How to Handle a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) Without Hurting Your Case

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember one thing: an RFE is not a denial. It simply means the officer reviewing your case needs more information before making a final decision. Many applicants receive RFEs during the immigration process; it’s normal, and it’s fixable.

How you respond, and how quickly you take action, can make the difference between keeping your case moving or facing unnecessary delays.

If you’ve received an RFE, stay calm. Here’s what it means, how to respond correctly, and how to protect your immigration case.

What a USCIS RFE Means (and Why You Got One)

USCIS sends an RFE when something in your application is missing, unclear, or inconsistent. It doesn’t mean you did something wrong, it means USCIS needs clarification.

Common reasons include:

• Missing translations or signatures
• Incomplete financial documents
• Gaps or lack of evidence in marriage or family-based cases
• Outdated forms or expired supporting documents
• Conflicting information between applications you’ve filed in the past

Your RFE notice will outline:

• What evidence is missing
• The sections or categories that need clarification
• Exactly how USCIS wants you to respond
• Your submission deadline

Review USCIS’s official explanation of what an RFE means and how the review process works.

Step 1: Read the RFE Carefully (More Than Once)

Every RFE is different, and small details matter. Read the notice line by line so you understand exactly what USCIS needs.

Pay close attention to:

• The deadline (often 30–90 days)
• The list of required evidence, usually broken into clear sections
• Submission instructions, including whether to mail the response or upload it online

Avoid assumptions, as your response must match the officer’s request precisely.

Visit Brudner Law’s page on Citizenship Services for help reviewing requests and preparing responses.

Step 2: Gather and Organize Your Evidence

USCIS values clear, organized evidence over large stacks of paperwork. Make your response easy to review.

Best practices include:

• Collect clean, legible copies of official documents
• Include certified translations where required
• Label every document according to USCIS’s order (e.g., Item 3: Joint Bank Statement)
• Keep your originals as USCIS requires copies in most cases

See USCIS’s guidance on evidence, document format, and translation requirements.

Step 3: Address Every Question Directly

Immigration officers review RFE responses detail by detail. Leaving questions unanswered or responding vaguely can slow your case or lead to another RFE.

Your response should:

• Fully address each item in the notice
• Include a concise cover letter summarizing what you are submitting
• Ensure all dates, names, and prior information match your earlier filings

If something in your previous application has changed, explain it clearly.

If you’re unsure how to respond, Brudner Law’s Waivers & Appeals services can help you avoid mistakes that might cause delays or denials.

Step 4: Respond Before the Deadline

USCIS does not grant extensions on RFEs. If you miss the deadline, your case is automatically denied.

Tips to stay on track:

• Send your response well before the deadline
• Keep shipping or upload confirmations
• Use certified mail or secure courier services for mailed responses
• If responding online, download your upload confirmation for your records

After submitting your response, you can monitor progress using USCIS’s Processing Times Tool to get a sense of when updates may appear.

Step 5: Get Legal Review Before Submitting

An immigration attorney can help ensure your response is complete, consistent, and aligned with the legal requirements of your case category.

Professional review helps:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Identify weak or missing evidence
• Strengthen explanations in your cover letter
• Reduce the risk of avoidable denials or appeals

If you want your response reviewed before submission, you can schedule a consultation with Brudner Law.

FAQs About Responding to RFEs

Can I ignore a USCIS RFE if I think my case is strong?

No. Ignoring an RFE results in an automatic denial, even if USCIS already has part of the information.

Can I include additional documents not requested?

Yes, if they’re relevant. If you include extra evidence, briefly explain why in your cover letter.

How long after responding will I hear back?

Most cases receive updates within 60–90 days, but timing depends on the type of case and USCIS workload.

Clarity, Timing, and Professional Help Matter

RFEs can feel intimidating, but they’re simply part of the immigration process. A clear, complete, and timely response keeps your case moving forward and shows USCIS you’re committed to providing everything needed for review.

If you’ve received a Request for Evidence and need help responding, contact Brudner Law in Orange County. Our immigration attorneys help clients strengthen their responses and keep their cases moving toward approval.

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