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“Request For Initial Evidence Was Sent”on your I-539 · Extend or change visa status

Your I-539 was missing a required document, often a copy of the I-94, passport pages, or the principal's approval notice for dependents.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Biometrics
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed) · here
Decision

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-539

Your I-539 was missing a required document, often a copy of the I-94, passport pages, or the principal's approval notice for dependents. Send exactly what is listed before the deadline. Missing it can lead to denial and the end of your authorized stay.

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-539?

Your I-539 was missing a required document, often a copy of the I-94, passport pages, or the principal's approval notice for dependents. Send exactly what is listed before the deadline. Missing it can lead to denial and the end of your authorized stay.

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-539 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 9 to 10 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-539

Request for Additional Evidence Was SentEvidence (RFE/NOID)Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was ReceivedEvidence (RFE/NOID)Response To USCIS' Notice of Intent Was ReceivedEvidence (RFE/NOID)Case Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntakeFees Were WaivedIntake

Every status of an I-539 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationN-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for NaturalizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien Workers

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