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What does it mean to receive a Request for Evidence after the interview?

An RFE after the interview is not a denial: it is USCIS requesting additional documents to decide on your EB-2 NIW. Respond thoroughly, in an organized manner, and within the deadline stated in the notice.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 15, 2026
1 min read
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Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) means that the USCIS needs additional information or documents to complete the review of your petition, including in cases such as the EB-2 NIW. It is important to understand from the start: an RFE is not a denial. It is a common step when the officer determines that the submitted documentation does not yet support a final decision.

In practice, the RFE identifies the points that need to be clarified, which may involve:

  • Evidence of qualifications and educational background.
  • Professional experience and career trajectory.
  • Publications, recognitions, or other elements that support the petition.

The key is to respond thoroughly, in an organized manner, and within the deadline stated in the notice itself. A clear response that addresses each requested item and includes certified translations when necessary helps USCIS form a more complete picture of your profile.

Because the RFE response often carries significant weight in the outcome, it is worth reviewing the updated guidelines on the USCIS website and considering support from a specialist to prepare a strong response that avoids errors that could jeopardize your case.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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What does it mean to receive a Request for Evidence after the interview?

An RFE after the interview is not a denial: it is USCIS requesting additional documents to decide on your EB-2 NIW. Respond thoroughly, in an organized manner, and within the deadline stated in the notice.

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