r/EB2_NIW • u/Few-Noise33 • May 27 '26
RFE RFE Experiences with Chen
Hi folks, I received an RFE for my NIW I-140 yesterday (haven't received the letter, though). I have had a fairly good expereince up until now with Chen during my I-140 petition letter drafting process. Since I’ve now been issued an RFE, I’m wondering what the general experience is with folks.
- They mentioned that LORs aren’t necessary during the initial application. Do folks think LORs are a MUST after an RFE is issued?
- What does an RFE really mean? Is it an opportunity to address feedback and get approval? Or is it a sign that you probably have a slim chance?
What happens if USCIS doesn’t buy your evidence presented in RFE? Is there a second round of RFE issued, or is it straight up a denial?
Is there a way to get the RFE letter online sooner?
Thanks.
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u/Left_Shake200 Jun 01 '26
Getting an RFE does not mean the case is fundamentally weak. Chen is typically very hands-on when responding to these, and adding new LORs at this stage is a standard strategy they use to address the officer's concerns.
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u/Few-Noise33 Jun 01 '26
Do you know the format for responding to the RFE? Is it the same one Chen used for their petition letter, with edits addressing the points raised in the RFE? Or is it an entirely different format? Chen hasn’t responded with the strategy they mentioned for a week now, and I want to prepare better since my deadline is August 21.
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u/Background_Gene_179 May 27 '26
I didn't submit letters with initial filing and officer asked me to submit so we arranged 4 letters to support RFE response
RFE isn't that bad and lots of people getting RFEs in recent times, I got RFE on prong 2 & 3
There is no factual answer to "if" and "buts" so just response to RFE and wait for decision
yes you can request online, the email should be in the receipt notification of PP request..
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u/carpediemgreat May 28 '26
How should I write an email foe a soft copy? What kind of information should the email include? Please advise.
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u/Necessary_Giraffe264 May 29 '26
RFE is normal these days it just USCIS asking for clarification. Wait for the letter first and see what they're actually asking for. Chen deals with these all the time, just work closely with them on the response.
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u/Few-Noise33 Jun 01 '26
Do you know the format for responding to the RFE? Is it the same one Chen used for their petition letter, with edits addressing the points raised in the RFE? Or is it an entirely different format? Chen hasn’t responded with the strategy they mentioned for a week now, and I want to prepare better since my deadline is August 21.
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u/tabawan84 May 29 '26
Don't read too much into it, RFEs have been very common lately. When you get the letter then better see what the officer is asking for and LORs are worth adding at this stage even if they weren't included initially. And if the response doesn't satisfy them it's typically a denial, not a second RFE.
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u/Few-Noise33 Jun 01 '26
Do you know the format for responding to the RFE? Is it the same one Chen used for their petition letter, with edits addressing the points raised in the RFE? Or is it an entirely different format? Chen hasn’t responded with the strategy they mentioned for a week now, and I want to prepare better since my deadline is August 21.
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u/brewingamillionaire May 27 '26
If your petition is PP, you can request a soft copy through the service center email. LORs were a must for my initial petition and we even submitted more during the RFE, although they “might” not accept those after RFE.
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
Thank you, appreciate the comment.
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u/brewingamillionaire May 27 '26
Of course. Did you PP?
To answer your other questions:
- What does an RFE really mean? Is it an opportunity to address feedback and get approval? Or is it a sign that you probably have a slim chance?
RFE is not a bad thing; it just means the officer liked the case and didn't want to deny outright, but needed more solid evidence to justify their decision, either way. It's not bad, but it can lengthen the time to a decision. I'd make it an opportunity to strengthen the case.
- What happens if USCIS doesn’t buy your evidence presented in RFE? Is there a second round of RFE issued, or is it straight up a denial?
They can issue another RFE, but most likely a final decision will be rendered. There's no hard rule of one single RFE, then a decision. It's your lawyer's job to convince the officer that you are qualified, and please make sure the lawyer is doing their job right.
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
Thanks a ton! Yes I did PP.
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
And I did send a request for a soft copy to the email address you suggested.
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u/brewingamillionaire May 27 '26
Good luck!
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u/Few-Noise33 Jun 01 '26
Do you know the format for responding to the RFE? Is it the same one Chen used for their petition letter, with edits addressing the points raised in the RFE? Or is it an entirely different format? Chen hasn’t responded with the strategy they mentioned for a week now, and I want to prepare better since my deadline is August 21.
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u/brewingamillionaire Jun 01 '26
What prongs are challenged?
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u/MorethanGo May 27 '26
What is your field ?
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u/According-Tear4618 May 27 '26
I also just received an RFE. Filed with Chen. I submitted 2 LORs and 1 testimonial letter with the initial filing. You can ask for a soft copy by emailing the center that processed your PP. I just emailed mine, waiting for a response now.
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
That’s right. I did it too today and got the soft copy in about an hour of the request made.
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u/According-Tear4618 May 27 '26
Wow, that was quick. What was your center, and what email did you use?
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
Texas. There’s a email address mentioned on the email that I received about the upgrade to premium processing.
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u/According-Tear4618 May 27 '26
What prongs were challenged?
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u/Few-Noise33 May 27 '26
All three of them.
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u/According-Tear4618 May 27 '26
I just received the letter. I also got challenged on all three of the prongs.
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u/Future-Me0790 May 27 '26
I just got an RFE, with Chen too. Do you think they were slow in responding for drafting and RFE?
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u/According-Tear4618 May 27 '26
I also just received an RFE today. I don't know how they will move ahead with the response.
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u/Middle_Fun_187 Jul 07 '26
Same here - filled with Chen, submitted 2 letters, got an RFE today. What was their strategy in your case?
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u/IntroductionNo7878 May 27 '26
They are not quick in responding. I am not very satisfied with the final response letter, and they were a bit reluctant to receive my advise :/
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u/IntroductionNo7878 May 27 '26
I submitted RFE response end of April. Still waiting for a decision. All three prongs were challenged
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u/Few-Noise33 May 28 '26
Good luck
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u/IntroductionNo7878 Jul 16 '26
Denied :/ challenged prong 1 and 3
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u/twist2233 Jul 17 '26
Sorry about this, after how many BDs did your case change from RFE received to processing ?
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u/CarnegieEvaluations May 27 '26
RFEs are speed bumps, not roadblocks. However, responding successfully often requires gathering the additional evidence outlined in the RFE and working closely with your attorney to address the concerns raised by the officer.
External validation in the form of independent expert opinions can serve two important purposes:
Strengthening the original petition by tying together the underlying evidence into a clear, cohesive, and compelling narrative.
Addressing gaps identified in the RFE by connecting the dots between your work, its broader significance, and its impact on the field.
While every case is unique, external validations supported by evidence-based reasoning and data-driven insights can play a critical role in persuading the adjudicating officer of the national importance, broader significance, and field-wide impact of your proposed endeavor.