To respond to a USCIS RFE (Request for Evidence), you must carefully review the notice, collect the exact documents USCIS requested, organize them into a clear response packet, and submit everything before the deadline using the correct mailing method. A well-structured, evidence-based response can help USCIS continue processing your case without unnecessary delays.
What Is a USCIS RFE?
A USCIS RFE (Request for Evidence) is an official letter issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the officer reviewing an immigration petition determines that the case lacks enough documentation to approve it.
An RFE does not automatically mean your case will be denied. Instead, it means USCIS needs additional proof, clarification, or supporting records before making a final decision.
RFEs are common in many immigration filings, including employment-based petitions, family petitions, adjustment of status cases, and other benefit requests.
Why Responding to a USCIS RFE Correctly Matters
Responding to an RFE is not simply about sending extra paperwork. It is about providing the right evidence, in the right format, within the deadline, and in a way that makes it easy for USCIS to review.
A strong RFE response can:
- Prevent delays in your immigration case
- Reduce the chance of denial due to missing proof
- Clarify eligibility issues USCIS identified
- Improve the overall strength and consistency of the petition
A weak response, late response, or incomplete response can result in:
- Petition denial
- Rejection of evidence
- Longer processing timelines
- Loss of eligibility in some cases
Because RFEs can affect work authorization, immigration status, and petition outcomes, the response should be treated as a formal legal submission, even if you are not working with an attorney.
How to Respond to USCIS RFE
Step 1: Read the RFE Notice Carefully (More Than Once)
The first and most important step is to carefully review the RFE letter from USCIS. Many applicants rush and misunderstand what USCIS is actually requesting.
Focus on:
- The specific evidence USCIS is requesting
- The legal or eligibility issue being questioned
- The response deadline
- The correct mailing address
- Any special formatting or document requirements
Important: USCIS RFEs are usually very specific. If USCIS requests one item, sending unrelated evidence will not help.
Step 2: Identify the Exact Problem USCIS Is Raising
USCIS RFEs generally fall into one of these categories:
- Missing documentation
- Unclear eligibility evidence
- Inconsistent information
- Weak proof of qualifications
- Questions about education equivalency
- Employer-employee relationship concerns
- Specialty occupation concerns
- Work experience verification issues
Understanding the category of the RFE helps you respond logically.
For example:
- If USCIS questions education, the response must focus on academic records and equivalency proof.
- If USCIS questions job duties, the response must focus on employer letters, organizational structure, and job documentation.
Step 3: Create a Response Strategy (Do Not Guess)
Once you understand what USCIS is asking for, you should create a checklist of requested evidence.
A good strategy includes:
- Listing every item USCIS requested
- Matching each request with supporting documents
- Providing clear explanations when needed
- Ensuring all evidence is consistent with your original petition
This step matters because USCIS officers typically review responses quickly. If your response is not organized, important evidence may be missed.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents (Only Relevant Evidence)
USCIS wants documentation that is:
- Verifiable
- Clearly readable
- Relevant to the RFE question
- Consistent with previous filings
Common documents used in RFE responses include:
- Academic degrees and transcripts
- Credential evaluation reports
- Employer verification letters
- Job duty descriptions
- Pay stubs and tax records
- Contracts, invoices, or project documentation
- Organizational charts
- Professional licenses or certifications
- Passport, ID, and civil documents
- Certified translations (if needed)
Tip: Avoid sending unnecessary personal documents unless USCIS specifically asks.
Step 5: Address Education-Based RFEs With Credential Evaluation (If Relevant)
Many USCIS RFEs involve questions such as:
- Is the foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree?
- Does the degree match the specialty occupation requirement?
- Is the academic program recognized and credible?
In such cases, a foreign credential evaluation may help clarify how international education compares to U.S. academic standards.
A proper credential evaluation report may include:
- Degree equivalency level (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- Program length analysis
- Academic institution review
- Course specialization alignment
If your RFE involves education equivalency, you may want to review professional credential evaluation guidance here:
https://www.thedegreepeople.com/foreign-credential-evaluation-usa/
(Always ensure the evaluation is accurate, evidence-based, and consistent with USCIS expectations.)
Step 6: Prepare a Clear Cover Letter (Highly Recommended)
A professional cover letter is not mandatory, but it is one of the most effective ways to improve clarity.
Your cover letter should include:
- Applicant name and case receipt number
- Petition type
- RFE notice date
- A clear statement that the package is an RFE response
- A list of all evidence included
- A short explanation for each item requested
Best practice: Use a numbered format so the officer can easily match your response to each RFE question.
Example structure:
- RFE Item #1: Evidence of degree equivalency
- Attached: transcripts, diploma, credential evaluation report
- RFE Item #2: Evidence of job duties
- Attached: employer letter, job description, organizational chart
This approach reduces confusion and increases credibility.
Step 7: Organize the Response Packet Professionally
USCIS officers review many cases daily. Your response should be easy to navigate.
A strong RFE response packet usually includes:
- Copy of the RFE notice (placed on top)
- Cover letter
- Table of contents
- Evidence sections separated by labels
- Supporting documentation in order
- Translations and certifications (if applicable)
Use dividers or page labels such as:
- Exhibit A: Diploma and transcript
- Exhibit B: Credential evaluation report
- Exhibit C: Employer letter and job duties
- Exhibit D: Supporting payroll evidence
This is a practical compliance step that improves readability.
Step 8: Check Consistency Before Submitting
Before mailing your response, verify that all evidence is consistent.
Double-check:
- Names and spellings
- Dates of employment
- Degree titles and years
- Job titles and duties
- Employer addresses and business details
Even small inconsistencies can trigger additional review, delays, or denial.
Step 9: Submit the RFE Response Before the Deadline
USCIS RFEs include a strict deadline. Late submissions are often not accepted.
Important submission rules:
- Send to the exact address on the RFE notice
- Follow the delivery method recommended by USCIS
- Use trackable mailing
- Keep a complete copy of your response package
- Keep proof of delivery
USCIS typically does not allow email submissions unless the notice explicitly permits it.
Common Mistakes People Make When Responding to USCIS RFE
Many RFEs lead to denial not because the case is weak, but because the response was poorly prepared.
Common mistakes include:
- Missing the deadline
- Sending incomplete evidence
- Ignoring one part of the RFE
- Sending too many irrelevant documents
- Submitting unclear scans or unofficial translations
- Responding emotionally rather than factually
- Not explaining how the evidence meets USCIS requirements
- Providing inconsistent job duties or education history
The best RFE responses are focused, structured, and evidence-driven.
How USCIS Evaluates Your RFE Response
USCIS officers typically evaluate RFE responses based on:
- Whether each request was answered directly
- Whether the evidence is credible and verifiable
- Whether the explanation is logical and consistent
- Whether the documentation matches U.S. standards
- Whether eligibility is clearly proven
USCIS is not looking for excessive paperwork. USCIS is looking for clear proof.
A response that is organized and professionally presented often improves review efficiency.
When Professional Guidance May Be Appropriate (Neutral)
Not every RFE requires professional support. However, professional guidance may be appropriate when:
- The RFE involves foreign education equivalency
- The petition includes non-standard degrees (such as three-year programs)
- USCIS requests proof of specialty occupation qualification
- The RFE contains multiple complex issues
- The case has a prior denial or repeated RFE history
- Work experience must be documented professionally
- Deadlines are short and the risk of error is high
In such cases, credential evaluation professionals or immigration documentation specialists may help clarify evidence requirements and strengthen presentation.
How This Connects to Expert Opinion Letters and RFE Support
Some RFEs require evidence that goes beyond standard documents.
For example, USCIS may require:
- Explanation of foreign academic equivalency
- Analysis of course specialization relevance
- Support for work experience equivalency
- Professional interpretation of academic standards
In these situations, a credential evaluation report or expert opinion letter may provide structured evidence that aligns with USCIS review expectations.
For education-based cases, the following service page is relevant:
https://www.thedegreepeople.com/foreign-credential-evaluation-usa/
Practical Tips to Prevent Future RFEs (Preventive Guidance)
While not all RFEs can be avoided, many are preventable.
Practical prevention steps include:
- Submit complete documentation at the first filing
- Ensure translations are certified where required
- Keep job duties detailed and realistic
- Avoid vague experience letters
- Provide education equivalency proof early when needed
- Keep all forms consistent with supporting evidence
- Use structured evidence labeling in initial submissions
Strong initial filing quality is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of an RFE.
Final Thoughts
Receiving an RFE from USCIS can be stressful, but it is often a routine part of immigration review. The best approach is to respond calmly, follow USCIS instructions exactly, and submit clear, well-organized evidence that directly answers the request. If you’re unsure how the RFE relates to your education or documentation, a confidential review can help clarify your options before taking next steps.
About Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the executive director of TheDegreePeople.com and a leading expert in foreign degree evaluations. She is widely recognized for her innovative approach to difficult cases, helping thousands of clients successfully obtain visa approvals even when facing RFEs or denials. Her expertise in USCIS requirements and commitment to providing personalized, effective solutions make her a trusted resource for professionals navigating the immigration process.
Get a Free Review of Your Case
If you’ve received an RFE, don’t wait. Sheila Danzig and TheDegreePeople.com offer a free review of your case to determine the best course of action. Our expertise has helped thousands of professionals, including H-1B applicants, secure approvals even in challenging cases.
To get your free case review, visit www.ccifree.com today.