I-130: What “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent” Means

USCIS needs more evidence before deciding your case and has mailed a Request for Evidence describing exactly what is missing and the deadline to respond. The case pauses until your response arrives or the deadline passes.

Good to do now

• Read the RFE letter fully. It lists each item requested and the exact response deadline.
• Respond once, completely: USCIS generally allows a single response covering everything requested.
• Send the response trackably and keep proof of delivery.

Live numbers

Frequently asked questions

Is an RFE a bad sign?

An RFE is a request, not a decision. The "where cases went next" data above shows how tracked cases moved after this status, and many proceed to approval after responding.

How much time do I get to respond?

The deadline is printed on the RFE itself and varies by case type. The clock runs from the notice date, so start preparing as soon as it arrives.

What happens if I do not respond?

USCIS decides the case on the existing record, which commonly leads to denial for lack of evidence. Responding by the deadline keeps the decision based on a complete record.

Related

• I-130: Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Sent
• I-130: USCIS Is currently Processing the Case
• I-130: Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken
• I-130: Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled
• I-130: Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received
• I-130: Interview Was Scheduled
• Where does a I-130 filed on your date sit in the approval line?
• I-130 case tracker: full timeline and what to expect
• USCIS Case Tracker: look up any case free
• USCIS API Tracker: decode your my.uscis.gov data
• All USCIS case statuses by form

MyCasesHub is not affiliated with USCIS. Statistics are measured from cases tracked on MyCasesHub, not all USCIS filings. This page is general information, not legal advice.