A USCIS policy alert effective Aug 5, 2026 lets officers deny a benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when required initial evidence is missing or does not establish eligibility. The change applies to cases pending or filed on or after Aug 5, and officers may also set shorter response deadlines than the prior maximums.
Home › Founders News › Visa & Immigration
USCIS can again deny incomplete petitions without an RFE or NOID
Why this matters for founders
Founders sponsoring employees (or their own H-1B/O-1) can no longer count on an RFE to fix a thin filing—submit complete, fully documented petitions the first time, ideally with immigration counsel reviewing evidence before submission.
Source: Murthy Law Firm
Related updates
More that helps you.
USCIS can now deny visa filings without an RFE, effective Aug 5, 2026
A USCIS policy alert effective August 5, 2026 restores officers' discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of I…
New 9/11 biometric fee adds $4,000 to many H-1B extensions from September 9, 2026
A DHS final rule published August 10, 2026 and effective September 9, 2026 extends the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to H-1B and L-1 extension petitions, not just init…
$4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 fee now hits extension petitions from Sept 9, 2026
A DHS final rule published in the Federal Register on August 10, 2026 expands the 9-11 Response and Biometric fee so covered employers, those with 50 or more US employees and more…
State Dept moves US visa services in 24 African posts to 20 regional hubs Aug 1
Effective Aug 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State realigned routine visa services from 24 embassies/consulates (including Abuja, Harare, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek) to 20 regional…
Get briefs like this tuned to you.
In the app, Founder Briefs are personalized to your country, industry and stage, and you can save the ones that matter.
See plans →
Keep exploring
Related across the site
ToolDocuSignDocuSign lets you send documents for legally binding electronic signature and track their status. It handles contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and other agreements with an audit trail.ChecklistHire your first employee the legal wayEverything a first-time employer needs, in order: classification, registration, workers' comp, payroll, and a first week that sets your new hire up to succeed.ToolGustoGusto runs full-service payroll for US businesses, handling paychecks, tax filing, and direct deposit, plus benefits, onboarding, and contractor payments. It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance.ToolLegalZoomLegalZoom helps you form an LLC or corporation and access legal documents, registered agent service, and attorney consultations. It walks non-lawyers through business formation filings.TermEIN (Employer Identification Number)A unique nine-digit number the US IRS assigns to your business for tax and identification purposes, like a Social Security number for your company.ChecklistFind a small business lawyer you trustFigure out what legal help you actually need, vet and hire the right small business lawyer, and control costs with clear scope and smart preparation.