Overview

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) can feel intimidating, but it’s also a normal part of the immigration process.

An RFE means the officer reviewing your case needs more information to approve it. It does not necessarily mean there’s a problem—it often means something was missing, unclear, or needs stronger proof.

So, if you receive an RFE, you should take it seriously, but you shouldn’t panic. With the right response strategy, many RFEs can be resolved successfully.

Visa specific RFE rates

USCIS issues RFEs at different rates depending on the visa type. Based on FY2024 data referenced in the article, here are examples of RFE rates by category:

• H-1B visas: 8.2%
• O-1 visas: 19%
• EB-1A Green Cards: 48%
• EB-2 NIW Green Cards: 73%

The key point: some categories are scrutinized more heavily than others, so it’s especially important to respond with a complete, well-organized packet.

Reasons for receiving a request for evidence

USCIS issues an RFE when the evidence provided is insufficient to approve a petition, but the officer believes the case may be approvable if you submit additional documentation.

Common reasons include missing documents, weak proof, inconsistencies, or unclear eligibility.

1. You didn’t submit a required document
2. USCIS believes you submitted the wrong document
3. USCIS wants more documentation or stronger proof
4. USCIS thinks there is conflicting information in your case
5. USCIS questions whether you qualify for the benefit requested

In many cases, the issue is fixable. The goal is to answer exactly what USCIS is asking for—no more, no less—while making the response easy for the officer to review.

How to respond to an RFE

Your RFE response should be structured, complete, and delivered by the stated deadline. This is not the moment for a “quick upload” approach—treat it like a formal legal filing.

You should include a cover letter, tabbed exhibits (or a clear index), and evidence that directly addresses each RFE point.

RFE response deadline

RFEs include a strict response deadline. If you miss the deadline, USCIS can deny the petition without further notice.

Plan backward from the due date. Give yourself time to gather evidence, draft a clear cover letter, and assemble a clean, professional packet.

How to write an effective RFE cover letter

Your cover letter should function as a roadmap for the officer. It should identify the case, summarize what you’re submitting, and map each RFE request to the evidence you provide.

An effective cover letter is organized, direct, and easy to scan. Use headings that match the RFE language and label your exhibits clearly.

How to read an RFE

RFEs can be long and technical, but the structure is usually consistent: USCIS will cite the legal standard, identify deficiencies, and specify what evidence is needed.

Your job is to isolate each request and treat it like a checklist item. Then you respond with evidence that matches the request.

How to read an RFE: Requested documents

USCIS often lists specific documents they want. Provide exactly what’s requested when possible, and if a requested document doesn’t exist, explain why and offer strong alternative evidence.

How to read an RFE: Eligibility issues

Sometimes RFEs raise eligibility concerns (for example, whether your job qualifies as a specialty occupation, or whether you meet an evidentiary standard).

In these cases, your response should combine documentary evidence with a clear explanation—often including expert letters, legal arguments, or structured comparisons to regulatory criteria.

What happens after you respond to an RFE?

After USCIS receives your RFE response, the officer will continue reviewing the petition. The outcome could be an approval, denial, or (in some cases) another request if issues remain.

Well-organized responses reduce the risk of delays and improve clarity for the adjudicator.

What if USCIS denies my case after an RFE?

A denial after an RFE typically means USCIS did not find the response sufficient to meet the eligibility standard.

Next steps may include refiling, filing a motion or appeal (if available), or pursuing an alternative strategy depending on your immigration category and timing.

Request free consultation with Manifest Law today

If you’ve received an RFE, we can help you plan a clean, persuasive response.

Take the First Step:

If you want professional help preparing an RFE response, start with a strategy call so you can understand your options and reduce the risk of denial.