Understanding Request for Evidence (Immigration): A Comprehensive Guide
Definition & Meaning
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a formal written request issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to an immigration applicant. It asks for additional documentation to verify eligibility for a visa or immigration benefit. The RFE process is subject to frequent changes in U.S. immigration law, making it a complex area for applicants. Typically, applicants are given a maximum of 12 weeks to respond to the RFE with the required information.
Legal Use & context
RFEs are primarily used in immigration law. They can arise in various types of cases, including family-based immigration, employment-based visas, and asylum applications. Understanding how to respond to an RFE is crucial, as failure to provide the requested information can lead to denial of the application. Users may find it helpful to utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to ensure their responses meet USCIS requirements.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An applicant for a family-based visa receives an RFE requesting proof of the relationship to the sponsoring family member, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
Example 2: A student visa applicant gets an RFE asking for additional financial documentation to demonstrate their ability to support themselves during their studies (hypothetical example).