i-130 I-130 file online vs mail

[Chen93 0]

Hi, I'm wondering if I can file I-130 online and mail the I-485 for the concurrent filing. Is there any benefits to file I-130 online then paper mail? Thank you very much.

 

[Timona 4,207]

For concurrent, I always advocate for all to go at once. So file all paper.

 

And I always advocate for money order not CC authorization nor personal checks. 

Edited July 28, 2021 by Timona

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

@Chen93 Some people have reported approvals within 2 to 3 months for I-130s filed online. While it is nice to walk into the interview knowing that USCIS has vetted your relationship and that they are happy with the evidence you provided, there is no added advantage to it. Sometimes people can only afford to file the I-130 first ant then the I-485 with everything else. It really is up to you. Whether you file the I-130 first or do everything together, USCIS still considers is a concurrent filing. Remember that only the I-485 NOA is proof of legal presence.

 

[chancecody 125]

18 hours ago, Timona said:

For concurrent, I always advocate for all to go at once. So file all paper.

 

And I always advocate for money order not CC authorization nor personal checks. 

Filing I-130 online is considered concurrent. The main benefits of filing online is you cannot screw it up as it hand holds you throughout your application (it will ask you to submit all required evidence and there is no chance to leave anything blank). Once you submit it, you will get an I-797 immediately and the paper copy will come in the mail a week later. You attach that I-797 Receipt from I-130 with your I-485, I-765 and I-131 paper packet to Chicago Lockbox. This is considered concurrent filing.

 

Also, if you follow the instructions, sign the credit card authorization and make sure it is a US issued credit card, it will work. I believe I read a lot of your posts advocating for paper and I did not follow it. I just got my I-130 approval after 1 month. Had we waited to file the I-130 with the whole entire package via paper, we would have lost that precious 1 month. Nebraska approves I-130 between 1-5 months.

[chancecody 125]

18 hours ago, Chen93 said:

Hi, I'm wondering if I can file I-130 online and mail the I-485 for the concurrent filing. Is there any benefits to file I-130 online then paper mail? Thank you very much.

 

Hi there,

Yes, please file online and once you get your I-797 submit your I-485, I-765 and I-131 paper packets to Chicago Lockbox. This is considered concurrent filing.

 

Main advantages of filing online:

1. Receipt is immediate and you will secure your place in line right away. I am an Immediate Relative so Priority Date does not matter to me but for those applicants where the PD is important, you will get your place in line right away. My PD was June 23rd as that is the date we submitted the I-130 online. Mine was sent to Nebraska that approves 1-5 months last time I checked. You don’t lose the time mailing and waiting for USCIS to process as the computer did that already.

 

2. It is hard to screw it up as the online tool hands hold you. It will ask you to submit all required evidence in I-130 and will have a final check to tell you if you missed something before hitting submit. With this tool, if you follow the instructions, there is less chance of RFE.

 

So bottom line less chance of RFE and getting your foot in the line right away is the main benefit. Your PD will be maintained in your I-485.

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

14 minutes ago, chancecody said:

Filing I-130 online is considered concurrent. The main benefits of filing online is you cannot screw it up as it hand holds you throughout your application (it will ask you to submit all required evidence and there is no chance to leave anything blank). Once you submit it, you will get an I-797 immediately and the paper copy will come in the mail a week later. You attach that I-797 Receipt from I-130 with your I-485, I-765 and I-131 paper packet to Chicago Lockbox. This is considered concurrent filing.

 

Also, if you follow the instructions, sign the credit card authorization and make sure it is a US issued credit card, it will work. I believe I read a lot of your posts advocating for paper and I did not follow it. I just got my I-130 approval after 1 month. Had we waited to file the I-130 with the whole entire package via paper, we would have lost that precious 1 month. Nebraska approves I-130 between 1-5 months.

I think that is a great point. I filed mine by mail, of course. Online filing was not available for this form back then. It is nice that the system guides you through it. 

Congrats on your approval! USCIS has vetted you as an Immediate Relative of a US Citizen based on the evidence you sent!  . Your I-485 interview will be that much easier. 

[Chen93 0]

3 hours ago, chancecody said:

Filing I-130 online is considered concurrent. The main benefits of filing online is you cannot screw it up as it hand holds you throughout your application (it will ask you to submit all required evidence and there is no chance to leave anything blank). Once you submit it, you will get an I-797 immediately and the paper copy will come in the mail a week later. You attach that I-797 Receipt from I-130 with your I-485, I-765 and I-131 paper packet to Chicago Lockbox. This is considered concurrent filing.

 

Also, if you follow the instructions, sign the credit card authorization and make sure it is a US issued credit card, it will work. I believe I read a lot of your posts advocating for paper and I did not follow it. I just got my I-130 approval after 1 month. Had we waited to file the I-130 with the whole entire package via paper, we would have lost that precious 1 month. Nebraska approves I-130 between 1-5 months.

Thank you for taking time walk me though your experience! I'll go ahead to file I-130 online since time isn't on my side.

[Ontarkie 14,215]

~~Hijack post removed. Please start a new thread or  post questions for your own case in your existing threads.~~

[Chen93 0]

On 7/28/2021 at 5:33 PM, chancecody said:

Filing I-130 online is considered concurrent. The main benefits of filing online is you cannot screw it up as it hand holds you throughout your application (it will ask you to submit all required evidence and there is no chance to leave anything blank). Once you submit it, you will get an I-797 immediately and the paper copy will come in the mail a week later. You attach that I-797 Receipt from I-130 with your I-485, I-765 and I-131 paper packet to Chicago Lockbox. This is considered concurrent filing.

 

Also, if you follow the instructions, sign the credit card authorization and make sure it is a US issued credit card, it will work. I believe I read a lot of your posts advocating for paper and I did not follow it. I just got my I-130 approval after 1 month. Had we waited to file the I-130 with the whole entire package via paper, we would have lost that precious 1 month. Nebraska approves I-130 between 1-5 months.

Hi Chance, 

 

Thank you very much for taking time answer my questions. I applied online and got the "receipt notice" immediately. Can I attached this one into my I-485 concurrent filling, or should I wait till receive the I-797 "approval notice" in my mailbox?

[chancecody 125]

4 hours ago, Chen93 said:

Hi Chance, 

 

Thank you very much for taking time answer my questions. I applied online and got the "receipt notice" immediately. Can I attached this one into my I-485 concurrent filling, or should I wait till receive the I-797 "approval notice" in my mailbox?

Hi there,

 

If you are in a rush to send now, yes, you can use the online receipt. The only difference between the online receipt and the one you will get in the mail is the online receipt does not have any header “DHS USCIS This Notice Does Not Grant any Immigration Status or Benefit”. The rest of the information is exactly the same. You will usually get the paper receipt in the mail within 1 week of filing. For me, I waited and used the one I received in the mail….however, the one online is sufficient as you will find when you get it  

[Chen93 0]

2 hours ago, chancecody said:

Hi there,

 

If you are in a rush to send now, yes, you can use the online receipt. The only difference between the online receipt and the one you will get in the mail is the online receipt does not have any header “DHS USCIS This Notice Does Not Grant any Immigration Status or Benefit”. The rest of the information is exactly the same. You will usually get the paper receipt in the mail within 1 week of filing. For me, I waited and used the one I received in the mail….however, the one online is sufficient as you will find when you get it  

Was thinking about the same thing, if two receipt has the same content I should be able to use the online copy. Thanks!

[chancecody 125]

13 minutes ago, Chen93 said:

Was thinking about the same thing, if two receipt has the same content I should be able to use the online copy. Thanks!

You’re welcome. I am sure you did this already but just a reminder to put the IOE# (receipt of underlying petition) on Page 4, Part 2, Item 3 of your I-485. Also, please make sure that your I-797 Receipt Notice for I-130 is near the top of your packet AFTER Forms G-1450 (if paying by credit card) and G-1145. Use a cover letter and specifically mention that it is concurrent filing referencing the IOE# of underlying petition in that cover letter. This is to ensure that the contractor processing your paperwork when they first receive it do not make a mistake and would clearly understand that it is concurrent filing with I-130 filed online. I did this and after I received my online access for AOS, it says “concurrent filing for I-485/765/131” in my account. I guess for me my goal was to always KISS (Keep It Simple St…d) to avoid any mistakes or misunderstanding from USCIS.

[Chen93 0]

On 8/17/2021 at 9:36 PM, chancecody said:

You’re welcome. I am sure you did this already but just a reminder to put the IOE# (receipt of underlying petition) on Page 4, Part 2, Item 3 of your I-485. Also, please make sure that your I-797 Receipt Notice for I-130 is near the top of your packet AFTER Forms G-1450 (if paying by credit card) and G-1145. Use a cover letter and specifically mention that it is concurrent filing referencing the IOE# of underlying petition in that cover letter. This is to ensure that the contractor processing your paperwork when they first receive it do not make a mistake and would clearly understand that it is concurrent filing with I-130 filed online. I did this and after I received my online access for AOS, it says “concurrent filing for I-485/765/131” in my account. I guess for me my goal was to always KISS (Keep It Simple St…d) to avoid any mistakes or misunderstanding from USCIS.

Appreciated your tips! 

 

Also, do we need to put extra marriage supporting documents into the I-485 application as well?

[chancecody 125]

7 hours ago, Chen93 said:

Appreciated your tips! 

 

Also, do we need to put extra marriage supporting documents into the I-485 application as well?

Hi there. Are you talking about proof of bonafide marriage? That is only for I-130 and no need to send that again with your I-485. The I-485 instructions will tell you the only thing that you need to send as evidence. 

[johhny5 26]

On 8/17/2021 at 10:36 PM, chancecody said:

You’re welcome. I am sure you did this already but just a reminder to put the IOE# (receipt of underlying petition) on Page 4, Part 2, Item 3 of your I-485. Also, please make sure that your I-797 Receipt Notice for I-130 is near the top of your packet AFTER Forms G-1450 (if paying by credit card) and G-1145. Use a cover letter and specifically mention that it is concurrent filing referencing the IOE# of underlying petition in that cover letter. This is to ensure that the contractor processing your paperwork when they first receive it do not make a mistake and would clearly understand that it is concurrent filing with I-130 filed online. I did this and after I received my online access for AOS, it says “concurrent filing for I-485/765/131” in my account. I guess for me my goal was to always KISS (Keep It Simple St…d) to avoid any mistakes or misunderstanding from USCIS.

Do you have a copy of your cover letter or sample of it with redacted personal info that you can share?