Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for enabling an immediate response. In this manner, issues can be avoided where data carried by the last symbol of a frame cannot be entirely decoded by a receiver within a deadline for generating an immediate response. One example method for wireless communications by a first apparatus generally includes determining at least one constraint for communicating with a second apparatus; generating a frame that solicits a response; and outputting the frame for transmission to the second apparatus, wherein at least a last symbol of the frame is transmitted in a manner determined by the constraint to allow the second apparatus to transmit the response within a determined period.