RFE

[ZnM 8]

Hello Everyone!

So much like everyone else, one of my main fears when I started this process was that my case would be delayed due to some random reason. I started my process in October (applying for my husband). We have been married for 2 years- February11th, 2014 (will be 3 years this coming February). We lived apart for 1 year after getting married and I visited him once during that year. I moved to the UAE to live with my husband in October 2015. I thought our case was pretty strong because it's clear that my marriage is no scam. We have been married for a sufficient amount of time and I even gave up my American lifestyle to live here with him in the UAE.

I know I am fairly new as I have literally just begun my visa journey. But today I checked my case status and it mentioned that I will be sent a RFE, for further evidence. Should I be worried? Is this a red flag? I have even hired a lawyer to do all of the paperwork on my behalf so I wouldn't have to worry about the paperwork being filled out incorrectly and ultimately delaying the process even more. The goal was (obviously) to get this process over with smoothly and quickly! Any advice from you all will be extremely comforting! Thank you!!!

[A'n'L 735]

An RFE is not necessarily a bad thing, it is USCIS giving you an opportunity to supply information that they need - but that you (in your case your lawyer) did not initially supply. There can be many reasons for an RFE, from something as simple as a missing tickmark or signature - to missing documents (birth/marriage/divorce certificates) or evidence of bona fide marriage. It is impossible for anybody here to guess what could be missing in your case, unless you could give us a full list of the documents supplied.

Also, to be frank, we see it time and time again that lawyers screw up cases by not being diligent enough when revising documents and filing requirements. This site is DIY, and we believe that most people do not need professional help to fill in forms about themselves. If it was a fault of your lawyer that you got an RFE, I would advice that you request a (partial) refund of the fee you've paid him. Unless you have major legal problems on your case (criminal history etc), I would also consider going lawyerless for the remainder of the process. This site is super helpful, with standardised guides and highly experienced members to assist.

[ZnM 8]

Thank you for your reply! If this is a mistake by my lawyer I will be veryyyy upset! I made a point to tell him in each and every email that I want to avoid all or any kind of delay. So if this is a mistake on his part I will be very annoyed. I sent my lawyer all the documents that are listed on the checklist. Ex. i-130, g-325, copy of original birth certificates, copy of an attested/translated original marriage certificate, passport sized photo, proof of bonafide marriage (many pictures of all of the ceremonies leading up to my wedding, and candid pictures taken together throughout the 2 years) etc etc all of the basic documents that are required. Along with this, I also sent a full copy of my entire passport and husbands passport. Although, I will be honest I do not know what the lawyer included in the package when he sent it to the USCIS office. My husband and I are both clear of any criminal history. None whatsoever.

But I will find out and let you know! This site really is helpful! I am so greatfull to all those who share their stories and especially those who take time to calm my nerves! haha

An RFE is not necessarily a bad thing, it is USCIS giving you an opportunity to supply information that they need - but that you (in your case your lawyer) did not initially supply. There can be many reasons for an RFE, from something as simple as a missing tickmark or signature - to missing documents (birth/marriage/divorce certificates) or evidence of bona fide marriage. It is impossible for anybody here to guess what could be missing in your case, unless you could give us a full list of the documents supplied.

Also, to be frank, we see it time and time again that lawyers screw up cases by not being diligent enough when revising documents and filing requirements. This site is DIY, and we believe that most people do not need professional help to fill in forms about themselves. If it was a fault of your lawyer that you got an RFE, I would advice that you request a (partial) refund of the fee you've paid him. Unless you have major legal problems on your case (criminal history etc), I would also consider going lawyerless for the remainder of the process. This site is super helpful, with standardised guides and highly experienced members to assist.

[agripa 100]

proof of bonafide marriage (many pictures of all of the ceremonies leading up to my wedding, and candid pictures taken together throughout the 2 years) etc etc all of the basic documents that are required

Did you provide anything besides pictures? Evidence of communication? Evidence of travelling to see each other? Evidence of financial co-mingling?

Although, I will be honest I do not know what the lawyer included in the package when he sent it to the USCIS office.

You have a right to see what your laywer sent in your application. Please contact him/her and make sure you get a copy.

Edited December 7, 2016 by agripa

[Ezy_and_Oghene 10]

I applied the same month I got married which was earlier this year. I sent to USCIS, all documents, copies of our wedding certificate, photographs, and our wedding photos about 10. Our case was completed at USCIS in 35 days with no RFE.

I sent the same thing to NVC but they asked for a police report I forgot to throw in. So an RFE will only deny your case and they will keep asking for something they need to approve your case. It's no big deal. Just prepare everything and send it at once.

[ZnM 8]

Thank you for your reply! I am waiting for the letter to be mailed to my house to know exactly what they are looking for as far as evidence. I will put it together and send it asap.

How was your case completed in 35 days? Can you give me any advice on what you did that made your case completed in such a short amount of time?

I also sent the same docs as you. I am glad yours didnt take so long. This waiting part is terribly nerve wrecking!

I applied the same month I got married which was earlier this year. I sent to USCIS, all documents, copies of our wedding certificate, photographs, and our wedding photos about 10. Our case was completed at USCIS in 35 days with no RFE.

I sent the same thing to NVC but they asked for a police report I forgot to throw in. So an RFE will only deny your case and they will keep asking for something they need to approve your case. It's no big deal. Just prepare everything and send it at once.

[Ezy_and_Oghene 10]

Thank you for your reply! I am waiting for the letter to be mailed to my house to know exactly what they are looking for as far as evidence. I will put it together and send it asap.

How was your case completed in 35 days? Can you give me any advice on what you did that made your case completed in such a short amount of time?

I also sent the same docs as you. I am glad yours didnt take so long. This waiting part is terribly nerve wrecking!

Hi,

I made it easier for USCIS by sending the following:

Photocopies of our marriage certificate, photocopies of our documents - passport, birth certificate etc. 2 passport photos in color each with our passport number written at the back, a copletely filled out application and biographic forms, about ten photographs of our wedding showing important details like group photo of my family, my husband and I signing the documents, friends and family etc. I sent all these in one envelop on 3/24/16 and case was approved on 5/6/16. It could be luck but I think preparing those FAQ documents helped in speeding the process.

Edited December 12, 2016 by Ezy_and_Oghene

[JFH 12,191]

Thank you for your reply! I am waiting for the letter to be mailed to my house to know exactly what they are looking for as far as evidence. I will put it together and send it asap.

How was your case completed in 35 days? Can you give me any advice on what you did that made your case completed in such a short amount of time?

I also sent the same docs as you. I am glad yours didnt take so long. This waiting part is terribly nerve wrecking!

Your case is actually moving quite fast compared to others. Ours took 164 days to be approved with no RFE. Having an RFE two months after you filed is very good - your case has been touched already. Ours was not touched for over 5 months. But that was Nebraska who work a lot slower than Texas anyway. Different service centres work at different speeds. The good news is that once they receive your RFE response and they are happy with it it is usually only another 4 weeks or so to be approved. Edited December 12, 2016 by JFH

[ZnM 8]

You just made my day! thank you. I hope you are right! I hope it's a quick process. I tend to think of the worst case scenario and then worry myself. I am just waiting for the letter to see what they ask for. Will keep you all posted. Thanks again!!

Your case is actually moving quite fast compared to others. Ours took 164 days to be approved with no RFE. Having an RFE two months after you filed is very good - your case has been touched already. Ours was not touched for over 5 months. But that was Nebraska who work a lot slower than Texas anyway. Different service centres work at different speeds. The good news is that once they receive your RFE response and they are happy with it it is usually only another 4 weeks or so to be approved.

[ZnM 8]

I wish I had donen all of that. But i'm very glad it wasn't a lengthy wait time for you. wishing you the best!!

Hi,

I made it easier for USCIS by sending the following:

Photocopies of our marriage certificate, photocopies of our documents - passport, birth certificate etc. 2 passport photos in color each with our passport number written at the back, a copletely filled out application and biographic forms, about ten photographs of our wedding showing important details like group photo of my family, my husband and I signing the documents, friends and family etc. I sent all these in one envelop on 3/24/16 and case was approved on 5/6/16. It could be luck but I think preparing those FAQ documents helped in speeding the process.

[ZnM 8]

Hi everyone,

So just to give an update...I received the letter for RFE and it stated that my last name was spelled incorrectly (thanks to the lawyer) how frustrating! But, thankfully the lawyer took care of it right away and my i checked my case status this morning and it says my RFE was received. So I am hoping that they approve my petition soon! Thanks for the update!