How Long After RFE Response Until Green Card?

by | Apr 16, 2024

How an RFE Affects Green Card Processing Time

When applying for a U.S. green card, it’s not uncommon to receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An RFE is a formal notice sent by USCIS requesting additional documentation to support your application. This doesn’t mean your case is denied—it simply means USCIS needs more information before making a final decision.

It is critical to respond to the RFE accurately and within the specified deadline to avoid delays or potential denial of your green card application.

If you’ve already submitted your RFE response, you may now be wondering: How long will it take to receive my green card after responding to an RFE? While there’s no universal timeline, several key factors can influence the wait time, including:

  • The complexity of your case

  • The type of immigration benefit you applied for (e.g., family-based green card, employment-based adjustment)

  • The USCIS service center handling your case

  • Overall case backlog and processing volume at USCIS

In this blog post, we’ll break down the factors that impact green card processing time after an RFE response, provide general timelines based on USCIS data, and offer tips on how to monitor your case status online.

Understanding RFE in Green Card Processing

RFE Explained

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice sent by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to a green card applicant when additional evidence is needed to make a decision on their application. RFEs are common, and they are not necessarily a sign of a problem with the application. Rather, they are a way for USCIS officers to obtain additional information to make a well-informed decision.

An RFE notice will provide specific instructions on the evidence required, and the applicant will typically have a limited amount of time to respond. Failure to respond to an RFE can result in the application being denied.

Common Reasons for RFE

There are many reasons why an applicant may receive an RFE notice. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Missing or incomplete information on the application
  • Inconsistent or conflicting information on the application
  • Lack of evidence to support the application
  • Inability to verify information provided on the application

To avoid receiving an RFE, carefully review the application and ensure that all information is complete, accurate, and consistent. You’ll also need to provide all necessary supporting documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.

Timeline After RFE Response Submission

If you have submitted your RFE response to USCIS, you may be wondering how long it will take to receive a decision.

Typical Processing Times

According to our research, the average RFE response processing time is 90 days. However, this processing time can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the USCIS office processing your application.

Factors Affecting RFE Review Time

Several factors can affect the RFE review time, including the complexity of your case, the availability of USCIS staff, and the volume of applications being processed. If your case requires additional review or if USCIS needs additional information from you, this can also extend the processing time.

Following Up with USCIS

If you have submitted your RFE response and have not received a decision within the typical processing time, you may want to follow up with USCIS to check on the status of your case. You can do this by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

What If the USCIS Processing Time Seems Really Long?

If you have not received a decision on your RFE response and the processing time seems unusually long, you may want to consider contacting an immigration attorney for assistance. An attorney can help you navigate the USCIS process and may be able to help expedite your case if necessary.

The timeline after RFE response submission can vary depending on several factors. While the typical processing time is 90 days, this can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the USCIS office processing your application. If you have not received a decision within the typical processing time, you may want to follow up with USCIS or consider contacting an immigration attorney for assistance.

North County Immigration: Escondido & San Diego Immigration Lawyer

Whether you’re preparing a visa application, responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE), or navigating any other immigration process, working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference. At North County Immigration, our team regularly handles complex immigration paperwork and helps clients throughout Escondido, San Diego, and surrounding areas achieve successful outcomes.


Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get trusted legal support for your immigration needs.

By Anna M. Hysell

Ms. Hysell is the founding and managing attorney of North County Immigration. After graduating from law school at the University of Wisconsin and getting several years of experience, Ms. Hysell returned to her native Southern California to open an office in North San Diego County to serve clients from the Bay Area to the Mexican Border. She frequently speaks at law conferences, law schools, and workshops providing training to other lawyers. Ms. Hysell is committed to representing individuals with the resolve, compassion, ethics, and values she believes everyone deserves.