Which service center do I use?

[pnw12 7]

Hi everyone! 

 

I am in the process of gathering and completing paperwork for my spouse, and I was wondering if there is one particular service center I should use? Are you supposed to send an application to the center that is geographically closest? I'm based in WA, so I guess that would be the California service center?

Is it also best to send all of the documents (i-130, i-485, i-765 etc.) to the same center? I have noticed that a Seattle office can complete an i-130 application, but there processing times are longer. 

 

I really appreciate your guidance, it has been incredibly helpful. 

[Lil bear 4,217]

9 minutes ago, dansea said:

Hi everyone! 

 

I am in the process of gathering and completing paperwork for my spouse, and I was wondering if there is one particular service center I should use? Are you supposed to send an application to the center that is geographically closest? I'm based in WA, so I guess that would be the California service center?

Is it also best to send all of the documents (i-130, i-485, i-765 etc.) to the same center? I have noticed that a Seattle office can complete an i-130 application, but there processing times are longer. 

 

I really appreciate your guidance, it has been incredibly helpful. 

Follow the “ where to file “ instructions on the USCIS page 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485

[pnw12 7]

1 minute ago, Lil bear said:

Follow the “ where to file “ instructions on the USCIS page 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485

Thank you!

[HRQX 4,145]

16 minutes ago, dansea said:

Is it also best to send all of the documents (i-130, i-485, i-765 etc.) to the same center?

Send everything together to the Chicago Lockbox:

USCIS Chicago Lockbox

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses

Right now using FedEx, UPS, or DHL is recommended. There are long delivery delays with USPS in Chicago area.

 

Also recommended to file I-131 for Advance Parole at the same time. It's free to file: https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-485instr.pdf "If you properly file Form I-485 and pay the required fees, you may file Form I-765 and Form I-131 without paying additional fees. You may file these forms together, or if you choose to file Form I-765 or Form I-131 separately, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed and paid for Form I-485."

[pnw12 7]

3 minutes ago, HRQX said:

Send everything together to the Chicago Lockbox:

USCIS Chicago Lockbox

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

https://www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses

Right now using FedEx, UPS, or DHL is recommended. There are long delivery delays with USPS in Chicago area.

 

Also recommended to file I-131 for Advance Parole at the same time. It's free to file: https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-485instr.pdf "If you properly file Form I-485 and pay the required fees, you may file Form I-765 and Form I-131 without paying additional fees. You may file these forms together, or if you choose to file Form I-765 or Form I-131 separately, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed and paid for Form I-485."

Thank you so much for your support!

Do you know if the lock box is required for every application or is there an online alternative?

[HRQX 4,145]

1 minute ago, dansea said:

Do you know if the lock box is required for every application or is there an online alternative?

Filing everything together by mail to the lockbox is easier. I-485, I-765, and I-131 can only be filed by mail. A few have recently filed I-130 online and then the other forms by mail. But they can't send in the other forms before receiving official receipt notice of I-130.

[pnw12 7]

9 minutes ago, HRQX said:

Filing everything together by mail to the lockbox is easier. I-485, I-765, and I-131 can only be filed by mail. A few have recently filed I-130 online and then the other forms by mail. But they can't send in the other forms before receiving official receipt notice of I-130.

Thank you again.