Understanding the RFE Process: A Guide for Immigration Applicants

Have you recently applied for immigration benefits with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and received a notice titled “Request for Evidence”? You may be wondering what to do when you receive this document. Don’t worry; this article will help you understand what a request for evidence is and how to respond to it!

What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a formal letter sent by USCIS asking for additional evidence in support of an applicant’s case. If you received one of these, there is no reason to worry. Your application is still active and not denied. USCIS simply needs additional documents to finish reviewing your application.

The first step you need to take is to carefully read the notice to identify:

1. The deadline given for you to submit a response, which is usually 87 calendar days after the issuance date of the RFE. If the evidence is not submitted within this timeframe, your application may be denied.
2. The documents that are being requested.
3. The address to which you have to send the response.

Next, once you have gathered all the required documents, organize the packet as follows:

1. Place the RFE notice on top.
2. Under the RFE, put the cover letter listing all the information you are including in the packet in the same order as listed in the RFE.
3. Last, attach the relevant evidence in the corresponding RFE response.

Common RFEs Issued in Marriage-Based Green Card Applications

Some of the most issued RFEs in marriage Green Card applications are:

1. Proof of Lawful Entry and Status (Complete I-94 Arrival/Departure Record)
2. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 and supporting documentation of the sponsor’s income)
3. Copies of essential documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, criminal records, etc.)

How to Find Your USCIS Online Account Number

You can find your Alien Registration Number in a few places, including on your Employment Authorization Document (if you already have one), where it will appear as your “USCIS #.” It is a unique 9-digit number that will also be present on any other notices you have received from USCIS.