A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a common hurdle faced by immigrants who have an application pending with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you receive an RFE, it means that the government will not process your application until additional documentation is submitted. Typically, you’ll get an RFE because you have failed to prove that you’re eligible for the immigration benefit applied for.

RFEs are commonly issued where there is a defect in the initial submission. Sometimes a document is missing; in other cases, you may have failed to prove to USCIS that you meet the legal requirements for approval. Some RFEs are straightforward because USCIS will tell you precisely which document it wants.

Common Reasons an RFE Might Be Issued Include:

1. Missing document

2. Unpersuasive evidence

3. Inadequately addressing a legal issue

4. Insufficient Income Shown on the Affidavit of Support

5. Failure to Include Up-To-Date Taxes with the Affidavit of Support

USCIS can deny applications without first issuing a Request for Evidence. Think of the request as an opportunity to have your application reviewed in spite of any omissions or errors that were contained in the initial submission.