US EB-1A Green Card: Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

The immigration authority usually issues an RFE when an EB-1A petition doesn't tell the full story and it needs more information before it can decide on your case.

It gives you the chance to back up your petition with additional evidence or to clarify the information you submitted at the start.

RFEs are often pure routine, but we do everything we can to avoid them by making the petition so compelling from the outset that the authority has no further questions, if only to avoid the delay an RFE causes.

As a rule, no more than one RFE is issued per case.

A thorough, well-thought-out petition lowers the likelihood of an RFE. Our comprehensive approach to filing EB-1A green card petitions ensures RFEs are successfully avoided and that many petitions for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in sports, science, business and the arts are approved straight away. We have already worked with many athletes, scientists and judges whose EB-1A petitions were approved without a single RFE.

Despite our track record, USCIS can request additional information or clarification at any time and for any reason before deciding on a petition. If that happens, there's no need for our clients to panic: we have developed a proven method for responding to RFEs, one that not only acts fast but addresses each question raised point by point to maximize our clients' chances of success.

When USCIS denies outright instead of issuing an RFE, and what to do next, is explained on our page EB-1A green card denied. For an overview of the whole category, see our hub on the EB-1A green card.

In short

• An RFE comes when the EB-1A petition doesn't say enough and USCIS needs more information.
• It's your chance to submit more evidence or clarify details, but it delays the process.
• As a rule, no more than one RFE is issued per case.
• A thorough petition lowers the likelihood of an RFE; if one does arrive, you answer it point by point.

How we help you

• Visa RoadmapIn writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
• Visa and Green Card ConsultationWhich route to the USA fits you, settled in one conversation.
• Moving to the USAVisa, bank account, taxes and where to live: your move with Mount Bonnell Advisors.