Applying for a marriage green card in Ohio can feel stressful, especially when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks for more proof. A Request for Evidence, or RFE, does not always mean the agency plans to deny your application. It usually means an officer needs additional records or clearer information to decide.
Common document gaps that trigger inquiries
USCIS may ask for more evidence when documents are incomplete, outdated or inconsistent. In a marriage-based filing, those gaps often involve your identity, proof of how you entered the United States, a legally recognized marriage and the shared life you are building in Ohio.
Common issues may include:
- Missing certified copies of marriage certificates or prior divorce records
- Incomplete birth certificates, passports or immigration records
- Limited proof of shared finances or housing, such as joint bank statements, utility bills, lease agreements or insurance records
- Foreign-language documents without certified translations
These gaps do not always mean your marriage is in doubt, but they can make it harder for USCIS to understand how you and your spouse share daily life.
Financial and medical exam issues
A marriage green card filing often includes Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. If the sponsor’s income is too low, the officer may ask for more financial documents. Depending on the situation, that could include tax transcripts, pay records, proof of assets, a household member’s income or a joint sponsor.
An RFE can also arise if Form I-693, the immigration medical exam, is missing, incomplete or not submitted as required.
How to answer an RFE before the deadline
If you receive an RFE, read the notice carefully and check the deadline first. USCIS deadlines are strict, and missing the response date may lead to a denial based on an incomplete record. A late response can put the entire case at risk, even if you have the missing records. Gather the exact materials requested, label each item clearly and keep a full copy.
Make your documents easy to review
Answering an RFE is not just about sending more paperwork. It should answer each item in the notice in a clear order, with labels that match what USCIS requested. When your response is easy to follow, the officer does not have to search through unrelated paperwork to find the missing proof.