Objective:
To guide immigrants through the final step of filing their petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including the payment of required filing fees.
Step 1: Final Preparation for Filing
- Purpose: To ensure that everything is in order before your petition is submitted to USCIS.
- Actions:
- Your Legal Assistant will review the entire petition package one last time to confirm that all documents are accurate, complete, and signed.
- Verify that any additional supporting documents, such as evidence or affidavits, are included and properly organized.
- Understand the specific filing fees required for your case type and confirm the total amount with your Legal Assistant.
Step 2: Submission of the Petition to USCIS
- Purpose: To officially submit your petition to USCIS for review.
- Actions:
- Your Legal Assistant will submit the petition package, along with the filing fees, to the appropriate USCIS office.
- Understand how the petition will be submitted—whether by mail, courier, or electronically—and when it is expected to reach USCIS.
- Ask your Legal Assistant to provide you with a tracking number or submission confirmation, so you can monitor the status of the filing.
Step 3: Receive Confirmation of Filing
- Purpose: To confirm that USCIS has received your petition.
- Actions:
- After submission, USCIS will typically send a receipt notice confirming that they have received your petition. This notice will include a case number.
- Your Legal Assistant will provide you with a copy of this receipt notice. The client some times receive the notice at mail at home
- Keep the receipt notice safe, as it is an important document that you may need for future reference.
Step 4: Understanding the Review Process
- Purpose: To be aware of what happens after your petition is filed.
- Actions:
- Your Legal Assistant will explain the USCIS review process, including typical timelines and what you can expect during this period.
- Understand that USCIS may request additional information or documents, known as a Request for Evidence (RFE), during the review.
- Be prepared to work with your Legal Assistant to respond to any requests from USCIS promptly.
Step 5: Monitoring the Status of Your Petition
- Purpose: To stay informed about the progress of your petition with USCIS.
- Actions:
- Regularly check the status of your petition using the case number provided on the receipt notice. Your Legal Assistant can guide you on how to do this online.
- Stay in touch with your Legal Assistant for updates and to discuss any new developments in your case.
- Be patient, as the review process can take several months, depending on your case type and current USCIS processing times.
Step 6: Post-Filing Follow-Up
- Purpose: To prepare for the next steps in your immigration process.
- Actions:
- Once your petition is filed, your attorney will advise you on what to do next, including preparing for any potential interviews or additional documentation requests.
- Keep all correspondence from USCIS and your Legal Assistant organized and easily accessible.
- Be ready to act quickly if USCIS requests further information or schedules an interview.