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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

Adjustment of status

Common RFEs for green card applications filed within the U.S.

Medical exam (I-693) issues

very common87 days to respond

USCIS needs a valid or corrected Form I-693 medical examination report.

What they are asking for

  • A complete and properly signed Form I-693
  • Medical exam performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
  • Exam must be signed no more than 60 days before your I-485 filing date or any time after
  • All required vaccinations documented or waiver request

What Answers It

  • New or corrected Form I-693 in a sealed envelope from the civil surgeon
  • Vaccination records showing all required immunizations
  • Waiver request (if applicable) with supporting medical documentation
  • Letter from civil surgeon explaining any corrections

Common Mistakes

  • Opening the sealed I-693 envelope (USCIS may reject it)
  • Using a doctor who is not a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
  • Submitting an I-693 that the civil surgeon signed more than 60 days before you filed the I-485
  • Forgetting to include vaccination records
  • Not bringing immigration documents to the medical exam

Tips

  • Schedule with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon only (check uscis.gov for list)
  • Bring your vaccination records to the appointment to avoid delays
  • Since December 2, 2024, the I-693 must be filed with the I-485, and it stays valid while that I-485 is pending
  • Do NOT open the sealed envelope from the civil surgeon
  • If you need a vaccination waiver, get documentation from your doctor explaining why
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: I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am writing in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [RFE DATE] regarding my Form I-485 application. The RFE requests a valid Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

Enclosed please find:

1. A sealed Form I-693 completed by [CIVIL SURGEON NAME], a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, dated [EXAM DATE].
2. [Additional documents as applicable]

I respectfully request that you continue processing my application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.

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

Affidavit of Support insufficient

very common87 days to respond

The Form I-864 is incomplete, incorrect, or the sponsor does not meet income requirements.

What they are asking for

  • A complete and signed Form I-864 with all required fields
  • Evidence that the sponsor meets 125% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • Tax returns, W-2s, and proof of current employment or income
  • Joint sponsor I-864 if primary sponsor income is insufficient

What Answers It

  • Corrected Form I-864 (if original had errors)
  • Most recent federal tax return (complete with all schedules)
  • W-2s or 1099s for the most recent tax year
  • Recent pay stubs (last 6 months)
  • Letter from employer confirming employment, position, and salary
  • Bank statements (last 6 months) if using assets
  • Joint sponsor Form I-864 with their financial documents (if needed)
  • Evidence of assets worth 5 times the shortfall below 125% of the poverty guidelines (3 times if a U.S. citizen is sponsoring a spouse or a child 18 or older; 1 time for an orphan to be adopted in the U.S.)

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving fields blank on the I-864 form
  • Not including all pages of tax returns
  • Using adjusted gross income instead of total income (line 9 of Form 1040)
  • Forgetting to sign the I-864
  • Not including a joint sponsor when primary sponsor income is too low
  • Miscounting household size

Tips

  • The income threshold is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for active military)
  • If the petitioner cannot meet the income requirement alone, add a joint sponsor
  • A joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Include ALL pages of tax returns, even blank ones
  • Assets can make up an income shortfall: they must equal 5 times the shortfall, or 3 times if a U.S. citizen is sponsoring a spouse or a child 18 or older (1 time for an orphan to be adopted in the U.S.)
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: I-485 - Affidavit of Support (I-864)

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding the Affidavit of Support for my I-485 application.

Enclosed please find:

1. [Corrected Form I-864 / Joint Sponsor I-864]
2. Federal tax return for [YEAR] with all schedules and W-2s
3. Pay stubs for [MONTHS]
4. Employment verification letter dated [DATE]
5. [Additional financial documents]

The sponsor's household income of $[AMOUNT] meets/exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household size of [NUMBER].

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

Employment verification

common87 days to respond

USCIS needs proof that the job offer from the I-140 petition is still valid.

What they are asking for

  • A letter from the employer confirming the job offer is still valid
  • The job details (title, duties, salary) match the approved I-140
  • Confirmation the position is still available for the applicant

What Answers It

  • Employment verification letter on company letterhead
  • Letter must include: job title, duties, salary, start date (or intended start date)
  • Statement that the position remains available
  • Recent pay stubs if already employed by the sponsor
  • Copy of the approved I-140 notice

Common Mistakes

  • Submitting a letter that shows different job duties than the I-140
  • Not having the letter signed by someone with authority (HR, CEO, etc.)
  • Forgetting to mention the salary matches or exceeds the prevailing wage
  • Not including the I-140 receipt number in the letter

Tips

  • The letter should be on official company letterhead and signed by an authorized person
  • Job details must match what was listed in the I-140/labor certification
  • If job title or duties have changed, consult an attorney before responding
  • Include the employer EIN if possible
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: I-485 - Employment Verification

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] requesting verification of employment for my I-485 application.

Enclosed please find:

1. Employment verification letter from [EMPLOYER NAME] dated [DATE]
2. Recent pay stubs for [MONTHS] (if currently employed)
3. Copy of approved I-140 (Receipt #: [I-140 RECEIPT])

The letter confirms that the position of [JOB TITLE] at a salary of $[SALARY] remains available.

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

Birth certificate issues

common87 days to respond

The birth certificate is missing, incomplete, or needs certified translation.

What they are asking for

  • A certified copy of your birth certificate
  • If not in English, a certified English translation
  • If unavailable, secondary evidence of birth with explanation

What Answers It

  • Certified copy of birth certificate from the issuing authority
  • Certified English translation (if not in English)
  • Translator certification statement
  • If unavailable: church/baptismal record, school record, or census record
  • Affidavits from two people with knowledge of your birth
  • Letter from the government explaining why the certificate is unavailable

Common Mistakes

  • Submitting an uncertified photocopy instead of a certified copy
  • Using a translation without proper translator certification
  • Not explaining why the birth certificate is unavailable (if applicable)
  • Submitting a birth certificate that does not show parents' names

Tips

  • Translations must include a certification statement by the translator
  • The translator must certify they are competent to translate and the translation is accurate
  • If the birth certificate is unavailable, provide as many secondary documents as possible
  • Request a non-availability letter from the foreign government if applicable
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: I-485 - Birth Certificate

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding my birth certificate for the I-485 application.

Enclosed please find:

1. Certified copy of my birth certificate issued by [ISSUING AUTHORITY]
2. Certified English translation with translator certification
3. [Secondary evidence if applicable]

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

Police clearance certificate

common87 days to respond

USCIS requires police clearance from countries where you lived for 6+ months after age 16.

What they are asking for

  • Police clearance certificates from each country where you lived 6+ months after age 16
  • Certificates must be recent (typically within last 12 months)
  • Certified English translations if not in English

What Answers It

  • Police clearance certificate from each relevant country
  • Certified English translation of each certificate
  • If unavailable, a letter from the embassy or consulate explaining unavailability
  • Proof of attempts to obtain the certificate

Common Mistakes

  • Not obtaining clearances from ALL countries where you lived 6+ months
  • Submitting expired police clearances
  • Forgetting to get translations certified
  • Not documenting attempts if the clearance is unavailable

Tips

  • Start requesting these early as they can take weeks or months from some countries
  • Some countries issue these through their embassy or consulate in the U.S.
  • Check the DOS reciprocity schedule for country-specific requirements
  • Keep the original and submit copies unless USCIS specifically requests originals
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: I-485 - Police Clearance Certificate

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding police clearance certificates.

Enclosed please find:

1. Police clearance certificate from [COUNTRY], dated [DATE]
2. Certified English translation
3. [Additional certificates as needed]

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

Vaccination records

common87 days to respond

Missing or incomplete vaccination records on the I-693.

What they are asking for

  • Evidence of all required vaccinations per CDC guidelines
  • Updated I-693 reflecting completed vaccinations
  • Waiver request with supporting documentation if vaccines are medically contraindicated

What Answers It

  • Updated sealed I-693 with vaccination records
  • Original vaccination records from home country or U.S. providers
  • Titer (blood test) results showing immunity
  • Medical waiver documentation from civil surgeon if applicable
  • Religious or moral objection waiver (Form I-601) if applicable

Common Mistakes

  • Not getting all CDC-required vaccinations
  • Assuming childhood vaccines are sufficient without verification
  • Not requesting a waiver when medically necessary
  • Delaying vaccination appointments and missing the RFE deadline

Tips

  • The required vaccinations list is set by CDC and changes periodically
  • Bring any existing vaccination records to your civil surgeon appointment
  • Titer tests can prove immunity without re-vaccination
  • Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks - plan ahead
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: I-485 - Vaccination Records

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am responding to the RFE dated [RFE DATE] regarding vaccination records for my I-485 application.

Enclosed please find:

1. Updated, sealed Form I-693 from [CIVIL SURGEON NAME]
2. Vaccination records showing [VACCINES COMPLETED]
3. [Waiver documentation if applicable]

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.