What Do I Do If I Receive a Request for Additional Evidence?

A Request for Additional Evidence or RFE is a form that the USCIS will send if it needs additional information in order to process your petition. It does not mean that there is a problem with your petition and it is generally nothing to worry about. Most often an RFE is issued because the applicant fails to include one or more of the required supporting documents.

If you receive an RFE, the first thing you should do is determine the date by which you must respond to the RFE. Usually, the USCIS requires that you respond to the RFE within about 80 days from the date of the RFE. Figure out when this is and put it on your calendar. If you do not respond to the RFE within this time frame your petition will be denied.

After you have put the response deadline on your calendar, carefully review the RFE and determine what documents the USCIS is requesting. Sometimes the RFE's are not very clear so read them carefully and provide them with the documents they request even if you believe you have already submitted them.

Send the requested documents back to the USCIS at the address listed on the RFE. Be sure to enclose a copy of the RFE with your letter to the USCIS and retain one for your records.