Requests for Evidence

Many people contact my firm for help after they have already filed their own applications and they receive a Request for Evidence.

What is a Request for Evidence?

USCIS issues Requests for Evidence when they determine that your application is deficient for some reason and they want more information to make a decision on your case.

Do I have to respond?

Absolutely. Consider a Request for Evidence as a lifeline. If you do not respond to it, your application will be denied. When you do respond to the Request for Evidence, make sure that you are providing every single item that they have requested, or they may still deny your application. You get one bite at the apple with a Request for Evidence and should always fully comply with the Request for Evidence.

Do I need an attorney to respond to a Request for Evidence?

No, but you may want one. Many times, applicants will not understand why immigration is asking for a specific item and may not provide enough information to have the application approved. If you receive a Request for Evidence, I would heavily recommend seeking a consultation with an immigration attorney to make sure that you fully comply with the Request for Evidence. A consultation will be much less expensive than starting the process over again once your application has been denied. A consultation may also help you to discover that you have an issue of law that you need an attorney to argue on your behalf, or alternatively, you may want to hire an attorney to attend a second interview, if it is required.

Changing your address with USCIS

The most important thing in immigration is to make sure that you change your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving. It does not matter if you change your address with the United States Postal Service, you must change your address with USCIS. You can do this online, or with a paper copy of the AR-11 form. This form can be found on the USCIS website here: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11. If you do not change your address and you are placed in removal proceedings, you may be ordered removed from the United States in your absence. This can create huge obstacles for your path to staying in the United States. Therefore, until you become a United States citizen, always change your address with USCIS!

Contact Courtney Soria at 561-318-3600 to schedule a consultation today!