USCIS Notices
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes immigration applications for people seeking to enter the United States and those already residing in the country. USCIS often issues Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) to applicants when they need additional information or clarification on a specific issue in their respective immigration cases. This blog post explains what RFEs and NOIDs are, when they might be issued, their significance, and how to respond to them.
USCIS issues or sends RFEs when they require additional information from an applicant in order to process their immigration case. USCIS typically issues RFEs when an application is missing certain documents or information, or if there are doubts about an applicant's eligibility, qualifications, or background, though it is also fairly common for USCIS to issue an RFE requesting evidence that has previously been submitted. An RFE is an official letter that requests the applicant to submit additional evidence within a specified timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days. RFEs that were issued on or before March 23, 2023 are entitled to an automatic 60-day extension of time to respond due to COVID-19 flexibilities that have since been terminated.
Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) are issued when USCIS intends to deny an application due to insufficient evidence or information. NOIDs typically give the applicant additional time to respond and provide the necessary documentation to support their case. Failure to respond to a NOID could lead to the denial of one's immigration application.
Responding to RFEs and NOIDs is crucial. Incomplete or inadequate responses could result in the denial of your application. It is important to understand that these notices are not uncommon, and they do not necessarily imply that your application will be denied. Instead, they present an opportunity to strengthen your case by providing USCIS with the necessary information to approve your application. It is important to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by issuances of RFEs and NOIDs.
When responding to RFEs and NOIDs, it is essential to thoroughly review the requests and provide complete and accurate information. This may involve additional research, securing new documents or evidence, and sometimes seeking the help of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help draft a comprehensive response that addresses all of the inquiries stated in the notice, ensuring that your application is complete and correct.
