USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE): How to Respond (2026)

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice from USCIS asking you to submit additional documents or information before they can decide your case. It arrives as Form I-797E by mail and lists exactly what USCIS needs.

Getting an RFE is stressful but common — and it is not a denial. It means USCIS reviewed your case and found gaps that need to be filled before they can approve. A strong, well-organized response can turn an RFE into an approval.

What an RFE looks like

The RFE notice includes:

• Your receipt number and case information
• The specific evidence USCIS is requesting
• The deadline for your response (typically 30–87 days from the notice date)
• Instructions for how and where to send your response

The notice is mailed to your address on file (or your attorney’s address if represented). Check the date on the notice immediately — the deadline runs from the date printed, not when you receive it.

Why USCIS issues RFEs

Common RFE reasons by category

I-485 (Adjustment of Status):

• Missing or expired medical exam (I-693)
• Missing certified English translations of foreign-language documents
• Insufficient evidence of bona fide marriage
• Missing or inadequate Affidavit of Support (I-864)
• Birth certificate issues (wrong format, missing information)
• Criminal history documentation required
• Questions about immigration status or prior violations

I-140 (Employment-Based):

• Insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability (EB-1A)
• Questions about job qualifications or credential evaluations
• Employer ability to pay the offered wage
• Specialty occupation documentation (EB-1B, EB-1C)

I-130 (Family Petition):

• Insufficient evidence of family relationship
• Marriage evidence for marriage-based cases
• Birth certificate authentication issues
• Evidence of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or LPR status

EB-2 NIW:

• Insufficient evidence of national importance
• Weak demonstration of the applicant’s proposed endeavor
• Missing evidence that waiving the job offer is in the national interest

How to respond: step by step

1. Read the RFE carefully

Read every line. The RFE tells you exactly what USCIS wants. Highlight each specific item requested. Some RFEs ask for one thing; others list multiple items. Address every single point.

2. Organize your response

Structure your response package in this order:

1. RFE response cover sheet — Place the original RFE notice (the blue or gold sheet) on top. This is critical for USCIS scanning and routing.
2. Cover letter — A brief letter listing each item requested and referencing where in your package each item can be found
3. Evidence, organized by request — Tab or separate each piece of evidence with clear labels corresponding to the RFE items
4. Form G-28 — If represented by an attorney (include if not already on file)

3. Address each item specifically

For each item the RFE requests:

• State what was requested
• Describe what you are submitting
• Explain how the evidence satisfies the request

4. Include everything in one package

Send all responsive documents in a single mailing. USCIS does not guarantee that multiple mailings will be matched to your case. Include everything you can in one response.

5. Submit before the deadline

Mail your response to the address specified on the RFE notice — this may be different from where you originally filed. Use a trackable shipping method (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, UPS) so you have proof of delivery.

Common RFE scenarios and responses

”Submit evidence of bona fide marriage”

USCIS wants proof your marriage is genuine. Submit:

• Joint bank account statements (6+ months)
• Joint lease or mortgage documents
• Joint insurance policies (health, auto, life)
• Joint utility bills
• Photographs together (various occasions, with family/friends)
• Travel records showing trips together
• Affidavits from family and friends attesting to the relationship
• Birth certificates of children (if any)
• Joint tax returns
• Correspondence addressed to both spouses at the same address

More is better. Cast a wide net across different types of evidence.

”Submit a certified translation”

USCIS requires certified English translations for all foreign-language documents. A “certified” translation must include:

• The complete translated document
• A translator’s certification statement: “I certify that I am competent to translate from [language] to English and that the above translation is complete and accurate.”
• The translator’s signature, printed name, and date

The translator does not need to be professionally certified — but they cannot be the applicant or petitioner.

”Submit evidence of employer’s ability to pay”

For employment-based cases, submit:

• Most recent year’s annual report or audited financial statements
• Federal tax returns (Form 1120 or 1120S) for the past 2–3 years
• Current bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Payroll records showing the beneficiary is already being paid the offered wage

USCIS evaluates ability to pay using: (1) net income, (2) net current assets, or (3) evidence the beneficiary is already employed at the offered wage.

”Submit a new or updated I-693”

If your medical exam expired or was not included with the I-485:

• Schedule a new exam with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
• Include the sealed I-693 envelope in your RFE response

What NOT to do

1. Do not ignore the RFE — no response = automatic denial
2. Do not submit late — USCIS does not accept late responses
3. Do not call USCIS to argue — respond in writing with evidence
4. Do not submit documents without context — include a cover letter explaining each item
5. Do not send originals unless specifically requested — send high-quality copies
6. Do not lie or fabricate evidence — document fraud is a permanent immigration bar

After submitting your response

USCIS typically takes 2–6 months to adjudicate after receiving an RFE response. Three outcomes:

You can track your case status at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using your receipt number.

RFEs in 2026: what’s changing

USCIS officers in 2026 are issuing more RFEs than in prior years, particularly for:

• Marriage-based cases: More scrutiny on bona fide marriage evidence
• I-864 financial documentation: Stricter review of income and household size calculations
• AOS eligibility questions: Officers asking applicants to justify why they chose adjustment of status over consular processing
• Social media and background: Requests for social media account information and enhanced background documentation