Experience of Receiving Two RFEs

Hello! I’m Maegami, the author of the blog Goddess Bangs. Today, I would like to share my experience of receiving an RFE.

When applying for an artist visa in the U.S., if there are insufficient documents, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you receive this letter, you’ll need to gather additional documents and submit them within the specified deadline.

maegami

My case was in danger of disapproval.

What is a Request for Evidence?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a letter from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requesting additional documents. The letterhead typically includes information about the missing documents and the reason for the request.

My Experience: 2017 RFE

In 2017, when I tried to extend my visa for three years, I received an RFE from USCIS. The reason was that the documents I submitted were insufficient. At the bottom of the letter, a deadline for submitting the missing documents was indicated. Generally, you are given a few months from the time the letter is issued.

RFE Details

First Request

I applied to extend my visa from one year to three years, but I was notified that the necessary documents were insufficient. The RFE asked me to provide detailed evidence and plans for the next three years.

For example, while I had previously conducted one-on-one piano lessons, I needed to prove my future involvement with educational institutions or collaborations in the business field. It was also required to show career progression under the same employer, such as taking on roles like a manager or coordinator.

My Response to the First RFE

The first RFE was unclear about what exactly was missing. Despite the lack of clarity, I submitted additional documents with more detailed plans. However, I received a second RFE.

Second Request

The second RFE specified that I needed to clearly demonstrate the differences between my past work and my future work over the next three years. This time, it was easier to understand what was required.

My Response to the Second RFE

To address the second RFE, I created documents highlighting the differences between my past and future work. Here’s how I approached it:

• Comparison Essay
  Using my knowledge from university writing classes, I wrote a contrast essay. I explicitly detailed how my future work would differ from my past activities.
• Four Short Essays
  I created four concise comparison essays and had my sponsor (employer) sign them. The signature served as evidence that the content I provided was truthful. By submitting only these four essays, I successfully obtained my three-year visa extension.

Conclusion

Today, I shared my experience of receiving two RFEs from USCIS. Receiving an RFE can be incredibly stressful, but staying calm and responding appropriately will get you through it. I also appreciated the kindness and understanding of the immigration officers during the process. I hope this information helps anyone facing a similar situation.

O-1 past posts

What is Artist visa?