Never Received I-130 - Forms? Fee? How long?

[imross 0]

We recently found out from our current status F3, we're eligible for F1 (spouse passed away). Our PD is 1996 and based on the visa bulletin for F1, the current/cut-off date is 2001. So now we plan to apply for AOS but I just found out my grandmother doesn't ever recall receiving the Approved I-130. Perhaps it was lost in the mail or it was sent to the old address. FYI: We have the NOA dated 1996 confirming our PD and mentioning that our petition has been forwarded to the NVC.

My question is: what would be the best thing to do? What kind of forms do I need to fill out to request a COPY and ORIGINAL of the Approved I-130 for free of charge and will not take too long. Please advise how long I would have to wait in order to get a copy and original one. How much would it cost me to expedite and how long?

I'd appreciate any help!

Thank you.

[DC85 113]

you can submit a FOIA request to get a photocopy of the approval notice, for free [ it takes a few months]

if you need an original duplicate of the approval you need to submit I824 [ the fees is $ 405, it takes around 3 months]

Double check with lawyer if you eligible for F1 category, if so you need to send a letter to the office that approved you petition in order to change the category

[imross 0]

you can submit a FOIA request to get a photocopy of the approval notice, for free [ it takes a few months]

if you need an original duplicate of the approval you need to submit I824 [ the fees is $ 405, it takes around 3 months]

Double check with lawyer if you eligible for F1 category, if so you need to send a letter to the office that approved you petition in order to change the category

Myafi1985: Thank you. Yes, my lawyer confirmed we're eligible for F1 category. As far as I know, I only need to provide a photocopy of the I-130 so for an original duplicate I can wait without paying. I read somewhere that I don't need to pay for an original duplicate but it will take 6-8 months?

Have you heard about getting a copy via CD? Where they'll just send it to you via CD and you can just print it out?

[imross 0]

I found the form I was looking for: G-639