Employment-based immigrationRFE from USCIS: how to read and understand the request, structure your response, 60–90 day deadlines, and typical attachments

• What is an RFE and why USCIS issues it
• Main reasons for receiving an RFE
• How to properly read a USCIS letter
• Deadlines: 60–90 days and their specifics
• How to structure a response to USCIS
• Typical exhibits: what practice shows
• Table: Examples of USCIS requests and correct responses
• Diagram: Step-by-step RFE response process
• Cover Letter: English sample
• Typical mistakes when preparing a response
• Expert tips for 2025
• Official sources and useful materials

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is an official document issued by USCIS when the submitted petition or application lacks sufficient evidence to make a final decision. In most cases, the RFE specifies which documents, clarifications, or additional materials are required for the adjudicating officer to continue processing the case.

It is important to distinguish an RFE from a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). While a NOID signals that USCIS is inclined to deny unless strong rebuttal is presented, an RFE is more of a “questionnaire” — the officer is missing evidence and provides the applicant with a chance to fill those gaps. In practice, a well-prepared RFE response often becomes the turning point leading to approval.

Based on attorney practice and statistics from 2023–2025, RFEs were issued in:

• over 35% of H-1B petitions (job duties and degree qualifications questioned);
• about 28% of EB-1A cases (evidence of “extraordinary ability” not sufficient);
• up to 40% of EB-2 NIW petitions (national importance of the proposed endeavor);
• around 20% of family-based I-130 cases (proof of marriage or qualifying relationship).

“An RFE is a window of opportunity. A comprehensive and well-structured response significantly increases the chances of success, even when the original petition had weaknesses.”
— American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

USCIS does not issue an RFE “just in case.” A request is always based on specific gaps in documentation or inconsistencies between the submitted materials and the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Analysis of 2022–2025 case practice highlights the most common reasons.

• Insufficient evidence of qualifications.
  For example, in EB-1A petitions publications may be listed, but no proof of citations or expert reference letters are attached. In H-1B cases, a degree is provided but no transcripts to show coursework relevant to the specialty occupation.
• Lack of English translations.
  USCIS requires a full certified translation of all non-English documents. Even if the meaning is obvious, without a translation the officer cannot legally consider the document.
• Unclear job description or duties (H-1B, L-1).
  Officers often question whether the position truly qualifies as a “specialty occupation.” They then request detailed job duties, organizational charts, and project descriptions.
• Insufficient financial documentation.
  In L-1, E-2, or EB-5 cases, USCIS may request additional tax returns, audited financials, payroll records, or evidence of capital investment.
• Missing evidence of national or substantial importance.
  In EB-2 NIW petitions, officers frequently ask for expert letters, business plans, implementation strategies, and supporting data.
• Questions about bona fides of marriage or family relationship (I-130, K-1).
  If photos, joint accounts, or cohabitation evidence are not included, USCIS may request additional joint documents, tax returns, or children’s birth certificates.

It is critical to remember: an RFE is not a denial. It is a signal that the officer lacks sufficient grounds for approval. The more detailed and organized the response, the higher the likelihood of success.

Many applicants feel overwhelmed when they receive an envelope labeled Request for Evidence. The first step, however, is to calmly review the structure of the document and highlight the key elements. Every RFE follows a standard USCIS template.

1. Case Identification.
   At the top, the letter will list the receipt number, petition type, filing date, petitioner’s and beneficiary’s names. This ensures the RFE is connected to your case.
2. Legal Citations.
   USCIS cites provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These show the exact legal criteria that must be met.
3. Specific Requests.
   The body of the letter outlines the issues or missing evidence. Each point must be directly addressed in your response, ideally by quoting the RFE and then responding below it.
4. Deadline.
   A separate section specifies the exact due date by which USCIS must receive your response. This date is critical and is based on the issue date of the letter, not the delivery date.
5. Submission Instructions.
   At the end, USCIS provides the mailing address (Service Center or Lockbox) or instructions for uploading through an online account, if applicable.

Immigration attorneys recommend making a copy of the RFE, highlighting each request, and creating a checklist to ensure that no point is missed. This step-by-step approach reduces the chance of oversight and helps structure your response package effectively.

Every RFE letter specifies a firm deadline with language such as: “USCIS must receive your response by [date].” This date controls the response window; there are no “automatic extensions” anymore. As of 2025, the following rules apply:

• Most commonly — 60 calendar days. In some categories USCIS may grant up to 90 days, but always rely on the date stated in the letter.
• No extensions are granted. If you cannot gather everything, submit what you have by the deadline with an explanation. Missing even one day usually results in denial or “abandonment.”
• The countdown starts from the issue date of the RFE, not the delivery date. Always check the “Issue Date” and calculate accordingly.
• COVID-19 flexibilities have ended. Additional grace days introduced during the pandemic no longer apply.

1. Break tasks into tracks: translations, expert letters, financial records, and drafting the cover letter/index should run in parallel.
2. Request documents simultaneously. Do not wait for one letter before starting translations or financial prep.
3. If some evidence is delayed, include proof of request (emails, receipts) and an explanation, but still send the main package on time.

• Use the exact address on the RFE. Different Service Centers (Texas, Nebraska, etc.) may have separate addresses for USPS vs. couriers.
• Choose courier service wisely: if close to the deadline, use FedEx/UPS with “next-day by 10:30am” and request signature confirmation.
• Place a copy of the RFE notice on top of the package — the barcode helps USCIS route it correctly.

USCIS usually denies or closes the case as “abandoned.” Sometimes re-filing or a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider (Form I-290B) is possible, but this is the exception. Plan so you never have to rely on post-deadline remedies.

A successful RFE response is not just a collection of documents. USCIS officers need to see clarity, order, and logic. A well-structured package makes review easier and creates a professional impression. Immigration attorneys typically recommend the following format:

1. Cover Letter.
   The first page should include the receipt number, form type, petitioner and beneficiary names, and RFE date. Briefly restate what USCIS requested and confirm that the response includes all evidence.
2. Index of Exhibits.
   A numbered list of attachments. Each document should be labeled as “Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2” etc. Consistency between the index and the physical/PDF package is essential.
3. Point-by-point responses.
   Quote each RFE request, provide your explanation, and reference the exhibit. For example: “USCIS requested evidence of national importance. Response: Please see Exhibit 3 — Expert letter from Dr. Smith confirming…”
4. Supporting Exhibits.
   Each exhibit should be tabbed or bookmarked separately. Original documents and translations should be grouped together. Label clearly to save the officer’s time.
5. Conclusion.
   A short summary stating that all issues raised have been addressed and requesting continued adjudication of the petition.

The content of exhibits depends on the visa category and the specific wording of the RFE. Below is a practical list of supporting evidence commonly used, with notes on formatting, labeling, and USCIS expectations. Always use a clear Index of Exhibits and label attachments consistently: Exhibit A-1, A-2…; Exhibit B-1…

• Diplomas, transcripts, course lists, and degree evaluations (for H-1B and others).
• Professional licenses and certifications with proof of current validity.
• Certificates of continuing education or training relevant to the occupation.

• Employer letter with job title, duties (detailed, technical), salary, worksite, reporting structure.
• Organizational charts with petitioner/beneficiary’s role highlighted.
• Project documentation or Statements of Work showing need for the role.
• Payroll/W-2 records if already employed in the U.S.

• Tax returns, profit & loss statements, balance sheets.
• Bank statements and investment confirmations.
• Contracts, invoices, or other evidence of business activity.

• Publications with citation reports (Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science).
• Awards and honors with descriptions of selection criteria.
• Evidence of judging or peer review (editor invitations, reviewer records).
• Memberships requiring outstanding achievements.
• Media coverage with translations where applicable.
• Patents and intellectual property filings with evidence of use or citations.

• Expert letters from leaders confirming national importance and impact.
• Business or implementation plans showing scalability and feasibility.
• Evidence of pilot projects, MOUs, or partnerships in the U.S.
• Labor market or public interest data demonstrating necessity in the U.S.

• Joint leases, mortgages, utility bills, and insurance policies.
• Birth, marriage, or divorce certificates with certified translations.
• Affidavits of Support (Form I-864) with financial proof if requested.
• Photos with captions, communication records, travel itineraries together.

• I-94 records, visa stamps, travel history.
• Prior approval notices (I-797) and receipts.
• Evidence of compliance with status (extensions, transfers, maintenance of employment).

Exhibit D-2 — Expert Letter from Prof. Jane Smith, PhD
Summary: Confirms national importance of the project; details market need, applicant’s unique qualifications, 
and expected measurable outcomes (jobs, publications, partnerships).
    

I, [Full Name], certify that I am fluent in English and [Language], and that the attached document is a complete 
and accurate translation of the original [document name] from [Language] into English.
Signature: __________   Date: __________   Contact: __________
    

USCIS phrases RFE questions as precisely as possible. The best response is not a vague “we are attaching documents,” but a direct connection: quote from RFE → explanation → Exhibit reference. The table below shows common examples.

The table demonstrates that a strong RFE response must be specific, documented, and structured. USCIS values a clear chain of logic: “Request → Response → Exhibit,” which reflects professionalism and simplifies adjudication.

This diagram visualizes the sequence — from receiving the RFE to confirmed delivery of the response package to USCIS.

Below is a template of a cover letter commonly used by immigration attorneys when submitting an RFE response. It sets the structure of the package and guides the USCIS officer through the materials.

USCIS
[Address exactly as indicated in the RFE]

RE: Response to Request for Evidence (RFE)
Petitioner: [Full Name / Company Name]
Beneficiary: [Full Name]
Receipt Number: [XXXXXXXXXX]
Form: [I-140 / I-129 / I-130, etc.]

Dear Immigration Officer,

In response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date], we hereby submit the following
supplemental evidence in support of the above-referenced petition:

Exhibit A – Certified copies of academic degrees and official translations  
Exhibit B – Expert opinion letter from Professor [Name], confirming national importance  
Exhibit C – Employer verification letter with detailed job duties and salary breakdown  
Exhibit D – Financial statements of the petitioner for fiscal years 2023–2024  
Exhibit E – Published articles, media coverage, and citations evidencing recognition  
Exhibit F – Copy of the RFE notice for reference  

Each document is clearly labeled and organized according to the order of requests made 
by USCIS. We respectfully submit that this evidence fully addresses all issues raised in 
the RFE and establishes the eligibility of the petitioner and beneficiary under the 
applicable immigration category.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We respectfully request favorable 
adjudication of this petition based on the enclosed evidence.

Sincerely,

[Attorney or Petitioner’s Name]  
[Title / Firm]  
[Address]  
[Phone]  
[Email]
  

• No direct link “RFE point → response → exhibit.” Officers must not guess which evidence addresses which request.
• Submitting piecemeal or in multiple packages. USCIS expects one complete package with the RFE notice on top.
• Missing translations with certification. A common cause of delays or denials.
• Weak expert letters. Without specific data or metrics, such letters are unconvincing.
• Wrong address or submission method. Always use the instructions in the RFE (mail or online account upload).
• No structure in the package. Missing index, dividers, or bookmarks make review more difficult.
• Late submission. COVID flexibilities are over; rely only on the deadline in the letter.
• Partial response without explanation. Treated as a request for decision “as is,” increasing risk of denial.

1. Create a matrix linking each RFE request to evidence with exhibit/page references.
2. Use short annotation sheets at the start of each exhibit.
3. Apply Bates numbering or PDF bookmarks in large responses.
4. Run translations, expert letters, and financial documents in parallel to save time.
5. Follow the exact USCIS address and submission channel listed in the RFE.
6. Ensure evidence is verifiable (DOI, PMID, URLs with dates for screenshots).
7. Cite INA/CFR or Policy Manual provisions where relevant to strengthen arguments.
8. Conduct a final quality check to confirm all RFE points are covered before mailing.

• USCIS Policy Manual, Vol.1, Part E, Ch.6 — RFEs/NOIDs: timelines and requirements
• 8 CFR §103.2 — Evidence & Processing
• USCIS Alert — End of COVID Flexibilities (March 23, 2023)
• USCIS Glossary — Request for Evidence
• Tips for Filing Forms by Mail
• Responding to an RFE via USCIS Online Account
• Cornell Law — 8 CFR §103.2
• USCIS Policy Manual, Vol.12, Part B, Ch.4 — RFEs in naturalization
• Tips for Filing Forms Online
• USCIS Policy Manual, Vol.6, Part B, Ch.4 — when USCIS may deny without RFE/NOID

Before mailing or uploading your package to USCIS, go through this checklist used by immigration attorneys. It ensures that every RFE point has been addressed and all formal requirements are satisfied.

1. Copy of the RFE notice placed on top of the package (with barcode visible).
2. Cover Letter with receipt number, form type, petitioner and beneficiary names, and RFE date.
3. Index of Exhibits with numbering and short annotations.
4. Responses to each RFE point: quote → explanation → exhibit reference.
5. Exhibits organized in order, with tabs/bookmarks, translations, and translator certifications.
6. Bates numbering or PDF bookmarks included for large packages.
7. Translations provided for all non-English documents with signed certification.
8. Recent dates on expert letters and financial documents (ideally 2023–2025).
9. Receipt Number + RFE copy clearly listed on the cover page and in the cover letter.
10. USCIS address double-checked (different addresses for USPS vs. courier).
11. Courier method selected: USPS Priority/Express or FedEx/UPS with tracking and delivery confirmation.
12. Full scan of the package saved electronically before mailing.
13. Tracking number and delivery proof archived digitally and in hard copy.
14. Deadline verified: ensure physical delivery before the final date stated in the RFE.