Request for Review Tip Sheet
There is no appeal for a denial of an application for refugee status. However, USCIS may exercise our discretion to review a case if we receive a timely Request for Review (RFR) from the principal applicant (or a third party, if the principal applicant waives their rights to confidentiality). The request must include one or both of the following:
(1) A detailed explanation of a significant error made by the adjudicating officer; and/or
(2) New information that would merit a change in the decision.
Generally, USCIS will accept only ONE REQUEST that is postmarked or received by the appropriate Resettlement Support Center (RSC) at the designated filing location within 90 days from the date of the denial notice. You can find information about where to file under Where do I file my RFR? below.
The following information is VERY IMPORTANT so please follow each instruction carefully.
- You should include your Resettlement Support Center (RSC) case number, previously referred to as the Overseas Processing Entity (OPE) case number, on EVERY page that is submitted.
- The RFR must contain a complete return address (not just a phone number or email address) where the RFR response will be sent.
- The RFR must be in English. Any supporting documents submitted with the RFR should be translated into English.
- Principal applicants may seek assistance from another individual, organization or attorney when preparing an RFR. If you seek assistance in completing an RFR, the name of the individual, organization or attorney providing assistance and the relationship to the applicant should be included in the RFR. All RFRs must be signed by the principal applicant.
- If an attorney is submitting an RFR on your behalf, a form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, must be submitted with the RFR. If someone other than an attorney is submitting an RFR, you should provide a letter stating that you waive your right to confidentiality along with the RFR.
- The RFR should address the reason(s) you were denied. In order to determine the reason(s) for denial, read the decision letter carefully or ask staff from the RSC to explain it in detail.
- If you believe an error was made in the decision process, you must provide a detailed description of the error(s). If you have new information to provide, it must contain sufficient detail to enable the reviewer to make a decision on your case. If the new information provided contains facts that occurred prior to the USCIS interview, you should include an explanation of why you did not present the information at the initial interview.
- The RFR must be submitted within 90 days after the date of the decision (see date on denial notice). If the RFR is not submitted within 90 days, you must provide an explanation for why it is being submitted late.
- You may mail your RFR or deliver it directly to the RSC. Check the table for your region under Where do I file my RFR? to find RSC contact information for your country.
- Your RFR will be reviewed, but the review processing time may vary based on location. The RFR response may be sent to you through established procedures (usually through the RSC, local representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or mailed to you directly at the address provided in the RFR). If you change addresses you must let USCIS know so that your RFR response will be sent to the correct address.
- You may want to consider having your RFR reviewed and corrected by someone who reads and writes English.
- A typed RFR is preferred, because it is easy to read. If you cannot provide a typed RFR, please be sure that the handwriting is clear. USCIS staff cannot consider the RFR if it cannot be read. If the RFR is not readable, it will be rejected and returned.
- Do not submit additional RFRs. Only your first RFR will be reviewed.
- There is no limit to the length of an RFR. However, the RFR should specifically address the reason for the denial and should explain why you think the decision was wrong and/or explain how any new evidence submitted establishes that you are eligible for refugee status.
- Do not provide general background information, country conditions or situation reports with your RFR. Accompanying documentation, such as human rights reports, or newspaper/journal clippings may be submitted if they directly relate to your case; for example, if the your name is mentioned specifically or an incident you were involved in is described.
- If you wish to submit DNA evidence with your RFR, established procedures must be followed. Please consult with the RSC regarding the procedures in your location if you wish to submit DNA.
- Unless specifically noted in the decision letter, additional documentation such as police reports, hospital records, marriage or birth certificates, etc. do not need to be submitted to support your claim. In cases where specific documentation is required, USCIS will specify this in the decision letter. You may, however, submit additional documentation or evidence for consideration that you believe is relevant to your case if you choose.
- You will receive a written decision from USCIS regarding your RFR. USCIS may grant your case, may ask that you have another interview, or may decide that your case will remain denied. In some instances, you may be asked to provide additional evidence in writing before receiving a final decision.
As of Oct. 1, 2019, international USCIS field offices are no longer accepting RFRs of Form I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee. You must submit an RFR directly to the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) with jurisdiction over your I-590 case.
Region: Africa | |
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Country | Contact Information |
Angola |
Resettlement Support Center Africa Email: case@CWSAfrica.org |
Egypt |
Resettlement Support Center 47C Abu el Feda Street Visit www.jordan.iom.int/refinfo/ to schedule an in-person appointment in Cairo, Egypt. |
Region: Asia, Pacific | |
---|---|
Country | Contact Information |
Australia |
Resettlement Support Center 888/213-217 Mahatun Plaza, 2nd Floor Telephone: +66 2 253 6519-27 |
India |
Resettlement Support Center 1, San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri, Telephone to schedule appointment: +91 9811739216 |
Malaysia |
Resettlement Support Center 570 Jalan Bukit Petaling |
Region: Europe, Middle East | |
---|---|
Country |
Contact Information |
Albania |
Resettlement Support Center 8 Mykhailivska Street Telephone: +380 44 5685020 Email: icc@iom.int |
Austria |
Resettlement Support Center Mailing and Physical Address (also for submissions): Gudrunstrasse 184 Telephone: +43 720 343 795 Email: concerns@hias-vienna.at (may also be used for RFRs) |
Israel and Palestinian Territories |
Resettlement Support Center HIAS (Israel sub-office) Mailing and Physical Address (also for submissions): 1 Zeitlin Street, 5th Floor Telephone: +972 547 330 396 Email: concerns@hias-vienna.at (may also be used for RFRs) |
Jordan |
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Email address to file by email: IC@iom.int Courier address (TNT, FedEx, DHL, etc.): c/o RSC MENA Suheil Majdhoubeh St. - Building No. 12 Mailing address: Suheil Majdhoubeh St. - Building No. 12 In-person submission: c/o RSC MENA Suheil Majdhoubeh St. - Building No. 12 Visit www.jordan.iom.int/refinfo/ to schedule an in-person appointment in Amman, Jordan. |
Lebanon |
Resettlement Support Center Olivetti Building/Achrafieh 1020 1st Floor Email: info.rsc@icmc.net |
Turkey |
Resettlement Support Center Kore Sehitleri Cad. Email: info.rsc@icmc.net |
Region: Latin America, Caribbean |
|
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Country | Contact Information |
Cuba |
Resettlement Support Center Urbanización Madreselva, Pasaje H, Edificio #5 Telephone: (+503) 25210500 Email: icla@iom.int |
Ecuador |
Resettlement Support Center Av. Mariana de Jesús OE7-02 y Nuño de Valderrama Telephone: (+593) (2) 3934400 Email: icla@iom.int |
Guatemala |
Resettlement Support Center Sexta Av., 16-24, Zona 10 Telephone: (+502) 2305-3000 Email: icla@iom.int |
Honduras |
Resettlement Support Center Colonia Palmira, Calle Republica de Brasil, Bloque 3 Telephone: (+504) 22377460. Email: icla@iom.int |