Empowering Your Immigration Journey with Expertise and Dedication
At Moise Law we understand that immigration is more than just paperwork; it’s about building a future, seizing opportunities, and reuniting families. As a dedicated immigration law practice, we are committed to providing personalized, strategic, and compassionate legal services to guide you through the complexities of immigration law.
Why Choose Us?
• Tailored Solutions: We recognize that every client’s situation is unique. Our approach is to listen carefully, understand your goals, and craft a legal strategy tailored specifically to your needs.
• Expertise You Can Trust: With years of experience in immigration law, we possess the knowledge and skills to navigate even the most challenging cases. Whether you’re seeking a work visa, permanent residency, or citizenship, our firm is equipped to handle all aspects of immigration law with precision and care.
• Client-Centric Approach: Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on being approachable, responsive, and attentive to your concerns. We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you are empowered to make informed decisions.
• Proven Track Record: Our success stories speak for themselves. We have helped countless individuals, families, and businesses achieve their immigration goals, and we are ready to do the same for you.
• Comprehensive Services: From family-based immigration to employment visas and deportation defense, our firm offers a full range of immigration services. No matter how complex your case, we have the expertise to guide you through the process.
Our Services
• Family-Based Immigration: Helping families reunite and stay together through family petitions, adjustment of status, and more.
• Employment-Based Immigration: Assisting businesses and individuals with work visas, labor certifications, and employment-based green cards.
• Naturalization and Citizenship: Guiding you through the naturalization process to achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.
• Deportation Defense: Providing aggressive representation to protect your rights and fight for your stay in the U.S.
• Student and Exchange Visas: Supporting students and exchange visitors in obtaining the necessary visas for their educational and cultural exchange programs.
Let’s Get Started
At Moise Law we are more than just legal advisors; we are your partners in achieving your immigration dreams. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and guide you toward a successful outcome.
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards securing your future in the United States.
Feel free to personalize this pitch further with specific details about your practice, such as client testimonials or unique services, to make it even more compelling.
What is an RFE?
What is an RFE? A Clear Guide for Clients and New Practitioners
When navigating the U.S. immigration system, one term that often triggers confusion, stress, or outright panic is the Request for Evidence, commonly known as an RFE. If you’ve received one — or want to help clients avoid them — here’s exactly what it is, what it means, and what to do about it.
What is an RFE?
A Request for Evidence is a formal notice issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when an officer reviewing your immigration petition determines that additional documentation or clarification is needed before a final decision can be made.
Key Facts About RFEs
- It is not a denial: An RFE simply means your application has issues that must be resolved — missing evidence, unclear information, or something that does not meet the eligibility standard.
- It freezes the timeline: When USCIS issues an RFE, the processing clock stops until you respond — within the timeframe given (often 30–87 days, depending on the type).
- It’s your one chance to fix it: If you respond correctly, USCIS will continue processing. If you fail to respond or respond inadequately, your application will likely be denied.
Why Do RFEs Happen?
Common reasons include:
- Missing Initial Evidence: Missing birth or marriage certificate, missing translations, missing financial documents.
- Insufficient Proof: Employer failed to show ability to pay wages in an H-1B; petitioner failed to prove bona fide relationship in a marriage-based case.
- Inconsistencies or Contradictions: Dates that don’t match, prior visa overstay not explained.
- Changing Rules or Discretion: Some RFEs come from policy shifts or stricter reviews for certain visa categories (H-1B, L-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.).
What Happens If You Ignore an RFE?
If you do not respond by the deadline, USCIS will deny the petition outright — usually for failure to prosecute or lack of eligibility. There is no refund and no second chance on the same petition.
What Makes a Strong RFE Response?
- Be Complete — Address every issue USCIS raised, point by point.
- Be Clear — Include clear, labeled exhibits and an organized cover letter explaining how the new evidence resolves each point.
- Be Supported — Use credible third-party documents: affidavits, expert opinions, legal memos if needed.
- Be On Time — Submit before the deadline. USCIS rarely grants extensions.
How Do Experienced Lawyers Handle RFEs?
Proactive Review: Good practitioners don’t just react. They pre-screen cases to identify weak spots before filing, which reduces RFEs.
Precise Framing: They read the RFE as if it were a cross-examination: every word shows what USCIS doubts. Each response is written to cure that doubt.
Strategic Evidence: In complex or high-stakes cases (like H-1B specialty occupation or EB-1 extraordinary ability), practitioners often include expert opinion letters, detailed job descriptions, and wage proofs beyond the basics.
Can You Appeal an RFE Decision?
Technically, you don’t appeal an RFE — you answer it. If your response fails and the petition is denied, you may appeal the denial through:
- Motion to Reopen or Reconsider (Form I-290B)
- Or, for some petitions, file a new application with stronger evidence.
But responding thoroughly the first time is always faster and more cost-effective than fighting a denial later.
Key Takeaway
An RFE is not a death sentence for your case — but it is a warning shot. Handled properly, it’s your chance to close the gaps, reinforce your eligibility, and show USCIS exactly why your case should be approved.
An RFE is your opportunity to rescue your petition — ignore it, and your case dies quietly.
Need Help?
If you or your client received an RFE — especially for high-stakes categories like H-1B, L-1, or marriage-based petitions — it pays to have an experienced immigration strategist review it fast.
Moses Akongui, Esq.
Strategist for Outsiders | Immigration & Federal Systems Clarity
Want a quick RFE rescue audit? Reach out and schedule a consultation or call (817) 938-9083.