Key Takeaways
• USCIS no longer requires additional evidence after sending a Cancellation Notice for a prior RFE as of July 10, 2025.
• Cancellation Notices apply to all USCIS applications including green cards, work permits, family and employment visas.
• Applicants should stop sending evidence after cancellation and continue monitoring their case status online.
When you check your immigration case status online and see a message that says “Cancellation Notice for Request for Additional Evidence,” it can be confusing and even a little worrying. Many applicants wonder what this means for their case, what they should do next, and whether this is a good or bad sign for their immigration journey. This update explains what this status means, who it affects, what actions you should take, and what it could mean for your pending application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Summary of What Changed
As of July 10, 2025, USCIS continues its practice of sometimes sending a “Cancellation Notice” after previously issuing a Request for Additional Evidence (RFE). This notice means that USCIS has decided it no longer needs the extra documents or information it asked for in the RFE. The agency will now move forward with your application using the documents and information you already provided.
This update is not the result of a new law or a major policy change. Instead, it reflects ongoing efforts by USCIS to make its review process more efficient and to avoid unnecessary delays for applicants. The main change is that, if you receive a cancellation notice, you do not need to send in the extra evidence that was originally requested in the RFE. Your case will continue to be processed based on what you have already submitted.
Who Is Affected
This update affects anyone who has received a Request for Additional Evidence (RFE) from USCIS and then later receives a “Cancellation Notice” for that RFE. This can include people applying for:
- Green cards (permanent residency)
- Work permits
- Family-based visas
- Employment-based visas
- Citizenship (naturalization)
- Other immigration benefits handled by USCIS
It does not matter what type of application you filed. If you received an RFE and then a cancellation notice, this information applies to you.
Effective Dates
The practice of sending cancellation notices for RFEs is ongoing and is not tied to a specific new rule or regulation. If you receive a cancellation notice at any time, including after July 10, 2025, the guidance in this update applies to your case.
What Is a Request for Additional Evidence (RFE)?
A Request for Additional Evidence, or RFE, is a formal notice from USCIS. It means that the officer reviewing your application needs more information or documents to decide your case. Common reasons for an RFE include:
- Missing documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or proof of employment)
- Outdated or unclear evidence
- Questions about your eligibility for the benefit you are seeking
When you get an RFE, you are usually given a deadline (often 30 to 90 days) to send in the requested evidence. If you do not respond by the deadline, your application can be denied.
What Does a Cancellation Notice for an RFE Mean?
A “Cancellation Notice for Request for Additional Evidence” means that USCIS has changed its mind about needing the extra documents or information it asked for in the RFE. This can happen for several reasons:
- The officer reviewing your case found the needed information in your original application or in other records.
- The RFE was sent by mistake.
- New guidance or a supervisor’s review showed that the extra evidence was not actually required.
It is important to understand that a cancellation notice does NOT mean your application is denied. Instead, it means your case will move forward based on the documents and information you already provided.
Why Would USCIS Cancel an RFE?
There are a few common reasons why USCIS might cancel an RFE:
- Sufficient Evidence Already Provided: Sometimes, after sending an RFE, the officer realizes that the original application actually included all the needed information.
- Internal Review or Correction: Supervisors or quality control teams may review cases and find that an RFE was issued in error.
- Updated Policies or Guidance: USCIS may update its rules or instructions, making some types of evidence unnecessary.
- Duplicate or Overlapping Requests: If you have multiple applications or petitions, USCIS might find the needed evidence in another file.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Cancellation Notice?
If you receive a cancellation notice for an RFE, here are the steps you should take:
1. Read the Notice Carefully
– Make sure the cancellation notice is for your case and matches the RFE you received.
– Check for any instructions or next steps in the notice.
2. Do Not Send the Requested Evidence
– If the notice says the RFE is canceled, you do not need to send the documents or information that were requested in the original RFE.
– Sending extra documents after a cancellation notice is usually not necessary and may cause confusion.
3. Monitor Your Case Status
– Keep checking your case status online at the official USCIS Case Status page.
– Watch for any new updates, decisions, or requests from USCIS.
4. Keep Records
– Save copies of the RFE, the cancellation notice, and any other communication from USCIS.
– These documents may be helpful if you need to talk to an immigration lawyer or if there are questions about your case later.
5. Seek Legal Advice if Unsure
– If you are confused or worried about what the cancellation notice means, consider speaking with an immigration attorney.
– A lawyer can review your case and help you understand your options.
Implications for Pending Applications
Receiving a cancellation notice for an RFE can feel like a relief, but it is natural to have questions about what happens next. Here’s what you can expect:
- Your application will continue to be processed. USCIS will make a decision based on the documents and information you already provided.
- You may receive a decision soon. Since no more evidence is needed, USCIS may be close to making a final decision on your case.
- You could still receive other requests. In rare cases, USCIS might find a different issue and send another RFE or notice. However, this is not common once a cancellation notice has been sent.
- No negative impact from the cancellation. Getting a cancellation notice does not hurt your case. It simply means USCIS has enough information to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cancellation Notice a Good Sign?
– Yes, in most cases, a cancellation notice is a positive sign. It means USCIS has what it needs to make a decision and you do not need to worry about gathering more documents for that RFE.
Does a Cancellation Notice Mean My Application Will Be Approved?
– Not necessarily. While it means your case is moving forward, the final decision will depend on whether you meet all the requirements for the benefit you are seeking.
Can I Still Send in the Evidence if I Want To?
– No, you should not send in the evidence requested in the canceled RFE. USCIS has already decided it does not need it.
What If I Already Sent the Evidence Before Getting the Cancellation Notice?
– If you already mailed the documents before receiving the cancellation notice, USCIS will add them to your file. There is no penalty for sending them early.
What If I Get Another RFE After the Cancellation Notice?
– While rare, it is possible to receive another RFE if USCIS finds a different issue with your application. If this happens, follow the instructions in the new RFE.
How Can I Check My Case Status?
– You can check your case status online using your receipt number at the USCIS Case Status Online page.
What If I Missed the Cancellation Notice?
– If you missed the notice or are unsure about your case status, log in to your USCIS online account or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
What Should Employers or Sponsors Do?
– If you are an employer or sponsor who received an RFE for a worker or family member and then get a cancellation notice, you do not need to send the requested evidence. Continue to monitor the case and be ready to respond if USCIS sends any new requests.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Maria applied for a green card based on marriage. She received an RFE asking for more proof of her marriage, such as joint bank statements and photos. Before she could gather the documents, she received a cancellation notice from USCIS. Maria checked her case status online and saw that her application was still being processed. She did not send any more documents and, a few weeks later, received an approval notice. In Maria’s case, the cancellation notice meant that USCIS found enough evidence in her original application to make a decision.
What Should You Watch Out For?
- Scams: Be careful of fake emails or phone calls claiming to be from USCIS. Always check your case status through the official USCIS website.
- Deadlines: If you receive a new RFE after a cancellation notice, pay close attention to the deadline for responding.
- Official Forms: If you need to submit any forms in the future, always use the latest version from the official USCIS Forms page.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government resources. You can:
- Check your case status at USCIS Case Status Online
- Find official forms at USCIS Forms
- Read about RFEs and other notices at USCIS RFE Information
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for help with your case
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that receiving a cancellation notice for a Request for Additional Evidence is generally a positive development for applicants. It means that USCIS is moving forward with your application and that you do not need to worry about gathering more documents for that specific request. However, it is still important to stay alert, keep good records, and be ready to respond if USCIS contacts you again.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- A cancellation notice for an RFE means you do not need to send the requested evidence.
- Your application will move forward based on what you already submitted.
- Keep checking your case status and save all notices from USCIS.
- If you have questions or concerns, consider speaking with an immigration attorney.
- Always use official USCIS resources for information and forms.
By staying informed and following these steps, you can feel more confident about your immigration process and know what to expect if you receive a cancellation notice for a Request for Additional Evidence. Remember, USCIS’s goal is to process your application as fairly and quickly as possible, and a cancellation notice is usually a sign that your case is moving forward.
Learn Today
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration applications and benefits.
Request for Additional Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS notice asking for more documents or information to decide an immigration case.
Cancellation Notice → An official USCIS message canceling a prior Request for Additional Evidence, no further documents needed.
Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent residency to non-U.S. citizens allowing them to live and work in the U.S.
Naturalization → The legal process through which a non-citizen acquires U.S. citizenship.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS now issues Cancellation Notices canceling previous RFEs, meaning no additional evidence is required. This change streamlines processing and reduces delays. Applicants affected should not submit requested documents but keep monitoring their case online. This update applies from July 10, 2025, benefiting green card, visa, and citizenship applicants alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
