What is an H-1B RFE (Request for Evidence)?
H-1B Visa
January 03, 2026
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Answer
📋 Summary:
An RFE is when USCIS needs more information to make a decision on your H-1B petition. Common reasons include specialty occupation questions, degree equivalency, or employer-employee relationship. You typically have 87 days to respond.
RFE (Request for Evidence) is when USCIS needs more information:
- Not a denial: RFE is a request for more documents, not a rejection
- Common reasons: Specialty occupation questions, degree equivalency, employer-employee relationship
- Response time: Typically 87 days to respond (check your RFE notice)
- Must respond: Failure to respond results in denial
Additional Information:
- Work with your attorney to prepare comprehensive response
- Address each point raised in the RFE
- Provide additional evidence and documentation
- Consider premium processing after responding
💡 In Other Words:
An RFE is like the teacher asking for more homework before grading your test. It's not a failure - they just need more information to make a decision. You have time to provide the additional documents, and if you respond well, your petition can still be approved.
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