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How to Avoid RFE in Your Evaluation Submission | Top Tips & Checklist

Submitting your credentials for a U.S. immigration or educational evaluation is a crucial step toward realizing academic, professional, or personal dreams. However, many applicants encounter a significant obstacle—a Request for Evidence (RFE). An RFE in evaluation submission can delay your application or even result in denial. Understanding how to avoid RFE in evaluation submission is essential for anyone going through the credential evaluation process with USCIS, credential agencies, or educational institutions.

This comprehensive guide explains what triggers RFEs, offers actionable evaluation report tips, and provides a step-by-step evaluation submission guide. You’ll find everything from common RFE mistakes to a practical RFE documentation checklist to help prevent RFE in credential evaluation and ensure your foreign degree evaluation is accepted quickly and smoothly.

What Is an RFE?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a formal notice issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), universities, or credential evaluation agencies when your initial submission does not provide enough proof to make a favorable decision. In simple terms, RFEs are requests for missing, unclear, or insufficient evidence required to continue processing your application. They can relate to green card applications, work visas (such as H-1B), or academic credential evaluations.

RFEs are not automatic denials.

However, an RFE can mean extra stress, delays, and sometimes, even the risk of application denial if not handled correctly.

Why RFEs Matter in Evaluation Submissions

When you submit documents for an academic credential evaluation or foreign degree evaluation as part of your immigration or university application, receiving an RFE can increase costs, cause deadlines to be missed, and potentially harm your chances of approval. Recent changes in USCIS policy now allow officers to deny some petitions outright without issuing an RFE, especially if critical evidence is missing, leading to higher stakes for incomplete submissions. Avoiding RFEs—especially in evaluation submission—is more important than ever.

Common Reasons for Receiving an RFE

Minimizing the risk of RFE begins with understanding what typically prompts one. The following are the most frequent triggers:

Incomplete Documentation

Missing documents are the number one cause of RFEs in evaluation submission. Required records, such as official transcripts, degree certificates, or translations, must be included for all institutions attended. Sometimes applicants overlook secondary documents, such as course descriptions, graduation certificates, or name change evidence.

Unclear or Unofficial Transcripts

Submitting transcripts that are uncertified, not in a sealed envelope when required, or copies instead of originals (when originals are requested) often results in RFEs. Handwritten, incomplete, or unclear academic records are generally not accepted.

Insufficient Academic Equivalency Proof

If your foreign degrees are not evaluated to their U.S. equivalents by a recognized and accredited credential evaluator, this can lead to an RFE. Sometimes, the evaluation report lacks a clear U.S. degree equivalency statement, or the reviewer is not sufficiently qualified (AAE Evaluations).

Missing Course Descriptions or Syllabi

For certain fields, especially technical, medical, or regulated professions, agencies may ask for course descriptions or syllabi to determine equivalency. Failing to submit detailed course content can lead to further requests.

Pre-Submission Checklist

A robust checklist can help you prevent RFE in credential evaluation by ensuring every required document is ready and correctly formatted.

Official Academic Records

Sealed, official transcripts from every institution attended
Degree or diploma certificates (for every degree to be evaluated)
Certified mark sheets (showing all subjects and grades, semester-by-semester, if appropriate)

Certified Translations (If Applicable)

All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation
Include the translator’s signed certification verifying competency and accuracy (USCIS Policy Manual)

Credential Evaluation Requirements

Pick the right evaluation: course-by-course (detailed), document-by-document (basic), or specialized reports for licensure/employment
Follow the evaluation agency’s document list precisely

Degree Verification

Some agencies require direct degree verification from the issuing university
Initiate official verifications as early as possible, as some universities take weeks or months to respond

Understanding Evaluation Agency Standards

Choosing the Right Evaluation Agency

Select an agency recognized by the organization you’re applying to (e.g., USCIS, NACES, AICE)
For immigration, ensure the agency is accepted by USCIS & relevant professional boards
For academic admission, check university-specific requirements

Agency-Specific Guidelines

Each agency may require different supporting evidence, formats, or methods of submission. For example:

Some require original documents; others accept certified copies
Some need documents sent directly from schools; others allow student submissions
Additional forms or third-party verification services may be required

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Evaluators

Use only agencies on official accredited lists (e.g., NACES, AICE)
Submitting reports from non-accredited companies is a common cause of credential evaluation RFE

Documentation Best Practices

Properly Formatting Your Submission

Follow all agency formatting guidelines—font size, file types, order of documents, and labeling
Group documents logically (transcripts with degrees, translations immediately following originals)
Avoid staples or punched holes if sending by mail

What Not to Include

Irrelevant certificates (non-academic, extracurricular, etc.), unless specifically requested
Uncertified or partial translations
Photos or scans of poor quality (blurry, shadowed, cropped)

Tips for Scanning and Uploading Documents

Use 300 DPI or better for clarity
Save files as PDFs or high-resolution images per agency guidelines
Ensure every page, seal, and signature is clearly visible

Communication with the Evaluator

Asking Clarifying Questions Before Submitting

Don’t hesitate to contact the evaluation agency if any requirement is unclear
Ask for sample templates or clarification on acceptable documents

Responding Promptly to Follow-Up Requests

Check your email (including spam) regularly after submitting
Include all additional requested documents in a single, timely response package to avoid piecemeal review

Special Cases

Foreign Degrees from Non-Recognized Institutions

If your degree is from a university not recognized by the U.S. or international education authorities, prepare to supply additional evidence—such as ministry of education attestation, faculty lists, accreditation details

Professional Experience Submissions

For H-1B or EB-2 NIW visas, sometimes work experience can substitute for formal education.
Submit detailed experience letters specifying job duties, duration, and skills, preferably on company letterhead and signed by authorized personnel.
If using work experience for academic equivalency, secure expert opinion letters from qualified evaluators or professors (AAE Evaluations)

Incomplete or Ongoing Degrees

If you left a program unfinished, provide transcripts and explanatory letters about non-completion
School withdrawal documents can help clarify your academic history and avoid future RFE

How to Respond if You Receive an RFE

Even with the best planning, you may still get an RFE in evaluation submission. Here’s what to do:

Interpreting the Request Clearly

Read the RFE letter carefully—note each document or piece of information requested
Review the specific eligibility or evidence standard that was cited

Gathering Additional Evidence

Supply original or certified copies of new evidence
Include a cover letter explaining what you are sending and how it addresses the RFE
For unavailable documents (e.g., no birth certificate), submit secondary evidence (such as affidavits, government non-availability letters, school records), per USCIS guidelines

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Your Response

Do not ignore or partially answer any part of the RFE
Send all requested materials in one package unless otherwise instructed
Respond before the stated deadline (typically 60-90 days)—late responses are not accepted

Tips from Experts

Insider Advice from Evaluation Professionals

Evaluation agencies and attorneys emphasize these proactive steps:

Double-check every item on the RFE documentation checklist before hitting submit
Anticipate questions—add explanatory notes if your academic history has unusual features
Use only certified translations and qualified credential evaluators

“Often, RFEs result from unintentional omissions or misunderstandings. Taking time to review agency instructions and seeking clarification before submission can save weeks of delay.”
— AAE Evaluations

Real-Life RFE Examples and How They Were Resolved

Example 1:
An applicant for H-1B submits an evaluation of a three-year foreign bachelor’s degree. The report does not specify equivalency to a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree. USCIS issues an RFE asking for clarification.
Resolution: The applicant obtained an addendum evaluation, supported by experience letters, that equated three years of Indian university plus three years of professional experience to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The RFE was cleared and the visa approved.

Example 2:
A family-based green card applicant submitted a birth certificate without a certified translation. USCIS issued an RFE requiring a translation and proof from the government that no official birth record exists in the home country.
Resolution: The applicant provided a certified translation and affidavits from both parents, as well as a non-availability certificate from the foreign authority, fully satisfying the RFE(USCIS Checklist).

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Preparing a Strong Submission

A successful credential evaluation submission starts with meticulous attention to detail. Understanding how to avoid RFE in evaluation submission not only saves time and stress but can make the difference between seeing your career dreams realized or delayed. Use the evaluation submission guide and RFE documentation checklist provided here, work with reputable and accredited evaluators, and communicate proactively with credential agencies to stay ahead.

If you do encounter an RFE, address it thoroughly and promptly, drawing on expert tips and following best practices for supplemental documentation. Taking these proactive steps will help you prevent RFE in credential evaluation and position your application for a smooth approval.

Resources for Further Guidance

For more in-depth guidance, consult with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited evaluation professional with extensive experience handling RFE immigration cases and academic credential evaluation.

FAQ

Q: What is an RFE in evaluation submission?
A: It is a formal request from USCIS or a credential evaluation agency for additional evidence after your initial document submission is found insufficient.

Q: How can I avoid RFE USCIS issues with my credential evaluation?
A: Carefully follow all agency or USCIS requirements, submit complete and certified documentation, and double-check your application with an RFE documentation checklist.

Q: What if my degree is from a non-accredited or foreign institution?
A: Be prepared to supply extra evidence of legitimacy, such as government recognition documents, faculty lists, or expert opinion letters.

Q: What’s the most common mistake that leads to credential evaluation RFE?
A: Missing or incomplete documents, lack of certified translations, and using non-recognized evaluation agencies are the biggest causes.

Q: Can professional experience be counted towards academic equivalency?
A: For some immigration categories (like H-1B), significant professional experience may substitute for formal education if properly documented and evaluated by a qualified expert.

Q: What should I do if I receive an RFE?
A: Read the notice carefully, gather all requested documents and evidence, and submit the response promptly and in one package.

Q: Is it necessary to use an accredited evaluator?
A: Yes, always use NACES or AICE-recognized evaluators for USCIS and most academic or professional purposes to avoid credential evaluation RFEs.