If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) in an immigration application from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), promptly fulfilling the request is vital. The formal notice may request additional documents, clarification about information you submitted, or further details. USCIS may issue an RFE when the initial submission lacks sufficient evidence to determine eligibility for the type of immigration benefit you requested, such as a green card, work visa, or adjustment of status.
An RFE is not a denial of your application. Rather, it is an opportunity to provide USCIS with the information it needs to make a decision. However, failing to respond within the provided time frame or submitting a response without all the requested documents could result in denial. An immigration attorney from our office could help you understand USCIS’s request and how to prepare a complete, timely response.
When USCIS reviews your immigration application and finds that additional evidence is required, it issues an RFE to give you an opportunity to address those gaps. Common reasons include missing documentation in your initial application or submitting evidence that is insufficient, unclear, inconsistent, or outdated. In some cases, the reviewing officer may also need additional details to confirm eligibility, such as proof of bona fide marriage or employment details.
Some supporting documents you can submit to establish a genuine marriage include joint financial records, affidavits from friends and family, and photographs. Other documents that may satisfy the request include birth or marriage certificates, recent medical examinations, or evidence of continued employment.
The process of responding to an RFE on your immigration application typically involves the following steps:
After you submit your response, USCIS will unpause the processing of your application once it receives and reviews your documents.
USCIS handles RFE processing nationally through service centers and field offices, and the notice will indicate where to send your response. That may be a lockbox, a service center, or a field office. Carefully follow the instructions provided, reviewing the entire notice and ensuring you understand each request, deadline, and submission instruction.
We could help you gather each item, organize the evidence, clearly label each item to show which request it addresses, and submit it within the allowable time. Contact our office for further advice or to schedule an appointment for assistance with a Request for Evidence (RFE) in an immigration application.
