meaningful impact on our clients' lives.??

Handling a Request for Evidence (RFE) can be a stressful experience for our clients, from preparing the response to awaiting the decision. However, seeing the dedication, compassion, and professionalism our team brings to these situations is what makes my role so fulfilling. It’s truly inspiring to see how much our team cares. Since we work so closely with our clients, the joy our team feels when the clients they’ve supported receive approval is truly heartwarming.?

Can you tell us about a case that stands out to you—a case where your approach made a significant impact??

RV: It's important to highlight that many employment-based visa categories are more flexible than they might seem. For example, with the EB-1A, there are 10 criteria, and if you meet at least 3, you move on to the final merit's determination. Similarly, in the EB-2 NIW, Prong 2 involves a combination of factors—it's not simply a checklist.?

One case that stood out to me was an EB-1A where I handled a Request for Evidence (RFE). The initial filing claimed 3 criteria, but the officer challenged 2 of them. When I reviewed the case, I found additional potential evidence that could apply not only to the challenged criteria but also to others. Despite having limited time, my team and I leveraged our creativity to craft a strong RFE response. We were able to claim 3 additional criteria with solid evidence, some of which applied to multiple criteria, even though it had only been used once before.?

One key point is that USCIS can be surprisingly flexible with evidence as long as it’s presented effectively. We introduced new evidence of the client’s past accomplishments, including letters from experts in his field explaining how his work was taught in universities, used by several American companies, and made significant contributions. Even though confidentiality agreements prevented us from providing certain contracts, we worked together to brainstorm other forms of evidence.?

Ultimately, this flexible approach led to the case’s quick approval. If we had only focused on responding to the officer’s challenges and hadn’t been creative with the evidence, the outcome might have been different.?

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and changes in immigration law, and how does this knowledge influence your RFE strategies??

RV: I stay informed on the latest trends and updates in immigration law through several approaches. First, I regularly review releases from organizations like AILA, USCIS, and other relevant entities, including changes to the USCIS policy manual and related documentation. Second, I closely analyze the RFEs we receive and track related cases, staying engaged with the broader immigration law community to understand what other practitioners are encountering and the types of cases involved. At our firm, we work as a team, so I frequently collaborate with my fellow attorneys to share insights and experiences.?

Additionally, I stay up to date with news in areas relevant to U.S. interests, such as science, technology, and culture. This is crucial because USCIS officers, being individuals, are exposed to the same information, which can shape their perspectives. By combining all these sources of information, we develop strategies that align with current U.S. priorities while preparing cases. We also identify emerging trends and patterns in USCIS decisions.?

?Moreover, updates to USCIS policies provide valuable insights into their evolving priorities. These updates often highlight new types of evidence or specific language that can enhance the strength of a case. Since USCIS processes are constantly changing, it’s an ongoing effort to stay ahead and adapt our strategies accordingly.?

What qualities do you believe are most important for someone in your role to possess, and how do you embody those qualities in your work??

RV: Handling RFEs effectively, especially as a director, requires a blend of essential qualities. You need to be goal-oriented, compassionate, and consistently professional. It's crucial to be accessible for questions, concerns, and to provide second opinions and reviews. Flexibility is also key, as each case is unique, and staying updated on USCIS trends month by month helps adjust strategies for the best chance of approval. Additionally, it's important to be mindful that you're working with individuals on the other end of the process.?

In my role, I embody these qualities daily. I'm always available to my team, ready to listen, and willing to think creatively to address the complex RFEs issued by USCIS. My team and I consistently meet tight deadlines, tackle challenging problems, and prepare high-quality documents for our clients. We work closely together in a tight-knit environment, always busy but always ready to support one another.?

What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of work to help you stay balanced and energized??

RV: Maintaining a balanced relationship between work and life is something I continually strive for. To achieve this balance, I engage in activities like hiking, exploring the city on long walks, and taking short weekend trips with my wife. We share a variety of hobbies, including archery, which we find both relaxing and meditative. At home, I enjoy spending time with my pet and working on personal projects, such as learning electronic soldering for the pleasure of acquiring new skills. Additionally, I find mental relaxation through reading diverse books and solving puzzles.?

Finally, What message would you like to convey to current and potential clients about Colombo & Hurd’s approach to handling RFEs and ensuring successful outcomes??

RV: Our team is dedicated to the success of our clients and puts in substantial effort to craft the most effective RFE responses. We carefully consider not only USCIS trends and the officer’s perspective but also your evidence, goals, and preferences. With years of experience in handling USCIS requests, we are well-equipped to address any RFEs that may arise. While most cases are approved without an RFE, if one is issued, we will leverage our expertise, communication skills, and flexible approach to maximize your chances of approval. Rest assured; you are in capable hands throughout every step of the green card application process with our firm.?

Mr. Vazhel, your story and insights are incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing them with us.?

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