Immigration Request for Evidence (RFE): What It Means and How to Respond

Got a letter from USCIS asking for more proof, and your heart sank a little? You are not alone. Many strong cases get an RFE, and it often means the officer just needs a clearer picture before deciding. At Wogwu Law, Attorney Wogwu assists families and workers nationwide, and our own immigration experiences keep us patient, direct, and focused on what truly advances a case.

This article walks through what an RFE means, common reasons it shows up, and practical steps to send a solid response. We also share ways to prevent future RFEs where possible. If you still have questions by the end, reach out, and we will talk it through together.

Overview of a Request for Evidence (RFE)

An RFE is a formal notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asking for more documents or facts needed to decide your application or petition. The officer pauses the case while waiting for your reply. Once USCIS receives what they asked for, they pick the case back up.

An RFE is not a denial. It is a second chance to fill gaps, fix unclear parts, and strengthen your file. You might also see RFIE, a Request for Initial Evidence, which usually means basic required items were missing near the start, like a missing fee, signature, or civil document.

Reasons for Receiving an RFE

RFEs happen across family, employment, humanitarian, and naturalization filings. The notices often point to one or more missing pieces that can be fixed with the right proof.

Insufficient Evidence of Relationship

For marriage or family filings, USCIS wants to see a real-life shared experience, not just forms. Helpful items include joint bank or credit accounts, leases or deeds, photos spread over time, children’s birth certificates, and affidavits from friends with details.

Inadequate Financial Support Documentation

Form I-864 requires proof that the sponsor meets the income rules. Strong packets usually include recent tax returns, W-2s or 1099s, several months of pay stubs, an employment letter, and bank statements. Joint sponsors must submit the same type of proof.

Missing or Invalid Documents

USCIS expects proper civil records. Long-form birth certificates, court records for divorces, and correct government IDs matter a lot. If a primary document does not exist in your country, send proof of unavailability and substitute records like school or church records, plus affidavits.

Lack of Proof of Legal Entry or Status

Adjustment cases often need proof of admission or parole. Include your I-94, entry stamp pages, visas, and any prior status documents. If your I-94 is wrong or missing, take steps to correct or replace it and show your efforts.

Missing Certified Translations

Any non-English document must come with a full English translation and a translator’s statement that the translation is complete and accurate. Bilingual documents that already contain complete English may not need extra translation, but point that out in your cover letter.

Inconsistencies or Omissions

If dates, names, or addresses do not match across forms and evidence, explain the mix-ups in a clear note. Back up your explanation with records when possible, like old leases or school transcripts, to fix timeline gaps.

Insufficient Evidence of Specialty Occupation

For H-1B and similar filings, the job’s duties must normally require a related bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed job descriptions, organizational charts, degree transcripts, evaluations, and prior work letters can help show that the position and your qualifications fit.

Responding to an RFE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Act quickly once you receive the notice. The clock starts on the issue date, and USCIS must get your package by the deadline, not just see a postmark.

USCIS usually wants one complete response. Send everything together in a single packet, with the original RFE notice on top so that the officer can review it in one pass.

Carefully Review the RFE Notice

Read the entire letter, including the section that lists what is missing. Some items were in your first packet but were not seen, so check the list against copies of what you already sent.

Deadlines usually fall in a 30 to 90-day range. Ship early and use tracking, since late responses often lead to denial.

Organize Your Response

A neat package shows respect for the officer’s time and reduces the chance of things being missed. Keep the structure simple and clear.

• Original RFE notice on top.
• Cover letter that lists every requested item with exhibit labels.
• Table of contents for larger packets, with tabs that match your exhibits.
• Supporting documents grouped by topic, with brief notes explaining what each item proves.

Close the letter with a summary that confirms you addressed every point in the RFE. Simple checklists help a lot.

Compile and Submit Evidence

Gather every requested document and focus only on what proves the point. If you resend something, label it as a duplicate of what you filed earlier and say where it appeared before.

• If a document is unavailable, include proof of that, such as a letter from a records office or a screenshot from the State Department reciprocity page for your country.
• Send secondary proof, like school records or baptismal records, plus affidavits from people with firsthand knowledge.
• For tricky issues, add a short explanation that ties the evidence to USCIS’s request in plain words.

Make legible copies. If USCIS asks for an original, follow that instruction and keep a backup copy for your own records.

Submit Before the Deadline

Mail to the address listed on the RFE. Use a trackable carrier with delivery confirmation, and keep the receipt and a full copy of your packet.

Avoiding RFEs: Proactive Measures

The best time to stop an RFE is before it starts. A complete, consistent filing lowers the chance of delays and second letters.

1. Match names, dates, and addresses across all forms and evidence, and explain any differences in a short note.
2. Use strong proof with high probative value, such as official records, multi-month statements, and third-party documents that confirm the same fact.
3. Include certified translations and clear copies that are easy to read.
4. Follow form instructions closely, including signatures, fees, and required civil records.
5. For unusual facts, add a brief explanation right at filing to avoid confusion later.

Small gaps can cause big delays. A tidy packet with a simple roadmap helps the officer see your story fast.

RFE vs. Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)

Both notices ask for more information, but they are not the same. An RFE asks for proof to finish a decision, while a NOID says USCIS plans to deny unless you fix serious problems with strong proof.

Notice Type	Purpose	When Issued	Response Time	Common Examples	If You Do Not Respond
RFIE	Obtain missing initial items	Early, near intake	Often up to 84 days	Missing fee, signature, ID page, basic civil record	Likely denial or rejection
RFE	Collect additional proof	After the review shows gaps	Often 30 to 84 days	I-864 proof, proof of entry, translations, detailed relationship proof	Denial based on record
NOID	Warn of planned denial	When USCIS sees major problems	Usually 30 days	Fraud concerns, big eligibility issues, and negative discretionary factors	Denial if no strong reply

If you get a NOID, move fast and treat it like a high-stakes deadline. Many people bring in more detailed affidavits, expert letters, and deeper records at this stage.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you feel stuck or the notice raises serious concerns, talk with an immigration attorney. A short review often spots what the officer is really asking for and how to prove it without overloading the file.

Counsel can outline a clean response plan, gather the right proof, and draft a cover letter that ties the evidence to each RFE point. That can lift your chances of approval and save weeks of back and forth.

Need Help Responding to an Immigration RFE? Contact Wogwu Law Today!

At Wogwu Law, Attorney Wogwu supports families, workers, students, and survivors as they move forward with confidence. She knows RFEs can feel stressful, yet a focused reply can turn the tide. If you want a second set of eyes or full help building your response, feel free to call 919-964-5472 or visit the website to schedule a consultation.

Your goals matter, and every document does too. Attorney Wogwu welcomes your questions and will treat your case with care and urgency. She will help you fix the gaps, strengthen the proof, and give USCIS what it needs to say yes.