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Josette Keeley Domokos, is a seasoned immigration attorney with vast years of experience as well as the founder of Palo Alto Immigration, located in the San Francisco bay area. Known for her compassionate approach, she has successfully represented clients in a wide range of cases, from family-based petitions to employment visas and asylum claims, making her a respected voice in the field of immigration law.
Josette Keeley Domokos is licensed to provide immigration services throughout the US. You can find more information here.
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) during your immigration application process can be daunting, whether it's for an employment-based or family-based application. However, don't worry too much – RFEs are more common than you might think. Let's walk through how to tackle this challenge like a pro.
First things first, take a deep breath. While RFEs can be intimidating, with the right approach, you can craft a successful response. Here are five key steps to help you navigate this process:
Dive into the RFE
Grab your favorite beverage and give that RFE a thorough read. It's crucial to understand every aspect of what USCIS is requesting. Think of it as solving a puzzle - you need to see all the pieces before you can put them together. Missing even one request could be the difference between approval and denial.
Develop Your Strategy
Now that you understand what's being asked, it's time to plan your response. Take stock of the evidence you already have and identify what you still need to gather. Make a list - staying organized is key here. If USCIS asks for something you included in your original application, it's best to send it again. Arguing with USCIS is rarely productive and could negatively impact the tone of your response.
Gather Your Evidence
Time to collect those documents! Remember, quality and relevance can be more important than quantity. For example, two well-written, specific affidavit letters can be more persuasive than several vague ones. You can read more here. Don't worry if you have documents in another language, we'll address that shortly.
Craft Your Response
Think of your response as telling a story. Use your cover letter as a guide, leading the reader through each piece of evidence. Breaking your response into sections makes it easier to read and helps ensure you haven't missed anything. Aim to make it clear, concise, and compelling!
Meet the Deadline
Nothing ruins a great response like missing the deadline. Submit your package on time. If you need more time due to circumstances beyond your control, such as waiting for court documents, don't hesitate to request an extension. While extensions aren't often granted, it's important to document your efforts to comply with the RFE.
Certified Translation Services?
Now, let’s talk about that multilingual document. Certified translations are very important for responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE) in immigration cases, as they ensure that all non-English documents are accurately translated and legally recognized by USCIS. Without certified translations, your submission may be rejected or delayed, impacting your application process. So make sure to find reliable translation services. With your carefully prepared response and professionally translated documents, you'll be well-equipped to address the RFE effectively. You can find more information here.
Remember, you have the skills and knowledge to handle this. Stay confident, stay organized, and when you're done, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work. You’ve earned it!
RFEs may not be a desired outcome to any application, but by following the path outlined above, you're setting yourself up for success. You've got this!
