Receiving a Request for Evidence, also called an RFE notice, from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can cause worry, especially when you do not know what went wrong. However, an RFE isn’t an indication that USCIS will reject your application. The agency needs additional information before deciding on the status of your case. How you respond can affect what happens next.
Here are the steps you should take once you receive an RFE.
Review the notice you received
The RFE explains what information USCIS still needs to review your application. Read the entire document to understand which items you must provide and how to submit them. For example, USCIS might need proof of your family relationship, income records or other details that support your application. Check each request carefully so you do not overlook anything.
Gather the evidence requested
Collect the records that directly address USCIS’s requests. Include an explanation if you cannot obtain a specific record and ask an attorney whether you can provide other evidence instead. If you submit records in another language, have a full English translation ready, along with a certification from the translator confirming its accuracy and their ability to translate.
Submit a complete response before the deadline
Follow the submission instructions and send all requested materials together before the deadline on your notice. Under 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(8), USCIS must set a response deadline, which should not go beyond 12 weeks for an RFE.
However, your notice may give you less time, and USCIS generally will not grant extensions. Going past the deadline could lead to a denial, while sending only some evidence could cause USCIS to make a decision on your case based solely on the records already on file.
Give your response the attention it deserves
An RFE gives you a chance to address gaps in your application, but a weak or incomplete response could put your case at risk. An immigration attorney can review the notice, help you identify the right evidence and check your response before you submit it. Getting legal help can make the process less stressful and help you avoid mistakes that could affect your application.