Whether you are applying for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, work authorization, or anything else governed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it is critical that you include as much documentation and evidence as possible to support your petition. If you do not provide enough information to prove you are a qualifying applicant, USCIS may reject your application or, in less severe cases, send you a request for evidence (RFE).
Failing to respond quickly and comprehensively to USCIS requests for evidence in Washington, DC could lead to the denial of your application. Once retained, a seasoned immigration attorney could help you understand what USCIS is looking for, comply with the agency’s requests as best as possible, and preserve your future in doing so.
What Does a Formal Request for Evidence Look Like?
Most of the time, a USCIS request for evidence in Washington, DC takes the form of a letter requesting Form I-797E. The RFE document will contain specific instructions regarding exactly what form(s) of information or evidence USCIS needs to continue processing the application in question, as well as directions for where to send that additional documentation and the date by which the recipient must respond. USCIS will pause processing of the petition until that deadline passes, at which point the agency will reject the petition if the RFE recipient has not provided the requested information.
USCIS usually sends out one RFE per application if necessary, so it is important for responses by recipients to be organized and thorough. Guidance from seasoned legal counsel can make a world of difference not only when it comes to tracking down necessary documentation, but also with collecting and presenting relevant information in a simple way.
Common Reasons for RFEs in Washington DC
The specific reasons why USCIS sends out RFEs to applicants in Washington, DC are as varied and complex as the numerous different forms this agency issues, receives, and processes. That being said, particularly common issues that lead to these requests include:
- Failure to sufficiently demonstrate fulfillment of qualifying criteria
- Failure to affirm identity with up-to-date documents and/or records
- Failure to submit the appropriate form(s) and/or supplements
- Typographical errors and omissions
If an incomplete or unsatisfactory application warrants a formal request for evidence from USCIS, this could make the processing drag out for additional months or even years. Because of this, it is best to review any kind of immigration petition with qualified legal counsel prior to submitting it to minimize the risk of a mistake.
A Washington DC Attorney Could Help with USCIS Requests for Evidence
The best way to avoid a request for evidence derailing your future plans is to engage in due diligence at every stage of the application process, If you do receive this kind of notice, though, a knowledgeable the assistance of an attorney could be even more crucial, as this may be your one and only chance to correct the listed mistake(s) before your application is denied.
If you need help handling a USCIS request for evidence in Washington, DC, you only have a limited amount of time to act. Call Hacking Immigration Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation.