Form I-824, Duplicate of NOA2

[Walt and Shannon 0]

I've entered the USA on a K-1 on June 1, 2009. We got married August 14, 2009. I'm now prepareing my Adjustment of Status, form I-485. It states that among other documentation we need to include a copy of the NOA2 approval notice letter.

I'm almost positive my husband doesn't have it, and mine is back in Canada stored at my parent's place. I called USCIS and they said we needed to file a form I-824 to get a copy.

It would be nice if we knew this would be so important in the future. I asked the agent why they need a copy if we've already been given the visa and she said, "Because they need proof." I asked again and same response! The I-824 costs $340 and has about a 6 month processing time!

Has anyone had experience with this? What are my options?

If I can get my parents to find and send my copy will this be sufficient or does it have to be the NOA 2 sent to my fiance?

I printed off the online approval notice from the USCIS website. Is this acceptable?

Thanks for your help!

[raymaga 25]

There is only one NOA2 approval notice, so the one you have at your parent's will be what you need.

I would get them to look for it and send it to you. You should probably have all your USCIS/immigration documents with you in the U.S. just in case any are ever needed again in the future.

Best wishes.

[Otto 83]

If I can get my parents to find and send my copy will this be sufficient or does it have to be the NOA 2 sent to my fiance?If by 'your copy' you mean your copy of the I-797 Approval notice, then yes.

I printed off the online approval notice from the USCIS website. Is this acceptable?

Maybe - but not everyone who has tried this has been successful. Best to find the actual NOA2 first - exhaust all avenues first.

[Walt and Shannon 0]

Thanks! I'll get my parents to send everything down.