How Long After RFE Response Until Green Card?

by | Apr 16, 2024

When applying for a green card, it is not uncommon to receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An RFE is a notice sent by USCIS requesting additional evidence to support an application. It is important to respond to the RFE in a timely and thorough manner to avoid any delays or potential denials of the application.

If you have already submitted your RFE response, you may be wondering how long it will take to receive your green card. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question as the processing time can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case and the workload of the USCIS office processing the application. However, there are some general timelines that can give you an idea of what to expect.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that can affect the processing time of a green card application after an RFE response has been submitted. We will also provide some general timelines based on USCIS data and share some tips on how to check the status of your application.

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

When completing your immigration paperwork, such as a visa application or completing an RFE, working with an immigration lawyer can help be a great help. At North County Immigration, we handle this type of paperwork on a regular basis. If you’d like us to help with your immigration paperwork or other immigration issues, contact us today to schedule a consultation.