RFE and NOID help
Got an RFE or NOID? Here is what to do next
An RFE asks for more evidence. A NOID says USCIS plans to deny unless you answer. Both have firm deadlines that cannot be extended. Here is what they mean, what to do this week, and what our help costs.
Last checked September 2026 · Sources
- RFE deadline
- Up to 84 days
- NOID deadline
- Up to 30 days
- Extensions
- Not allowed
- RFE response pack
- $900 flat
The two notices
RFE and NOID, side by side
The deadline printed on your notice is the one that counts. These are the limits USCIS works within.
| RFE (Request for Evidence) | NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | USCIS needs more evidence before it can decide. | USCIS plans to deny and tells you why. You get one chance to answer. |
| Usual time to respond | 84 days for most forms. 30 days for Forms I-539 and I-601A. | 30 days |
| If the notice came by mail | 3 days are added (up to 87 days) | 3 days are added (up to 33 days) |
| Longest time allowed | 12 weeks (84 days), plus 3 days if mailed | 30 days, plus 3 days if mailed |
| Can you get more time? | No. The rules do not allow extensions. | No. The rules do not allow extensions. |
| If you do not answer in time | USCIS can deny the case as abandoned, on the record, or both. | USCIS can deny the case as abandoned, on the record, or both. |
Sources: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8) and the USCIS Policy Manual.
Know the rules
Four rules that shape your answer
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Send everything at once
All requested material must go in one package, with the original notice. If you send only part of it, USCIS treats that as a request to decide on what it already has.
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You have three choices
Send a full response, send a partial response and ask for a decision, or withdraw the case.
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The evidence must fit the filing date
Your answer must show you were eligible when you first filed. New achievements after filing may not fix an earlier gap.
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A notice is not a denial
USCIS can deny without sending an RFE or NOID. Getting one means you still have a chance to answer.
What to do now
Your first steps this week
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Find the deadline and write it down
TodayLook at the response date on the notice. Count back to leave time for mailing or upload.
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Gather what was filed
Find a full copy of the original petition or application and every notice from USCIS.
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Have an attorney read the notice
The attorney lists each issue USCIS raised and the evidence that answers it.
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Collect the evidence
Letters, records, translations and any expert opinions. Start early. Some documents can take a while to get.
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Write and review the response
The attorney writes a clear answer to each point, backed by the evidence.
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Send it all together, before the deadline
One complete package, with the original notice on top.
Costs
What our help costs
Flat fees, set before you sign. No hourly billing.
| Situation | Our legal fee |
|---|---|
| We filed your case and you get an RFE or NOID | Included in your legal fee |
| RFE on a case filed by you or another firm | $900 RFE response pack |
| NOID on a case filed by you or another firm | Quoted on request, after the attorney reads the notice |
| Second opinion on a notice or a denial | Quoted on request |
| Paid separately in every case | Translations, document requests and any outside expert opinion letters |
NOID responses are quoted on request. The attorney reads your notice first, then gives you a flat quote before you sign.
How we help
What changes when we take over
Responses are written by licensed attorneys at our independent partner firm. Green Card Guide is not a law firm.
Written by a licensed attorney
An attorney at the partner firm writes your response. On cases we filed, a second attorney reviews it too.
A clear plan for each point
You see what USCIS asked and what evidence answers each point.
One place for everything
Your deadline, documents and messages live in the case portal, with unlimited messages to your case team.
A flat price
No hourly billing. You know the legal cost before any work starts.
FAQ
Common worries
No. It means USCIS needs more before it can decide. No one can promise the result. What you can control is a clear, complete answer to every point.
No. The rules do not allow extra time for an RFE or a NOID. That is why it helps to start right away.
USCIS can deny the case as abandoned, deny it based on the record, or both.
Yes. For an RFE, the $900 response pack applies. For a NOID, the attorney reads the notice and gives you a flat quote first.
No. USCIS wants everything in one package. A partial answer is treated as a request to decide on what they already have.
Times vary. If you paid for premium processing, a new premium period starts when USCIS receives your response. For most Form I-129 cases that is 15 business days. Otherwise, check current USCIS processing times.
A motion or appeal on Form I-290B may be possible in some cases, or a new filing. The attorney can review the denial with you.
Sources · checked September 2026
- 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8) to (b)(14): Requests for evidence, NOIDs, responses and failure to respond
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6: Evidence (RFEs and NOIDs)
- USCIS: Form G-1055 Fee Schedule (Form I-290B listing)
- USCIS: How do I request premium processing
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; a partner-firm attorney confirms what applies to you before anything is filed.
