It can surely demotivate you to receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS, especially if your entire immigration journey depends on a quick & accurate response.
In reality, though, an RFE is a second opportunity to support your case rather than a rejection.
A properly organized RFE response can transform a weak application into one that is accepted, regardless of whether you are applying for H-1B, EB-2, EB-3, I-140, F-1 OPT/STEM, I-130, I-485 or any other US immigration category.
We have successfully supported 100s of applicants in navigating RFEs at Document Evaluation specially with respect to work experience evaluations, education equivalency, expert opinion letters & documentation gaps.
What is an RFE and Why Does USCIS Issue It?
USCIS issues an RFE when they need additional information to decide your case. This commonly means –
- There was some confusion in the application.
- There was a missing document.
- 2 documents were at odds with one another.
- The proof did not satisfy USCIS requirements.
- The officer needed more information.
RFEs are highly common in –
- H-1B specialty occupation cases
- I-140 (education/experience clash)
- OPT & STEM OPT (employment proof issues)
- I-130 marriage based applications
- I-485 (adjustment of status)
Most Common RFE Reasons!!
Below is a combined, easy to reference table of why applicants receive RFEs –
RFE Category | What USCIS Needs? | Why does it happens? |
Degree Mismatch | Proof that degree = Job field | Applicant has unrelated major |
Work Experience Verification | Detailed employer letters | Job duties not clearly defined |
Specialty Occupation Issues | Expert analysis & justification | Job description too generic |
Employer-Employee Relationship | Contracts, management proof | Third-party/remote work setup |
Beneficiary Qualifications | Evaluations, transcripts | Foreign degree equivalency issues |
Company Legitimacy | Tax returns, Payroll, lease | Small/new business applications |
Maintenance of status | I-20s, pay stubs, enrollment proof | For students, transfers, CPT/OPT |
Insufficient Documentation | Missing items, vague info | Common filling mistakes |
If your RFE mentions any of the above, professional evaluation IMPROVES your chances drastically.
How to Respond to an RFE - Stepwise Expert Process!
Step 1 – Read the RFE Notice Carefully
The RFE letter is detailed, structured & follows USCIS logic.
Focus on –
- What EXACT proof they want
- Which forms or documents they examined
- Which section of the law they mentioned
- The deadline (normally 87 days)
Avoid guessing, USCIS literally tells you what they need.
Step 2 – Categorize the RFE Into Clear Issues
Most RFEs can be grouped into 1 to 3 main issues. For example –
Sample RFE Breakdown:
- Issue 1 – Degree does not match job
- Issue 2 – Employer – employee relationship not established
- Issue 3 – Missing supporting documents
Breaking it down makes your response structured & professional, the style USCIS likes.
Step 3 – Collect Strong and Direct Evidence
Your proof must match the specific issue raised, here’s a checklist based on the type of RFE –
Degree Mismatch
- Credential evaluation
- Course-by-course or work experience evaluation
- Expert opinion letter
- Syllabus/program explanations
Work Experience Gaps
- Detailed employer letters
- Project documentation
- Skill-based evaluation
- Statements (if company no longer exists)
Specialty Occupation (H-1B)
- Reviewed job description
- Expert specialty occupation report
- Organizational chart
- SOC code justification
- Industry standards
Employer–Employee Relationship
- Signed contracts
- Project description
- Client letters
- Timesheets or management structure
- Work order with duration
Credential Issues (I-140, H-1B, PERM)
- Education equivalence evaluation
- Work experience + education combo analysis
- Foreign degree US equivalency proof
If you need these professionally ready, you can CONTACT US for evaluation services.
Step 4 – Join the Gap | Explanation Letter + Evidence
A strong RFE response must contain –
A Point-by-Point Cover Letter
- Clearly address each issue raised by USCIS.
- Don’t write long stories.
- Don’t give extra, unnecessary details.
- Just answer the question.
Attach Documents in Order
- Numbered shows
- Marked attachments
- Clear index page
Speak USCIS Language
Use terms like –
- “Meets the regulative definition…”
- “Based on USCIS adjudication guidance…”
This shows competence & clarity.
Step 5 – Review, Re-Review & Submit Before Deadline
Common filing mistakes that lead to denial –
- Missing pages
- Missing signatures
- Wrong order of documents
- Incomplete index
- Submitting unrelated proof
- Mailing to the wrong USCIS address
- Missing pages
A final quality check can make the difference between approval & rejection.
How DocumentEvaluation Helps You Create a Winning RFE Response!!
When you contact us, here’s what you get –
- Credential evaluations (degree, work experience, education equivalency)
- Expert opinion letters from university professors
- Feature occupation letters for H-1B
- Work experience evaluations
- I-140, EB-2, EB-3 specific evaluations
- Pre-submission document review
- RFE response guidance & document structuring
Want to compare what each service includes? Visit the PRICING page anytime, everything is transparent & clear.
In Conclusion!
An RFE is a structured opportunity. What USCIS wants is clarity, acceptance & proper proof. With the right approach many RFEs turn into approvals faster than expected.
If your RFE deals with education, experience or specialty occupation, professional evaluations greatly increase your success rate.
A thoughtful response today can protect your future in the US!!