ImmigraMateYour USCIS case companion
Create accountSign in

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

Family-Based Petition

Common RFEs for family-sponsored immigration petitions.

Bona Fide Marriage Evidence

very common87 days to respond

USCIS needs more evidence that the marriage is genuine and not entered solely for immigration benefits.

What they are asking for

  • Evidence of shared life together (finances, residence, communication)
  • Proof the marriage was entered in good faith
  • Documentation of the relationship history

What answers it

  • Joint bank account statements
  • Joint lease or mortgage documents
  • Joint utility bills (electric, gas, internet, phone)
  • Joint car insurance or registration
  • Joint health insurance coverage
  • Photos together over time (dated if possible)
  • Travel records showing trips taken together
  • Birth certificates of children born to the marriage
  • Affidavits from friends and family attesting to the relationship
  • Communication records (call logs, messages)
  • Wedding invitation and photos
  • Shared subscription or membership accounts
  • Joint tax returns filed as married

Common mistakes

  • Submitting only photos without financial or legal documents
  • Generic affidavits that could apply to any couple
  • Not explaining gaps in shared residence or finances
  • Submitting blurry or undated photos
  • Not organizing evidence in a logical manner
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Petitioner: [PETITIONER NAME]
Beneficiary: [BENEFICIARY NAME]
Form: I-130 — Bona Fide Marriage Evidence

Dear USCIS Officer,

We are responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting additional evidence of our bona fide marriage.

[PETITIONER NAME] and [BENEFICIARY NAME] were married on [DATE] in [LOCATION]. Our relationship began in [YEAR] when [BRIEF STORY].

Enclosed is evidence of our shared life together:

1. Joint financial documents (bank statements, tax returns)
2. Shared residence documentation (lease, utility bills)
3. Photographs spanning [TIME PERIOD]
4. Affidavits from [NUMBER] friends and family members
5. [Additional evidence]

Sincerely,
[Petitioner Name] and [Beneficiary Name]

Relationship Proof (Parent/Child/Sibling)

common87 days to respond

USCIS needs additional evidence of the claimed family relationship.

What they are asking for

  • Birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship
  • Marriage certificates establishing step-parent relationships
  • Adoption documents if applicable
  • DNA test results if other evidence is insufficient

What answers it

  • Birth certificates for both petitioner and beneficiary
  • Marriage certificate of the parents
  • Adoption decree (if applicable)
  • School records, religious records, or census data
  • Family photos over the years
  • Affidavits from relatives with personal knowledge
  • DNA test results from an AABB-accredited lab (if requested)

Common mistakes

  • Not providing birth certificates for both parties when establishing sibling relationships
  • Forgetting to show the connecting parent for sibling petitions
  • Not addressing name discrepancies between documents
  • Using DNA testing facilities that are not AABB-accredited
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Petitioner: [PETITIONER NAME]
Beneficiary: [BENEFICIARY NAME]
Form: I-130 — Relationship Evidence

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting evidence of the family relationship between [PETITIONER] and [BENEFICIARY].

Enclosed please find:

1. Birth certificate of [NAME] showing [PARENT NAMES]
2. [Marriage certificate / Adoption decree]
3. [Additional supporting documents]

These documents establish the claimed [RELATIONSHIP TYPE] relationship.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Financial Documents

common87 days to respond

Additional financial documentation needed for the family petition.

What they are asking for

  • Updated financial evidence showing ability to support the beneficiary
  • Tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification
  • Evidence of domicile in the United States

What answers it

  • Most recent federal tax return with all schedules
  • W-2s for the last 3 years
  • Current employment letter with salary information
  • Last 6 months of pay stubs
  • Bank statements showing savings
  • Evidence of U.S. domicile (utility bills, lease, voter registration)

Common mistakes

  • Confusing I-130 financial requirements with I-864 requirements
  • Not showing U.S. domicile when petitioning from abroad
  • Submitting incomplete tax returns
Cover letter template →
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

USCIS
[Service Center Address]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence
Receipt Number: [RECEIPT NUMBER]
Petitioner: [PETITIONER NAME]
Form: I-130 — Financial Documentation

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting additional financial documents.

Enclosed:
1. Federal tax returns for [YEARS]
2. W-2 forms for [YEARS]
3. Employment verification letter
4. Pay stubs for [MONTHS]
5. [Additional financial evidence]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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.