Got a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS? What it means and how to respond
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a letter from USCIS saying it needs more information or documents before it can decide your case. It is common and it is not a denial, but the deadline is strict.
General information only, not legal advice. An RFE is about your specific case. Have a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative look at it, especially if you do not understand what is being asked.
The deadline
- The RFE states the deadline. For most forms the maximum is 84 days (12 weeks); for some forms, such as Form I-539, it is shorter.
- When the RFE comes by mail, 3 extra days are added for mailing.
- USCIS officers cannot extend an RFE deadline. Plan to send your response well before it.
How to respond
- Read the whole RFE. List every item it asks for.
- Gather everything, with certified English translations for any foreign-language documents.
- Put the original RFE notice on top of your response.
- Send everything at once, to the address on the RFE, with tracking. If your case is in your online account, you may be able to upload the response there.
- Keep a full copy of what you sent.
One response only
USCIS treats a partial response as a request to decide your case on what it already has. So do not send part now and part later: send one complete response.
If you miss the deadline
USCIS can deny the case as abandoned, or decide it based only on what is in the file. Both usually mean a denial.
RFE or NOID?
A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is more serious: USCIS is telling you it plans to deny unless your response changes its mind. Get legal help right away.
Need help organizing your documents?
One Path Finder can help you gather and organize documents where permitted by law. We are not a law firm and can’t tell you what applies to your case. Contact us to start a conversation. For legal advice, ask us for a referral to our partner law firm.