United States | Effective August 7, 2026

US Citizenship and Immigration Services has restored its officers’ discretion to deny certain immigration-benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence, or RFE, or a Notice of Intent to Deny.

Under the revised policy, an application may be refused when required initial evidence is missing or the submitted material does not establish eligibility. Officers may still issue an RFE or notice when appropriate, and any legal or policy provision specifically requiring such a notice will continue to apply.

The guidance generally covers applications pending or filed on or after August 5, unless another rule states otherwise. Indian nationals submitting employment, family, permanent-residence or other immigration applications should therefore ensure that forms, fees and supporting records are complete at the time of filing.