USCIS can now deny incomplete visa applications outright

The Story in Brief

USCIS has restored officers' discretion to deny immigration applications without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) if applicants fail to provide all required initial evidence or establish eligibility. The policy, effective from 5 August, applies to both new and pending applications, including H-1B extensions, green cards, and citizenship requests.

The change reverses the Biden-era policy that required officers to seek missing documents first. USCIS says the earlier rule allowed 'placeholder' filings that slowed processing for others. For the large Indian community on H-1B, F-1, and H-4 visas, the policy raises the stakes for submitting complete applications from the start.