How to Avoid an RFE for K-1 and Spouse Visas (CR-1 / IR-1)
A practical guide to submitting a petition that sails through USCIS
An RFE (Request for Evidence) is not a denial — but it slows cases for months and often happens for the same avoidable reasons.
USCIS issues RFEs when officers think:
“This case looks real… but something important is missing.”
This guide shows you exactly what to include for both K-1 fiancé(e) and spouse visas so your petition looks complete the first time.
The #1 Cause of RFEs: Weak Relationship Evidence
USCIS is trained to detect:
- Relationships that started online and look rushed
- Couples who met once
- Generic photos
- Chat logs with no timeline
- Missing proof of ongoing communication
What strong evidence looks like
Submit evidence that shows time, progression, and consistency:
- Photos together across different days, clothes, locations
- Passport stamps from visits
- Boarding passes / itineraries
- Chat logs from the beginning to present (screenshots with dates)
- Video call logs
- Money transfers or gifts
- Engagement proof (for K-1)
- Wedding proof (for CR-1/IR-1)
Make it easy for the officer to “see” your relationship grow.
K-1 Specific RFE Triggers
▪️ Not proving you met in person within 2 years
Fix: Include passport stamps, photos, itineraries, receipts.
▪️ Poor intent-to-marry letters
Fix: Both must sign fresh letters stating intent to marry within 90 days.
▪️ Weak proof of ongoing relationship after meeting
Fix: Show communication after the trip, not just during.
Spouse Visa (CR-1 / IR-1) Specific RFE Triggers
▪️ No proof the marriage is real beyond the certificate
Fix: Provide joint evidence:
- Lease, bills, bank account, insurance, beneficiaries
- Photos with family
- Travel together
▪️ Filing taxes “Married Filing Separately” with no explanation
Fix: Include a short explanation letter and stronger financial commingling.
▪️ Not enough wedding evidence
Fix: Photos, receipts, guest list, venue, messages, planning the wedding.
The #2 Cause of RFEs: Financial Sponsorship Problems (I-864 / I-134)
Officers frequently RFE for:
- Income below requirement
- Missing tax transcripts
- Missing W-2s
- Incorrect household size
- Forgetting joint sponsor documents
What to include every time
- IRS tax transcript (not just 1040)
- W-2 or 1099
- Employment letter
- 6 months pay stubs
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Joint sponsor packet (if needed)
The #3 Cause: Sloppy Petition Assembly
You must think like an officer reviewing hundreds of cases per week.
If your file is messy, they assume your relationship is messy.
Pro tips
- Use tabs or a cover index
- Label every section
- Highlight names and dates
- Put evidence in chronological order
Make your case easy to approve.
The #4 Cause: Missing Translations
Any document not in English must include:
- Full translation
- Translator certification
This alone causes many RFEs from Philippine documents.
The #5 Cause: Inconsistent Information
Dates that don’t match across:
- DS-160
- I-129F / I-130
- Statements
- Chat logs
USCIS will RFE when timelines conflict.
Double-check everything.
What Officers Want to See
By the end of your packet, the officer should feel:
“This is a normal couple with a normal relationship and normal paperwork.”
If they feel confusion, you get an RFE.
If they feel clarity, you get approval.
RFE Prevention Checklist (K-1 and Spouse)
☆ Proof of meeting (K-1)
☆ Proof of real marriage (CR-1/IR-1)
☆ Timeline of the relationship
☆ Strong communication history
☆ Financial sponsorship complete
☆ Clean, organized packet
☆ Translations included
☆ No date inconsistencies