What Is an RFE?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice from USCIS asking for additional documentation or information needed to adjudicate a pending application. An RFE does not mean the application will be denied — it simply means USCIS needs more information before making a decision.

For Form I-693, RFEs most commonly request a corrected or new form, additional vaccination documentation, or clarification of a specific finding. USCIS typically allows 87 days to respond to an RFE.

What Is a NOID?

A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is a more serious notice indicating that USCIS has preliminarily determined that the application should be denied based on the evidence in the record. A NOID gives the applicant an opportunity to respond before a final denial is issued.

NOIDs related to Form I-693 typically arise when USCIS has identified a health-related ground of inadmissibility — such as a communicable disease of public health significance, a mental health condition with harmful behavior, or a substance use disorder — and has not received sufficient evidence to overcome that ground.

Key Differences Between RFEs and NOIDs

Understanding the practical differences between these two notices is essential for effective case management:

• Severity: An RFE is a request for more information; a NOID is a preliminary determination of denial
• Response deadline: Both typically allow 87 days, but NOID deadlines are strictly enforced
• Response complexity: RFE responses often require only a new or corrected form; NOID responses may require legal argument, medical evidence, and waiver applications
• Outcome if no response: Failure to respond to an RFE results in adjudication on the existing record; failure to respond to a NOID typically results in denial
• Waiver implications: A NOID based on medical inadmissibility may require filing Form I-601 concurrently with the response

How to Respond to a NOID Related to Form I-693

A NOID response requires a more comprehensive approach than a typical RFE response. Attorneys should carefully analyze the specific ground of inadmissibility cited, gather medical evidence addressing that ground, and consider whether a waiver application is appropriate.

In many cases, a NOID based on a medical finding can be overcome with evidence of treatment, rehabilitation, or a medical opinion from a specialist. Consulting with a physician who has experience in immigration medical matters can be invaluable.