You applied. You waited. Now you’ve received a Notice of Intent to Deny. It’s serious, but it’s not a final decision. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is telling you they plan to deny your application unless you give them a strong reason not to.
This is your chance to fix what’s missing, clarify what was confusing, or correct something that raised concern.
What the NOID Means
An NOID means USCIS reviewed your case and found one or more issues that could lead to denial. They are giving you a chance to respond. The notice will explain what those issues are. It may be missing documents, unclear information, or problems with how your case fits the legal rules for your visa.
You have a limited amount of time to respond. In most cases, that is 30 days from the date on the notice.
Why You Received an NOID
An NOID is issued when the officer reviewing your case finds that the evidence submitted does not meet the requirements of the law. According to USCIS policy, this includes:
- Lack of required initial evidence
- Evidence that creates doubt about eligibility
- Conflicting or unclear information that affects the outcome
For example, in E-2 cases, an NOID might be issued if the investment appears insufficient, the business plan lacks support, or ownership is unclear. USCIS lists the exact reasons in the notice.
If you are unsure how to approach your response, legal assistance is recommended. A clear, complete reply gives your case a stronger chance of approval.
How to Respond
Read the notice carefully. USCIS explains which parts of your application are in question and why. You have a limited time to respond. That is usually 30 days.
In your reply:
- Address each point in the order listed
- Submit new or corrected documents to fix the issues
- Keep your explanations focused on the legal criteria, not personal background
- Use supporting evidence that meets USCIS standards, such as contracts, receipts, or affidavits
What Happens After You Respond
USCIS will review what you submit. If your response answers all concerns and meets the requirements, your case can still be approved. If not, it will likely be denied.
Need help preparing a response to an NOID?
We help applicants understand what the notice is asking for and connect them with trusted immigration attorneys when needed. Contact us for support.