Common Causes of RFE (Request for Evidence)

A request for evidence, or RFE, is when USCIS requires more information or evidence before they can proceed any further with your case. There are many reasons one may receive an RFE, even if their visa petition was seemingly rock-solid. Often times, they can be stressful. Other times, fairly simple to deal with. Whatever you do, don’t ignore an RFE, unless you want a denial.

If you receive an RFE for a reason not mentioned on this list, we’d love to hear from you so we can add it.

List of RFEs and Causes

Evidence Requested	Cause(s)
Long-form birth certificate	Short-form birth certificate provided instead.
Tax returns	Ability to financially support alien in question. Not provided in petition.
Proof you are not required to file taxes	Ability to financially support alien in question. Not provided in petition.
W2s & Pay Stubs	Ability to financially support alien in question. Not provided in petition.
Marriage Broker Disclosures	As required by IMBRA.
Proof the site you met on isn’t a marriage broker	As required by IMBRA.
Proof of assets	Original assets provided are weak. Original assets provided aren’t liquid enough. Ability to financially support alien in question.
New Check	Check not signed Check made out to the wrong agency Check was for an incorrect amount Check was postdated
Proof of Meeting	Original proof sent was weak No proof originally sent
Copies of Passport	All pages (even empty) pages not provided.
Divorce Decrees	Not provided for all marriages Copies of all pages not originally provided. Official stamp missing
Translations	English translation of documents like birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc.
Vaccination Records	Not originally provided Medical exam result
Re-submit Forms	Boxes unchecked Fields incomplete or incorrectly filled out
Criminal Records	Applicant didn’t disclose crimes. Not originally provided