What Should You Do if You Receive a Request for Evidence?

If you’ve applied or petitioned for immigration benefits from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the agency needs more information from you, you will receive a document called a Request for Evidence, commonly referred to as an RFE. What exactly is an RFE, and what should you do if you receive one?

What is a Request for Evidence?

An RFE means that during the evaluation of your application for immigration benefits an officer from USCIS found that your submission is lacking the information or clarity needed in order to determine whether or not you’re eligible for benefits. In such an instance, you will be sent an RFE.

What if You Get an RFE?

If you receive a Request for Evidence, it does not mean that your application or petition is heading for rejection. An RFE means that you’ve been given another chance to provide more documentation and evidence in order to strengthen your application for benefits.

You should read carefully through your RFE so that you’re very clear about the additional evidence and documentation that USCIS is requesting from you. Before you take action, though, it would be wise to have an immigration attorney review your RFE. A skilled attorney will help ensure that you:

• Send all of the appropriate evidence and documents requested by USCIS
• Explain why a requested record or document does not exist by providing a written statement from the government authority (in some instances) or institution that is responsible for it—

and submit a comparable document, if one is available

• Provide sufficient details in your response to clarify any parts of your submission which may have seemed unclear

When is Your Response to an RFE Due?

You may have a set date or a set number of days to reply to your RFE—USCIS will indicate it. If the agency gives you a specific number of days to respond, be aware that your timeframe should be based on the date when USCIS issued the RFE, and not the date when it arrived to you in the mail. With these factors in mind, think about mailing your submission in a way that you can track and confirm delivery. USCIS will place your application on hold until it receives your response package.

It’s important to note that if your response isn’t received by the deadline, the USCIS officer handling your application will make a decision on your case using only the documents you previously submitted. This may mean that your application will be denied.

How Can You Help Prevent an RFE?

Getting an RFE will slow down the processing of your application for immigration benefits, so it’s important for you to do everything you can to prevent one. To reduce your chances of getting an RFE you need to carefully follow requirements for initial evidence. The documents and evidence you’ll need to provide can vary based on the immigration benefit you seek. Some of the general documents and evidence you’ll need to submit can include:

• For Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjust Status
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Your birth certificate (copy)
  • Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
  • Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if necessary)

• For Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
  • A copy of Form I-94, Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record (this is for every individual who is included in your application)

• For Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • A copy of your previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • If you don’t have a prior EAD, a government-issued identity document (copy)
  • Two identical passport-style photos
  • Your passport, or a copy of Form I-94, Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record

Understanding all of the documentation and evidence requirements for your application or petition for immigration benefits can sometimes be difficult or confusing, especially if your case has special circumstances that could create questions for USCIS and require you to provide additional information for clarification. That’s why it’s important for you to get the help of an immigration attorney before you file your application. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help make sure that your application is correct, clear, and complete.