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“Request For Initial Evidence Was Sent”on your I-131 · Travel permit or reentry permit

Something required for the I-131 was missing when you filed, such as the copy of your green card for a reentry permit or proof of refugee or asylee status for a refugee travel document.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Biometrics
Evidence (RFE) · here
Decision
Travel document produced and mailed

What to do, in 5 steps

Read the notice and mark the deadline.
Send exactly what it lists, with the notice on top.
Keep copies of everything you send.
Use mail with tracking.
Ask an attorney or accredited representative if you do not understand what is missing.
letter
Your deadlineThe one on your letter. Do not miss it.
In this statusYou stay here until USCIS gets your response; the deadline is on the notice.

What it means for your I-131

Something required for the I-131 was missing when you filed, such as the copy of your green card for a reentry permit or proof of refugee or asylee status for a refugee travel document. Send exactly what the notice lists before the deadline so the request is not denied.

In general, on any form:

USCIS mailed a notice asking for evidence that should have come with your filing. Something required was missing from the start, such as a document, photo or signature. The notice says what to send and the deadline. Answering on time keeps your case moving.

Avoid these mistakes

Ignoring the notice because it looks like a form letter.
Sending new originals you may need later instead of copies, when copies are allowed.

Quick questions

What does "Request For Initial Evidence Was Sent" mean on an I-131?

Something required for the I-131 was missing when you filed, such as the copy of your green card for a reentry permit or proof of refugee or asylee status for a refugee travel document. Send exactly what the notice lists before the deadline so the request is not denied.

What is the difference between initial evidence and an RFE?

Initial evidence is something required with the original filing. An RFE asks for extra proof the officer needs.

What if I cannot get the document in time?

Send what you have with an explanation and proof you tried to get the rest.

Will my case be denied if I do not respond?

Usually yes. Not responding by the deadline often leads to denial.

How long does an I-131 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 22 to 25 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

Other statuses of your I-131

Every status of an I-131 →

This same status on other forms

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.