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Responding to an RFE

A Request for Evidence is not a denial. It has a hard deadline and one response — send everything asked for, in one package, before the date on the notice.

I-485I-140I-130I-129 (H-1B)N-400I-765General

General / Cross-Form RFEs

Common RFEs that apply to multiple form types.

Translation Certification

very common87 days to respond

Foreign-language documents need certified English translations.

What they are asking for

  • Certified English translations for all foreign-language documents
  • Each translation must include a certification by the translator
  • Original foreign-language document submitted alongside the translation

What answers it

  • Certified English translation of each foreign-language document
  • Translator certification statement including:
  • - Translator's name and signature
  • - Statement of competency in both languages
  • - Statement that the translation is complete and accurate
  • - Date of certification
  • Original or certified copy of the foreign-language document

Common mistakes

  • Missing translator certification statement
  • The applicant translating their own documents
  • Incomplete translations (every word must be translated)
  • Not including the original foreign-language document
  • Certification missing translator signature or date
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Certified Translations

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting certified English translations.

Enclosed are certified translations of the following documents:
1. [Document 1] — translated from [LANGUAGE]
2. [Document 2] — translated from [LANGUAGE]

Each translation includes the translator's certification attesting to their competency and the accuracy of the translation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Identity Documents

common87 days to respond

USCIS needs additional proof of your identity.

What they are asking for

  • Government-issued photo identification
  • Passport or travel document
  • Evidence establishing your identity and nationality

What answers it

  • Valid passport (biographical page)
  • National ID card
  • Driver's license or state ID
  • Birth certificate
  • Prior immigration documents (I-94, visa stamps)
  • School ID with photo
  • Affidavit of identity if no documents available

Common mistakes

  • Submitting expired identification documents without noting they are expired
  • Not including all pages of passport with stamps
  • Name discrepancies between documents not explained
  • Poor quality photocopies that are hard to read
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Identity Documents

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting identity documentation.

Enclosed:
1. Copy of my valid passport (pages [X-Y])
2. [Additional identity documents]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Photo Specifications

common87 days to respond

Photos submitted do not meet USCIS passport-style specifications.

What they are asking for

  • Two identical passport-style photos meeting all USCIS requirements
  • Photos taken within the last 30 days

What answers it

  • Two identical 2x2 inch passport-style photographs
  • White or off-white background
  • Head must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches from bottom of chin to top of head
  • Full-face front view with neutral expression
  • No glasses, head coverings (unless religious), or uniforms
  • Photo taken within the last 30 days

Common mistakes

  • Wearing glasses in the photo (not allowed since 2016)
  • Dark or colored backgrounds
  • Photos that are too old (must be within 30 days)
  • Blurry or poorly lit photos
  • Photos printed on regular paper instead of photo paper
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Photographs

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting new photographs.

Enclosed are two identical passport-style photographs taken on [DATE], meeting all USCIS specifications.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Name Discrepancy

common87 days to respond

USCIS found inconsistencies in your name across submitted documents.

What they are asking for

  • Explanation for any name differences between documents
  • Legal documentation of name changes
  • Evidence that different names refer to the same person

What answers it

  • Court order for legal name change
  • Marriage certificate (if name changed due to marriage)
  • Divorce decree (if name changed after divorce)
  • Sworn affidavit explaining the name discrepancy
  • Passport showing both old and new names
  • Documentation of cultural naming conventions (if applicable)

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring the discrepancy and hoping USCIS won't notice
  • Not providing the legal documentation for a formal name change
  • Inconsistent explanations across different documents or interviews
  • Not explaining cultural naming conventions that USCIS may not be familiar with
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Name Discrepancy

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding the name discrepancy in my documents.

The name "[NAME VARIATION 1]" and "[NAME VARIATION 2]" refer to the same person because [EXPLANATION — e.g., legal name change, marriage, cultural naming convention, transliteration difference].

Enclosed:
1. [Legal name change document / Marriage certificate]
2. [Affidavit if needed]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Address History / Residence Evidence

common87 days to respond

USCIS needs a complete address history or proof of residence for the required period.

What they are asking for

  • Complete address history for the past 5 years (or statutory period)
  • Evidence of residence at each address

What answers it

  • Lease or rental agreements for each address
  • Mortgage statements or property deeds
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) at each address
  • Bank statements showing the address
  • Insurance documents with the address
  • Official mail received at each address (government, medical)
  • Affidavit explaining any gaps in address history

Common mistakes

  • Leaving gaps in the address timeline without explanation
  • Not including temporary or short-term addresses
  • Providing addresses that conflict with information on other forms
  • Not having evidence for each listed address
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Address History

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding my address history.

My complete address history for the past 5 years:
1. [Address 1] — [Start Date] to [End Date]
2. [Address 2] — [Start Date] to [End Date]

Enclosed evidence of residence at each address.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Valid Passport / Travel Document

common87 days to respond

USCIS requires a valid, unexpired passport or an explanation for its absence.

What they are asking for

  • Copy of a valid, unexpired passport
  • If expired or unavailable, explanation and alternative identity documents

What answers it

  • Copy of valid passport (all biographical pages)
  • If expired: copy of expired passport plus renewal application receipt
  • If unavailable: letter from embassy explaining inability to issue
  • National ID card or other government-issued photo ID
  • Refugee travel document (if applicable)
  • Re-entry permit (if applicable)

Common mistakes

  • Submitting only the biographical page without visa stamps and entry/exit stamps
  • Not explaining why a passport is unavailable
  • Not providing alternative documents when the passport cannot be obtained
  • Submitting a passport that is about to expire without noting the planned renewal
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Passport / Travel Document

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding my passport.

[Enclosed is a copy of my valid passport / My passport is currently expired/unavailable because REASON.]

Enclosed:
1. [Passport copy / Alternative documents]
2. [Supporting explanation if applicable]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Prior Immigration Violations

occasional87 days to respond

USCIS requests explanation of prior immigration violations (overstay, unlawful presence, etc.).

What they are asking for

  • Full explanation of any periods of unlawful presence
  • Evidence of any waivers obtained or applicable exceptions
  • Documentation of immigration history

What answers it

  • Detailed personal statement explaining the circumstances
  • I-94 records showing dates of entry and authorized stay
  • Copies of all visas, I-20s, or other status documents
  • Approved waiver (I-601 or I-212) if applicable
  • Evidence of extraordinary circumstances (medical emergency, etc.)
  • Attorney opinion letter addressing the legal implications

Common mistakes

  • Minimizing or omitting periods of unlawful presence
  • Not consulting an attorney for this serious type of RFE
  • Providing inconsistent dates between your response and official records
  • Not addressing how the violation affects your current application
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Applicant: [YOUR NAME]
Form: [FORM TYPE] — Prior Immigration Violations

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding my prior immigration history.

[Detailed explanation of the violation, including dates and circumstances]

Enclosed:
1. Personal statement
2. I-94 records
3. [Waiver documentation if applicable]
4. [Attorney opinion letter]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A# [YOUR A-NUMBER]

Before you send it

Don't Panic

An RFE is NOT a denial. It simply means USCIS needs more information. Many approved cases received RFEs.

Respond to Every Point

Address each item in the RFE individually. Do not skip any request, even if you think it was already provided.

More Is Better

When in doubt, include more evidence rather than less. You want to remove any doubt the officer may have.

Be Organized

Use tabs, labels, and a clear table of contents. Make it easy for the officer to find what they need.

Meet the Deadline

Submit your response well before the deadline. Late responses are treated as abandonments. Aim for 1-2 weeks early.

Use Tracking

Always send via tracked mail (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, UPS). Keep proof of delivery.

Consult an Attorney

An immigration attorney can significantly improve your RFE response. Many offer affordable RFE-only services.

Keep Copies

Photocopy or scan everything before mailing. If your response is lost, you'll need to resubmit quickly.

What if…

What if I miss the RFE deadline?

If you miss the deadline, USCIS will make a decision based on the evidence already in your file. This often results in a denial. However, you can file a motion to reopen or a new application. In some cases, USCIS may exercise discretion if the response was slightly late due to circumstances beyond your control (documented with evidence).

What if I can't get all the requested evidence in time?

Submit a partial response with everything you have, plus a letter explaining what is missing and why. Request additional time if possible. Include evidence of your efforts to obtain the missing documents (e.g., letters to embassies, pending requests). A partial response is always better than no response.

What if I disagree with what USCIS is asking?

You can and should respond with legal arguments explaining why the requested evidence is not necessary or applicable. Cite relevant regulations, case law, and policy guidance. However, it is strongly recommended to also provide the evidence requested "in the alternative" while making your legal argument.

What if I withdraw my application after getting an RFE?

You can withdraw your application at any time. However, filing fees are generally non-refundable. Consider whether responding to the RFE might be worth the effort before withdrawing. You can always file a new application later, but you would need to pay the fees again.

What if my case is denied after I respond to the RFE?

You typically have options: file a Motion to Reopen (with new evidence), file a Motion to Reconsider (arguing the decision was wrong based on existing evidence), appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), or file a new application. The denial notice will specify your appeal rights and deadlines.

What if I get a second RFE?

While uncommon, USCIS can issue additional RFEs. Treat a second RFE the same as the first: respond thoroughly and on time. A second RFE may indicate that your first response was incomplete or raised new questions.

Can I submit additional evidence after responding to the RFE?

Generally, USCIS prefers all evidence in one submission. However, if you discover critical evidence after submitting your RFE response, you can send a supplemental submission referencing your receipt number. There is no guarantee USCIS will review it before making a decision.

The deadline on your notice is the one that counts — it is calculated from the date the notice was issued, not the date you received it. Missing it normally means denial on the record you already filed.