General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

 

• Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION – I-129F WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.

 

• Include both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available within the cover letter.

 

• If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

 

• If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

 

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

 

• Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

 

• Use Clip fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions.

 

• The use of tabs assists in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in the filing.

 

• Avoid using staples; instead use clip fasteners or paperclips.

 

• Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

 

• If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by a rubber band or clip fasteners.

 

 

Right to legal representation: If you choose, an attorney or accredited representative of a recognized organization may represent you when you file an application or petition with USCIS. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative, along with the application or petition. Your representative may also submit the Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

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A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re. petitions) or the applicant (re. applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

 

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

 

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record.

 

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

 

 

Certification by Translator

 

 

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

 

 

Signature_________________________________ Date    ____________________________                                       

 

 

Typed Name                                                   

Address

 

 

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications. Note:  At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

 

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

 

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate is filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

 

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines (4) in that field, whatever is on the block will become the mailing address used by the system. The data in these fields is entered exactly as indicated on the forms. Please include internal routing symbols in the address block, especially for large organizations. It is better to abbreviate the name of the organization and have space for the routing codes than to fully spell out the name and have notices sit in the organization's mailroom.