When a Request for Evidence Changes the Direction of an Immigration Case

For many people navigating the United States immigration system, a Request for Evidence can arrive unexpectedly. The notice often brings worry, even when the application has been prepared carefully. In reality, an RFE is a pause in the review process, not a rejection. It signals that an officer needs more clarity before moving forward.

RFEs are common in employment based cases, particularly when education or experience comes from outside the United States. Immigration officers must evaluate information from many countries and systems that do not always align neatly with American standards. When documents raise questions or leave room for interpretation, additional explanation is often requested.

Why RFEs Are Issued So Often

Education completed abroad is one of the most frequent reasons an RFE is issued. Degree titles, course structures, and grading systems vary widely around the world. Even strong academic backgrounds can appear unclear without context. Officers may also ask for more detail when work experience is central to eligibility, especially if job duties or timelines are not fully explained.

Another common issue involves how a job is described. If the role’s responsibilities or requirements are not clearly tied to the qualifications listed in the petition, USCIS may request further evidence to understand the connection.

A Matter of Presentation, Not Eligibility

In many cases, the underlying qualifications already meet immigration standards. The challenge lies in how the information is presented. When documents are submitted without enough explanation, officers are left to interpret unfamiliar credentials on their own.

Sheila Danzig, who has spent years working with international academic records and immigration related documentation, has observed this pattern repeatedly. In reviewing cases that received RFEs, it is often clear that the applicant’s education and experience are relevant, but the relationship between the two has not been fully articulated.

When additional context is provided, such as how coursework relates to professional responsibilities or how experience builds on formal education, the picture becomes clearer. RFEs often close once that gap is addressed.

Responding With Clarity and Care

An effective RFE response focuses on the questions being asked, rather than introducing new information. Each point raised by USCIS is addressed directly, using documentation that is organized and easy to follow. Consistency across records matters, as does accuracy in translations and timelines.

Applicants who take the time to understand what the officer is requesting are better positioned to move forward. An RFE can become an opportunity to strengthen a case by removing ambiguity and presenting a complete narrative of qualifications.

While receiving an RFE can feel discouraging, it is often part of a longer process. Many approved cases include at least one request for additional evidence along the way. What matters most is how clearly the response explains the applicant’s background and how well it aligns with the requirements under review.