Assembling I-130

[4daisy 0]

Hello! I have some questions concerning I-130 package.

We almost have everything ready, just a couple of things needs to be cleared up

01. A cover letter. What should it look like? Is it An A4 sheet with typed list of everything we have in the package? Or should we describe our case in that letter? Where can I possibly have a look at the example of cover sheet?

02. My husband just recently became US citizen. he doesn't have a passport yet, is it ok to just send a copy of Naturalization Certificate?

03. What should I write as "current USCIS status" if my J-1 visa expired? Should I say "out of status" or "J-1 visa"

Thank you for any information

[Maxximus1074 14]

Hello! I have some questions concerning I-130 package.

We almost have everything ready, just a couple of things needs to be cleared up

01. A cover letter. What should it look like? Is it An A4 sheet with typed list of everything we have in the package? Or should we describe our case in that letter? Where can I possibly have a look at the example of cover sheet?

02. My husband just recently became US citizen. he doesn't have a passport yet, is it ok to just send a copy of Naturalization Certificate?

03. What should I write as "current USCIS status" if my J-1 visa expired? Should I say "out of status" or "J-1 visa"

Thank you for any information

Hiya,

Are you filing I-130 by itsself or as part of a whole Adjustment of Status Package (I-485) with possibly application for work permission and/or advanced parole for travel?

My wife and me send it with these other applications and our cover letter basically listed all the forms and their attachments we included.

"Enclosed please find petition I-130 for XYZ, benificiary ABC ...." and thank them for their time in the end

A copy of the certificate should be fine, either one, passport or certificate are proof enough for your hubby's citizenship status.

Hmmm about the status - it depends, if you are sending out or have sent out the AOS package that I mention then your status would be "Applicant for Adjustment of Status" - or otherwise as you mentioned "out of status". I highly recommend you filing the rest of your package to become permanent resident asap, that way you are not illegally in the US even with an expired visa.

Good luck on your immigration journey

Maxximus

[4daisy 0]

Thank you for the quick response. Yes, we file both I-485 and I-130 packages together.

So should there be 2 cover letters then?

[katgrl 14]

Hello! I have some questions concerning I-130 package.

We almost have everything ready, just a couple of things needs to be cleared up

01. A cover letter. What should it look like? Is it An A4 sheet with typed list of everything we have in the package? Or should we describe our case in that letter? Where can I possibly have a look at the example of cover sheet?

A marriage based AOS does not require a cover letter, but it helps. We only sent one that lists everything. Others send 2-one for the I-130 and one for the I-485 since those are separated. And others send 3...so really there is not absolute way to do it.

02. My husband just recently became US citizen. he doesn't have a passport yet, is it ok to just send a copy of Naturalization Certificate?

Yes you need to send either the passport or the copy of nat certificate. Congrats to your husband btw.

03. What should I write as "current USCIS status" if my J-1 visa expired? Should I say "out of status" or "J-1 visa"

My husband was an overstay also. For current USCIS status, we put overstay (or out of status.) For visa entered on, we put F-1 student visa. To be completely honest, I don't think it matters too much. They can figure that out.

Did you have the 2-year residency requirement with the J-1? And did you get the waiver for that? Good luck!

Thank you for any information

[Maxximus1074 14]

Thank you for the quick response. Yes, we file both I-485 and I-130 packages together.

So should there be 2 cover letters then?

since you are filing it together I'd say - just write one letter on top of your application forms, less confusion for you to proof-read if everything is filled out and attached and also easier for the immigration officer to work on your application, use it as a checklist to verify receipts of forms.

Good luck on your AOS!!

M.

[4daisy 0]

Thanks a lot for helpful information!

I have a couple more unsolved questions

When we got married we requested certified copies of Marriage Certificate. But we only received Certified abstracts (small green papers) (which I think is not exactly what we need) I called the Court, and they said they only can send abstracts (but I read everywhere - USCIS requires COPY of the Original Certificate). What should I do? How can I obtain Copy of Marriage Certificate? (It's Franklin County, OH)

And another question - do we need to send a copy (printed), or an original of Certificate of Naturalization? (or certified?)

I'll really appreciate any advice

[Tempo House 6]

I sent the combined I-130 and I-485 with two cover letters, one for the I-130 with its supporting documents, and the other for the I-485 with its supporting documents. The reason being that the two applications might get separated at some point.

However there is the argument that the Chicago Lockbox probably verifies, sorts and catalogues the complete package, after which the two cover letters are redundant. Personally I saw no harm in doing two separate cover letters as they are logically two separate things (the I-130 being sent by a petitioner, and the I-485 beng sent by the alien) and I thought it worth showing that we understood this.