Responding to USCIS

After you successfully submit your immigration application(s), USCIS could approve your application or send notices/requests. It is critical to respond to USCIS in a timely and complete manner. Having an attorney help you to respond will help ensure USCIS has any information or documents necessary to render a decision on your case. Failing to respond to USCIS appropriately can have a negative impact on your application.

Some of the Requests/Notices from USCIS can include, but aren’t limited to:

Congratulations on making it to the Interview! The interview is a critical step in your application process. The USCIS officer conducting your interview will be looking for evidence to determine the validity of your claim. They will often ask for specific details looking for inconsistencies between your answers, your spouse’s answers, and your submitted forms.

For example, in the case of a Green Card interview through marriage to a U.S. citizen, the officer may ask about the history of your relationship (i.e. how and where you met), your wedding (i.e. dates, names of guests), your daily life, your friends (i.e. what do you all do for fun), your family, your education and your employment.

To prepare for your interview, review your submitted Forms, for example your I-130, I-485, I-864, and/or any other documents you submitted to USCIS. The officer will compare your answers to what you submitted, looking for any inconsistencies.

Applicants should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced attorney for support preparing for their interview and increase the odds of a favorable outcome.

A Request for Evidence (RFE) indicates that USCIS requires additional evidence (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) to render a decision on your case. Applicants typically have 90 days to provide requested documents to USCIS. Applicants should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced attorney for support organizing their evidence in an effective way and to increase the odds of a favorable outcome.

A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) indicates that USCIS intends to deny an application but does not have sufficient evidence. Typically, a NOID includes a request for specific documents to support a decision.

This is NOT an official denial and typically gives applicants 30 days to respond. Applicants should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced attorney for support organizing their evidence in an effective way and to increase the odds of a favorable outcome.

There are several reasons why USCIS may issue a denial notice, ranging from a lack of evidence to suspicion of fraud. In these instances, a denied asylum case is referred to immigration court, where a judge may grant or deny the application.

There are a number of strategies an attorney can use to help you appeal your asylum claim and achieve a favorable outcome. Attorney Habtemariam offers immigration services with a track record of over 15 years of success and invaluable insights as a former USCIS officer.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how Attorney Habtemariam can help you.