A Request for Evidence (“RFE”) is a letter that USCIS mails to an applicant or petitioner with a pending immigration matter before USCIS. Typically, a USCIS officer will issue an RFE after reviewing a file when he or she believes more information is needed to decide the application or petition. Our immigration lawyers provide guidance on responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence to ensure your application remains strong and complete.
Understanding the USCIS RFE Process
An RFE may merely contain a request for further information or clarification, or it may contain a detailed list of documents and other evidence for an applicant or petitioner to gather. Documents frequently requested by USCIS include marriage and birth certificates, affidavits from friends and family members, photographs, and bills and other financial records. The RFE will indicate whether the information or documents it seeks are required or whether some of the items listed are optional. Generally speaking, even if some of the items listed are optional, it is better to over-prepare your response to the RFE and provide as much detail and as many documents as you can to support your application or petition.
Common Documents Requested in an RFE
RFEs always have a deadline, which will be listed on the RFE letter. Often, the deadline is listed as several days rather than a specific date, so it is essential to check the date at the top of the RFE to determine the calendar day of the deadline.
If an applicant or petitioner fails to respond to an RFE before the deadline, USCIS may deny the pending application or petition. Therefore, it is always best to respond to an RFE as soon as possible, and to confirm that USCIS received the response.
Timely and Thorough RFE Responses Protect Your Immigration Case
If you or someone you know has been issued an RFE and needs guidance, call 717-731-8114 or contact us online for a consultation with one of our attorneys.