I-797E (RFE) — Request for Evidence — CRITICAL: respond by deadline

I-797E (RFE) — Request for Evidence — CRITICAL: respond by deadline

USCIS I-797E is a Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS needs MORE documents to make a decision. Common after I-130 marriage cases, I-140 employment, asylum I-589. Deadline 60-87 days — DO NOT MISS.

What to do

What to do RIGHT NOW

1. Read the entire RFE carefully — list each item USCIS asks for
2. Note the response deadline (usually 60-87 days from notice date)
3. Gather ALL evidence requested, not partial
4. Organize neatly — tab/divider each item with cover letter
5. Make 2 copies before mailing
6. Send via traceable mail (USPS Certified, FedEx, UPS) to address on RFE
7. Do NOT respond to USCIS at any other address

Common RFE topics

I-130 marriage cases: more evidence of bona fide marriage (photos timeline, joint accounts, joint lease, affidavits)

I-140 employment: employer ability to pay, specialty occupation evidence, beneficiary credentials

I-485 AOS: medical exam (I-693), affidavit of support (I-864) financial docs, criminal records

I-589 Asylum: country conditions evidence, persecution proof, identity docs

What to AVOID

• ❌ Missing the deadline — case will be DENIED
• ❌ Sending partial response (USCIS will continue with what they have)
• ❌ Adding info NOT requested (can introduce new problems)
• ❌ Submitting English-language translations without certification

Common scams to avoid

⚠️ Always verify letter is legitimate BEFORE acting:

• USCIS NEVER calls first — always letter first
• IRS NEVER asks for payment in bitcoin, gift cards, instant transfer
• USCIS/IRS do NOT threaten deportation by phone
• Verify case number at egov.uscis.gov or irs.gov/account
• Call OFFICIAL number from uscis.gov/irs.gov — NOT the number on suspicious letter

Resources

• USCIS Case Status: egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
• IRS Account: irs.gov/account
• Report USCIS scam: uscis.gov/scams
• Report IRS scam: 1-800-366-4484

Related information

• Find immigration attorney
• Free VITA tax help by state
• Paths to legal status

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General information — not legal advice. Consult attorney or CPA with ITIN/immigration experience.

Related procedural information

• Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
• ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
• USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
• Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
• Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections

Recent USCIS notice code context (2025-2026)

USCIS issues approximately 6 million notices annually including I-797 series (action notices) and various correspondence. Common I-797 variants: I-797 (Approval), I-797A (Approval with replacement I-94), I-797B (Approval Notice / nonimmigrant), I-797C (Action Notice — receipts, transfers, biometrics scheduling), I-797D (companion to I-797C for sponsored I-130), I-797E (Request for Evidence / RFE), I-797F (Boarding Foil/Transportation Letter).

For RFEs (Request for Evidence — Form I-797E): respond by the deadline listed (typically 30-87 days, USCIS may not extend). Submit response in ONE package with the original I-797E attached + all requested evidence with cover letter listing each item. Missing the deadline triggers denial with refusal of fee refund. Common RFEs: missing translation certifications, marriage bona-fide evidence, employment verification for H-1B, asylum corroborating evidence.

For Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) and Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR): respond by deadline OR your case will be denied / approval revoked. NOIDs typically allow 30-33 days; NOIRs vary. For ASC (Application Support Center) biometric appointments: reschedule via myUSCIS or call 1-800-375-5283 Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm ET. Rescheduling allowed once or twice without case impact; abuse leads to denial.

H.R.1 / OBBBA effective 2026-05-29 introduced new fees including asylum filing $100 (Form I-589) + Annual Asylum Fee $100. Verify current USCIS fees at uscis.gov/g-1055 (Form G-1055) before filing. USCIS e-Notification (Form G-1145, FREE) sends email/SMS when forms are received — request when filing any USCIS petition.