Few things are more frustrating than receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for documentation you know you already included in your original petition. Unfortunately, this situation is becoming increasingly common—petitioners receive generic or template-style RFEs where it’s clear the adjudication officer either overlooked or missed key exhibits. So, what should you do when this happens?
We always encourage clients to consult with an immigration attorney experienced in handling RFEs. However, below are some tips you may find helpful. Remember, it’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Re-submit the Evidence—Yes, Even If You Already Did
While it may feel redundant or even unfair, many immigration attorneys agree that the best course of action is to re-submit the requested documents in your RFE response. Officers often process dozens of petitions under tight deadlines, and the reality is that USCIS adjudication officers have very limited time to review each case. If they don’t see the evidence clearly, or if it’s buried within a poorly organized or overly lengthy document, it’s as if it was never submitted.
We strongly recommend referencing the original submission, but attaching the exhibits again—clearly labeled and easy to locate.
Why This Is Even More Relevant Under the Trump Administration
The current immigration climate has only added to the challenges. Under the Trump administration, government departments are understaffed: for every four people who resign, only one is replaced. As a result, adjudication officers are now working with fewer resources and heavier workloads. That means less time to review your petition and a greater likelihood of errors, missed documents, and RFEs being issued—sometimes automatically.
In this environment, it’s more important than ever to make your petition as clear and easy to process as possible.
Your Business Plan Could Make or Break Your Case
One of the most critical yet overlooked parts of any investor or entrepreneur-based petition is the immigration business plan. A solid business plan is not just a business document—it’s a strategic legal tool. It should be crafted with the adjudicator in mind, not an investor, and must align with immigration expectations.
Unfortunately, we keep seeing business plans written by third parties that fail to speak to their real audience. These plans often include:
Lengthy, redundant narratives
Unnecessary marketing language
Complex financials relevant to investors or bankers
Fluff that wastes the officer’s limited time
This approach backfires.
What adjudication officers need is a clear, concise, and well-structured business plan that highlights the viability of the business and directly addresses the visa’s regulatory criteria. When a business plan is vague, overly long, or irrelevant, it can result in RFEs, NOIRs (Notices of Intent to Revoke), NOIDs (Notices of Intent to Deny), or even outright denials.
A Smart Strategy for a Tough Climate
Now is not the time to take shortcuts. If you’ve received an RFE that repeats requests for documents already provided, take that as a sign: you need to strengthen your petition’s clarity. Talk to your immigration attorney and consider actions like:
Reorganizing exhibits
Highlighting key data in a way that is easy to find
Ensuring your business plan is laser-focused on the officer’s needs
At our firm, we create immigration business plans that balance thoroughness with brevity, are based on realistic projections, and are tailored to support the specific visa type you’re applying for. Everything we write is designed to make the officer’s job easier—because that’s how you get approvals.
If you’ve received a confusing or repetitive RFE, don’t leave your case to chance. Contact us to review your business plan and supporting documentation. A clear, immigration-focused business plan may be the difference between approval and denial—especially in today’s climate.
Let’s make sure your documents are seen, understood, and lead to a successful outcome.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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