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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

It’s not enough to exist. You need a piece of paper to prove that you were born! Of course, this piece of paper reveals your who, when, and where.

Some people dismiss marriage with “We don’t need a piece of paper to prove we love each other.” The truth is, the piece of paper comes with some perquisites. And when someone asks for I.D., you can’t show them your belt buckle!

No matter what, you are going to need certain civil documents to prove that you are who you say you are, especially for any immigration-related matter.

What Is a Request For Evidence (RFE)?

It is, as the name suggests, an appeal for further documentation. The reason for the request is that the USCIS officer reviewing your application requires more information before a decision can be made.

It does not mean that your application will be or is likely to be denied should you not get the RFE. It’s basically a second chance to review your application and provide further evidence.

What Are the Documents for RFE?

An RFE is made up of five important parts:

  • The facts about your case.
  • The applicable law under which documentation is being requested.
  • The evidence you previously gave to USCIS with your initial application.
  • A list of evidence that you may be missing.
  • A deadline for your response to the request and an explanation of the consequences should you not submit it.

The documents could include such things as birth certificates, marriage certificates, immigration documents, educational degrees, baptismal records, vaccination records, and more.

Review all your documents before you send them off. Try to submit as much documentation as possible; after all, there’s no such thing as too much.

If any of the documentation is not in English, you may have to submit an official translation as well. If there are any inconsistencies, it is best, to be honest about them. Make things easier for everyone by organizing your documents.

How To Handle RFE

First, make a copy of the RFE notice and save it for your personal records. Once you’ve done that, you need to write a cover letter that describes the contents of your submission. Bullet points will make it easier to read.

Now it’s time to mail everything to the address that came with the RFE. Send it by priority mail with delivery confirmation. This way, you will have proof that you have complied with the deadline.

After that, all you can do it to wait for an update. The USCIS will resume case processing, but it will be at least sixty days before any further action.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer in Chicago Help?

If you receive an RFE, take it seriously and respond completely. It would be best if you forward an RFE to your immigration attorney immediately. Your attorney will review it and then tell you what needs to be done in order to provide all the necessary evidence required for the USCIS to make a decision about your petition.

Gather together all the evidence you can as quickly as possible. Give them to your attorney, who will want to make copies. If you have already made copies, that’s great.

You can never have too many backup copies in case something gets lost. The attorney will keep a copy for their files and send the other to USCIS.

Chicago immigration lawyers are very skilled and experienced. That’s to be expected in a city where about 1.6 million foreign-born people are part of the population. But if you want something just a cut above the rest, go with Kasturi Law LLC.