What does “Request For Additional Evidence” mean?

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Direct answer

USCIS needs more documents or information from you. This is NOT a denial — it's a request for more proof.

What comes next

You typically have 87 days to respond. Read the RFE carefully, gather ALL requested documents, and respond completely. Incomplete responses can lead to denial.

Typical timeline

After submitting your RFE response, USCIS typically takes 60-90 days to issue a decision. The total RFE process (from notice to decision) averages 4-6 months.

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If you're stuck on this status

If you submitted your RFE response and haven't heard back after 90 days, submit an e-Request through your USCIS online account. Keep the certified mail tracking number that proves USCIS received your response.

Response deadline: 87 days

You must respond within 87 days of the notice date. Missing this deadline can result in denial. Contact an immigration attorney if you need help.

What to do now
  • 1Read the RFE notice carefully — it lists exactly what evidence is needed
  • 2Gather all requested documents
  • 3Consider consulting an immigration attorney
  • 4Submit response well before the 87-day deadline
  • 5Send via tracked mail or submit online if available
When to contact an attorney

Consider contacting an immigration attorney if the notice asks for evidence, includes a deadline, mentions denial, or you are unsure how to respond. Missing a USCIS deadline can seriously affect your case.

What this means for your form

If you're on OPT (I-765 C03A)

USCIS needs more from you before deciding your OPT. Common OPT RFEs ask for: an updated I-20 with OPT recommendation, proof of in-status filing, or evidence of your CPT vs OPT history. Read the RFE carefully — you have a hard deadline (usually 87 days).

If you're on STEM OPT (I-765 C03C)

USCIS needs more for your STEM OPT extension. Common STEM RFEs ask for: employer E-Verify proof, the Training Plan (Form I-983), or evidence the degree is on the STEM Designated Degree List. Respond by the deadline — late responses mean denial.

If you're tracking H-1B (I-129)

USCIS needs more before approving the H-1B petition. Common H-1B RFEs ask for: specialty-occupation evidence, employer-employee relationship proof, beneficiary qualifications, or LCA-related items. The 87-day response clock applies. Premium processing pauses while waiting on your response.

If you're tracking green card — employment-based (I-485)

USCIS needs more for your green-card adjustment. Common I-485 RFEs ask for: updated medical (I-693), unexpired employment letters, missing tax returns, or marriage-evidence updates. Respond by the deadline; failure means denial.

If you're tracking green card — family-based (I-485)

USCIS needs more for your family-based I-485 adjustment. Common RFEs for family-based cases ask for: updated joint financial evidence (for marriage-based cases), a new or updated I-864 Affidavit of Support if the sponsor's income changed, updated Form I-693 medical if it has expired, or additional proof of the bona fide marriage. You have 87 days — respond completely.

If you're tracking a family petition (I-130)

USCIS needs more for your I-130 family petition. Common I-130 RFEs ask for: additional proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship or LPR status, additional relationship evidence (for marriage cases: joint documents, photos, correspondence; for parent-child cases: birth records), or clarification on prior immigration history. Read the RFE carefully and respond by the deadline.

If you're tracking naturalization (N-400)

USCIS needs more for your naturalization. N-400 RFEs commonly ask for: updated tax returns, evidence of continuous residence, selective-service registration proof, or clarification on travel history. Respond before the deadline to keep your case moving.

Frequently asked questions

What is a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE)?
An RFE is a formal request from USCIS asking you to provide additional documentation to support your application. It is NOT a denial — it means USCIS needs more information before they can make a decision. Receiving an RFE is common, especially for employment-based petitions and complex marriage cases.
How long do I have to respond to an RFE?
Typically 87 days from the date on the RFE notice. Some RFEs may have shorter deadlines. The deadline is printed on the RFE itself — count from the notice date, not the date you received it. Missing the deadline results in a denial based on the record as submitted.
Should I hire an attorney to respond to my RFE?
For complex RFEs (especially employment-based or issues with fraud allegations), an attorney is strongly recommended. For straightforward requests (e.g., a missing tax return), you may be able to respond yourself. The cost of a professional response is usually far less than the cost of a denial and refiling.
What happens after I respond to an RFE?
USCIS will review your response and either approve your case, deny it, or issue another RFE (rare but possible). USCIS has up to 60 days to respond after receiving your evidence, though times vary by case type and service center backlog.
Can I request an extension to respond to an RFE?
USCIS does not routinely grant RFE deadline extensions. The published policy is that the deadline is fixed. However, if extraordinary circumstances exist (natural disaster, hospitalization), you can request a brief extension in writing — it is rarely granted but documented attempts help if your case goes to appeal.

Related status messages

Response To Request For Evidence Was Received →Notice Of Intent To Deny →Case Was Denied →
Official and related resources
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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.