Getting a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but it's a normal part of the immigration process. Think of it as USCIS asking for a little more information to make sure everything is in order. This guide will walk you through what an RFE is and provide a USCis Request For Evidence Response Letter Sample to help you navigate this situation confidently.
What is a USCIS Request for Evidence Response Letter Sample and Why is it Important?
A USCIS Request for Evidence, or RFE, is a formal letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asking you to provide additional documentation or information to support your application. It doesn't mean your application is denied; it simply means they need more clarity or proof to make a decision. Responding to an RFE accurately and completely is crucial for the success of your immigration application.
When you receive an RFE, it's essential to carefully read and understand exactly what USCIS is asking for. They will specify the type of evidence required. This could include:
- Proof of relationship (for family-based applications)
- Financial support documentation
- Birth certificates or other vital records
- Employment verification
Failing to provide the requested evidence or submitting it late can lead to a denial of your application. Therefore, treating the RFE as a priority and gathering all necessary items is extremely important. Here’s a basic structure of what a good RFE response letter should include:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Your Information | Clearly identify yourself. |
| USCIS Information | Reference the RFE notice. |
| Evidence Provided | List all the documents you are submitting. |
| Statement of Compliance | Confirm you are responding to the RFE. |
Response Letter Sample for Lack of Supporting Documents
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Texas Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] concerning my application for [Application Type, e.g., Petition for Alien Relative]. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE requested additional supporting documents to prove [Specific reason for RFE, e.g., the bona fide nature of our marriage]. We understand the need for this information and are submitting the following evidence to comply with your request:
- Exhibit A: Marriage Certificate (copy)
- Exhibit B: Joint Bank Statements (January 2023 - December 2023)
- Exhibit C: Lease Agreement showing joint residency
- Exhibit D: Photographs of us together with family and friends
Response Letter Sample for Missing Birth Certificate
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Nebraska Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) received on [Date of RFE] regarding my Application to Register Permanent Residence, Form I-485. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE requested a certified copy of my birth certificate. I am submitting the following to fulfill this requirement:
- Exhibit A: Certified Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Civil Registry of [Country, City]
Response Letter Sample for Proof of Financial Support
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Vermont Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-864, Affidavit of Support] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to provide a response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] concerning my Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, filed in connection with the immigration petition for [Beneficiary's Full Name]. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE asked for updated financial documentation to demonstrate that I am able to provide financial support. Enclosed please find the following documents:
- Most Recent Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040)
- W-2s from [Year] and [Year]
- Pay Stubs from the last six months
- Letter of Employment from my employer confirming my current salary and position
Response Letter Sample for Expired Documentation
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS California Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] regarding my Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE indicated that a required document, [Name of Document, e.g., Passport], had expired. I am submitting the following updated documentation:
- Exhibit A: Copy of current valid Passport
- Exhibit B: Copy of current valid [Other Document, e.g., Visa]
Response Letter Sample for Clarity on Relationship Evidence
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Potomac Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is submitted in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] concerning my Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE requested further evidence to establish the bona fide nature of the marriage between myself, [Your Full Name], and my spouse, [Spouse's Full Name]. We are providing the following supplemental evidence:
- Exhibit A: Joint Utility Bills (dating from [start date] to present)
- Exhibit B: Joint Insurance Policies (health, auto)
- Exhibit C: Affidavits from friends and family members attesting to our relationship
- Exhibit D: Travel itineraries and photographs from joint trips
Response Letter Sample for Missing Background Check Information
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS National Benefits Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form N-400, Application for Naturalization] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is my response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] regarding my Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE requested documentation related to my previous arrests and court dispositions. I am submitting the following to address this request:
- Exhibit A: Certified court disposition for the incident on [Date of Incident] in [City, State]
- Exhibit B: Letter from the [Law Enforcement Agency] confirming no charges were filed
Response Letter Sample for Clarification on Employment History
[Your Full Name] [Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] USCIS Texas Service Center [Address as provided on RFE] Subject: Response to Request for Evidence - Application Type: [e.g., Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] concerning my Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140. My Alien Registration Number is [Your A-Number]. The RFE requested further clarification regarding my employment history, specifically dates of employment for [Previous Employer Name]. I am submitting the following to provide the requested details:
- Exhibit A: Updated Employment Verification Letter from [Previous Employer Name] detailing start and end dates of my employment
- Exhibit B: Copies of pay stubs from [Previous Employer Name] covering the period from [Start Date] to [End Date]
Receiving a USCIS Request for Evidence is a standard part of many immigration applications. By understanding what an RFE is and by carefully crafting a clear and comprehensive response letter, you significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember to always read the RFE thoroughly, gather all requested documents, and submit your response within the specified timeframe. Using a USCis Request For Evidence Response Letter Sample like the ones provided can be a great starting point to ensure you cover all the necessary aspects of your response.