RFE Lawyers

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a formal notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that your application is missing information or that the officer needs more proof before making a decision.

An RFE is not a denial; it’s a pause in your case, giving you a chance to strengthen your petition with additional documentation.

RFEs can be triggered by many factors, from simple mistakes to complex eligibility questions. Common reasons include:

• Missing or incomplete documents (such as birth certificates, marriage records, or translations).
• Inconsistent details between your forms and supporting evidence.
• Questions about whether you meet the eligibility requirements for a specific visa or Green Card category.
• Gaps in employer or relationship documentation.
• Requests for more proof of achievements in high-skill categories like EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or O-1 visas.

In short, RFEs happen when USCIS doesn’t have enough information to approve your case.

Responding to an RFE correctly is critical. You must:

1. Read the notice carefully: highlight what USCIS is asking for and the deadline.
2. Gather evidence: provide the exact documents requested, with clear copies and certified translations where required.
3. Organize your response: include a cover letter and label exhibits so the officer can easily follow your evidence.
4. Submit before the deadline: USCIS rarely grants extensions, and late responses usually result in denial. Many applicants choose to work with an immigration law firm at this stage. An attorney can frame your evidence strategically, ensuring your response directly addresses USCIS concerns and avoids common pitfalls.

Most RFEs give 30-90 days, depending on your case type. These deadlines are strict; if you miss the date, USCIS will usually deny your case. Always check your notice carefully, and aim to submit your response well before the deadline.

Missing the RFE deadline almost always leads to denial. USCIS must adjudicate based only on the file, and without the requested evidence, your petition is unlikely to succeed. Late responses are not accepted unless the notice itself explicitly allows more time.

Whether you’ve received a Request for Evidence (RFE) for an H-1B visa, employment-based Green Card, or adjustment of status, our immigration lawyers bring strategic guidance and years of experience handling RFEs across all case types.

We know how stressful an RFE can feel, and our team is here to help you avoid mistakes and maximize your chances of success. Our RFE lawyers include:

• H-1B RFE lawyer: If you’re facing a specialty occupation RFE, we review your petition and develop a tailored response.
• EB-1A RFE lawyer: If you’ve received an EB-1A RFE, it usually means USCIS is not yet convinced that your achievements rise to the level of “extraordinary ability.” Our EB-1A RFE lawyers go beyond simply sending more documents — we reposition your evidence and strengthen your narrative.
• EB-2 NIW RFE lawyer: National Interest Waiver RFEs often involve proving your work has substantial merit; our lawyers build persuasive arguments to strengthen your case.
• EB-5 RFE: Investors searching for the best lawyer for an EB-5 RFE turn to us because we handle complex source-of-funds and investment documentation.
• Form I-485 RFE lawyer: We help you address common reasons for an adjustment of status RFE, such as missing evidence, questions about eligibility, or medical exam requirements.
• OPT RFE: An immigration lawyer experienced in OPT RFEs can help students maintain status and avoid denials.
• L-1, TN, O-1, E-2, K-1, Marriage Green Card RFEs: Each category carries unique challenges; our lawyers craft tailored responses based on the exact evidence USCIS requests.

Received an RFE? We’re here to help. Request a free consultation RFE visa lawyer consulting with colleague in office