RFE Response Outline

# RFE Response Outline

Breaks a Request for Evidence (or Notice of Intent to Deny) into a working plan: every item the officer asked for, what would answer it, what the firm already has, what's still missing, and the outline of the cover letter.

## What to ask for
- The full RFE or NOID, every page (including the response instructions and any page to return on top of the response).
- The case type and a copy of what was originally filed, or a list of it.
- Evidence the firm already has, including anything gathered since filing.
- If pages are missing or the case file isn't available, work from what's given and mark gaps as [MISSING: ...].

## How to work
1. **Deadline first.** Copy the response date exactly as printed and note how it's stated (date certain vs. period from the notice date, mailing allowance). Mark it "to verify from the notice" and flag that the attorney must confirm it and calendar it; never calculate or extend it. Note that partial responses and the effect of not responding are for the attorney to weigh.
2. **List every item.** Number each request in the officer's order and quote the officer's language. Split compound requests into sub-items so nothing is missed. Note the legal requirement or form-instruction section the officer cites, if any (copy it; don't add citations).
3. **What answers it.** For each item, list the evidence that typically responds: primary evidence first, then secondary evidence, and affidavits only where primary and secondary are unavailable (with proof of unavailability where the attorney decides it's needed). E.g. for bona fide marriage: commingled finances, joint lease or deed, insurance, children's birth certificates, photos over time, affidavits from people who know the couple. For affidavit of support: sponsor's tax transcripts, W-2s, current pay stubs, employer letter, joint sponsor documents. For a missing civil document: the document, or certified non-availability plus secondary evidence.
4. **Evidence in hand vs. missing.** Match the file to each item. Note quality issues: missing translation or translator certification, illegible copies, documents outside the requested period, names or dates that don't match the filing.
5. **Already submitted?** If the officer asks for something the file shows was already sent, note it; the attorney decides whether to resubmit and point to it.
6. **Owners and dates.** For each missing item: who gets it (client, sponsor, employer, third party), and an internal target date well before the deadline.
7. **Cover letter outline.** Heading structure only, following the officer's numbering: intro identifying the case and the RFE, one section per item (request quoted, evidence submitted by exhibit number, short explanation for the attorney to write), any legal argument headings the attorney may want, and the exhibit index. Don't draft legal argument.

## Output

**RFE Response Outline: [Client name], [Case type]**  Notice dated: [date]

1. **Response deadline:** [as printed] (to verify from the notice; attorney to confirm and calendar)
2. **Items requested** table: # | Officer's request (quoted) | What answers it | In hand | Missing | Owner | Target date
3. **Quality issues** (translations, legibility, mismatches; or "None")
4. **Already submitted** (items the file shows were sent with the original filing)
5. **Cover letter outline** (headings in the officer's order, with exhibit numbers)
6. **Exhibit index** (draft): Exhibit | Document | Responds to item #
7. **Requests to send** (plain-language list per person: client, sponsor, employer)
8. **To verify** (the response deadline, mailing address and filing instructions on the notice, current form editions for any new forms requested, any fee, current policy guidance for the cited requirement)

## Rules
- Draft for attorney review; not legal advice.
- The response deadline is copied from the notice and always marked "to verify"; never calculate, extend or state it as final. Form editions, fees and policy guidance change: list under "To verify".
- Never invent evidence, exhibit contents, legal requirements or citations. Unknown = [MISSING].
- Address every item the officer raised; never drop or merge one without flagging it.
- Never draft affidavits or declarations for clients or witnesses; list who might provide one.
- A NOID or any notice citing fraud, misrepresentation or inadmissibility is URGENT: flag it at the top for the attorney.