I Received an RFE. Should I Hire a Lawyer to Respond?

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS can be a nerve-wracking experience. An RFE, also known as a request for evidence, is a notification from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicating the need for additional evidence to process an immigration application. If you’re wondering whether you need the services of an immigration attorney in Naperville to respond, this article will shed light on your concerns.

Why Would I Receive an RFE?

There are numerous reasons why USCIS might send a request for evidence. The most common reasons are that the information provided in your initial submission was incomplete, unclear, or not persuasive enough. For instance, you may have failed to provide sufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage for a marriage-based green card application.

What’s in a Request for Evidence?

When USCIS sends a request for evidence, they are typically seeking to verify the facts presented in your case, the laws applicable, and the evidence you’ve submitted and that which is still lacking.

• Facts: USCIS uses the RFE to confirm the facts presented in your immigration case. This might include personal information, your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or your eligibility for a specific visa type.
• Law: The request for evidence will also specify the laws relevant to your case. These laws determine the requirements for your visa category and what you need to prove to meet those requirements.
• Evidence Submitted and Evidence Lacking: An RFE will meticulously analyze the evidence you’ve submitted and identify any gaps. It might point out that certain documents are missing or request additional evidence to verify claims made in your application.
• Deadline: One of the most crucial parts of the RFE is the deadline for your response. Ignoring or missing this deadline can lead to the denial of your application, making timely response crucial.

It’s an essential tool that USCIS employs to help you understand what’s missing from your application, thereby allowing you to provide a more comprehensive and compelling case.

How Should I Handle a Request for Evidence?

When USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE), it’s crucial that you handle it appropriately to avoid jeopardizing your application. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:

1. Don’t Panic: Receiving an RFE can be intimidating, but it’s important not to panic. An RFE doesn’t mean your application has been denied; it merely means USCIS needs more information to make a decision.
2. Thoroughly Review the RFE: Read through the RFE carefully to understand exactly what additional information USCIS is asking for. Identify the specific documents or evidence needed and make a checklist.
3. Gather Your Documents: Start assembling the necessary documents. This could involve obtaining records from various sources like employers, schools, or government agencies. Make sure the documents are relevant and will sufficiently address the requests in the RFE.
4. Write a Cover Letter: When you submit your response, include a cover letter that summarizes the additional documents you are providing. This helps USCIS match your response with the specific requests in the RFE.
5. Organize Your Response: Arrange your response in the order of the requests in the RFE. This can help USCIS process your response more efficiently.
6. Respond Timely and Fully: Be sure to submit your response to the RFE within the specified deadline. Also, respond to all requests in the RFE.
7. Seek Legal Help: If you’re unsure about any part of the RFE or if it’s complex, consider seeking help from an experienced immigration attorney. They can help ensure that your response is comprehensive and increases your chances of a successful application.

Handling a Request for Evidence can be a complex process, but with careful attention to detail and perhaps the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney, it’s a hurdle that can be successfully overcome.

Let Our Immigration Attorney in Naperville Help You

Considering the intricacies involved, hiring an immigration attorney in Naperville is advisable. An experienced attorney from Kasturi Law, LLC, can ensure that your response to the RFE is complete, accurate, and submitted within the required deadline. Our immigration lawyer in Naperville can meticulously analyze the RFE, gather necessary evidence, draft a persuasive response, and make sure it reaches USCIS on time. If you’ve received an RFE and are wondering about the next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make your American dream a reality.