"petition" vs "application" and check description

[elvenshadow 19]

I'm honestly sorry to be "that guy" and keep making threads with questions that may not be important but I just wanted to get something else clarified.

I keep seeing some people say that the I-130 should only be regarded in terms of a "petition" (which I am sure is entirely true) but I have seen many people use the word "application" and the check that I am going to send has "for I-130 application" as the description in the bottom left corner. All other fields on the check are filled out exactly as requested in every example I have seen. Is this subtle difference in definition going to cause an RFE or rejected check?

[dwheels76 5,463]

I'm honestly sorry to be "that guy" and keep making threads with questions that may not be important but I just wanted to get something else clarified.

I keep seeing some people say that the I-130 should only be regarded in terms of a "petition" (which I am sure is entirely true) but I have seen many people use the word "application" and the check that I am going to send has "for I-130 application" as the description in the bottom left corner. All other fields on the check are filled out exactly as requested in every example I have seen. Is this subtle difference in definition going to cause an RFE or rejected check?

Who cares what you called the check. I have known people title it in notes "getting my baby home". Long as the amount is correct nothing to worry about. Some people call the I-130 a Visa also. No matter. You are okay.

And its cool ask whatever it happens. Oh memories of my questions I ask everything from what kind of paperclips to everything else. We are here to help and guide (and yes we will LOL at you too but all in good fun). You have to LOL through this to keep the little sanity you still have. My bad I digress.

[belinda63 2,981]

An I-130 is a petition for a person to be permitted to apply for an immigrant visa. Just as you would petition a court to take action you are asking the US government to allow your relative to apply for a visa. You file the petition, they apply for the visa.

As to the check write whatever you want. All the government cares about is money.

[Ryan H 3,796]

***One post rehashing drama in another thread removed.***

**Moderator hat off**

Is this subtle difference in definition going to cause an RFE or rejected check?

No

[pushbrk 12,248]

I'm honestly sorry to be "that guy" and keep making threads with questions that may not be important but I just wanted to get something else clarified.

I keep seeing some people say that the I-130 should only be regarded in terms of a "petition" (which I am sure is entirely true) but I have seen many people use the word "application" and the check that I am going to send has "for I-130 application" as the description in the bottom left corner. All other fields on the check are filled out exactly as requested in every example I have seen. Is this subtle difference in definition going to cause an RFE or rejected check?

I recommend for the "for" section of the check, "I-130 First Middle LAST" (Beneficiary name) USCIS knows the I-130 is a petition, but if your check gets separated, they don't know who the petition is filed for.

[Abby&Mario 100]

I'm honestly sorry to be "that guy" and keep making threads with questions that may not be important but I just wanted to get something else clarified.

I keep seeing some people say that the I-130 should only be regarded in terms of a "petition" (which I am sure is entirely true) but I have seen many people use the word "application" and the check that I am going to send has "for I-130 application" as the description in the bottom left corner. All other fields on the check are filled out exactly as requested in every example I have seen. Is this subtle difference in definition going to cause an RFE or rejected check?

USCIS web site instructions say to put "I-130 application fee" in the notes section. That's what we did and it was cashed, no problem. The people on the forum who get into semantics concerning "application" versus "petition" make me roll my eyes and do nothing but create more questions like yours, IMO. Application, petition, either way it can be denied, so who cares?

We're all "that guy," by the way. I freaked out because I realized I hadn't put a phone number on the check, and the aforementioned web site had said to include it. Didn't matter in the end and a nice person on the forum calmed me down.

[pushbrk 12,248]

The problem here on the forum, is that this particular misuse of "application" tends to propagate the idea that filing a petition is actually applying for a visa. Particularly with the I-130, folks come here, file the petition actually thinking they are applying for a visa for their spouse. Then, they sit back and wait instead of learning the rest of the process. In a few months they are back asking about their application. It then takes a series of questions to determine where they are in the process.

When you've been here as long as some of us and have been part of straightening those folks out a few hundred times, you learn that it's best to teach/learn/use the correct terminology from the get go. I predict that if your mileage varies on this, it's likely to vary around to my way of thinking sooner than you think.

[Abby&Mario 100]

The problem here on the forum, is that this particular misuse of "application" tends to propagate the idea that filing a petition is actually applying for a visa. Particularly with the I-130, folks come here, file the petition actually thinking they are applying for a visa for their spouse. Then, they sit back and wait instead of learning the rest of the process. In a few months they are back asking about their application. It then takes a series of questions to determine where they are in the process.

When you've been here as long as some of us and have been part of straightening those folks out a few hundred times, you learn that it's best to teach/learn/use the correct terminology from the get go. I predict that if your mileage varies on this, it's likely to vary around to my way of thinking sooner than you think.

You mean that there are people who think that once the I-130 is approved, they're done and the visa will be sent in the mail or something? I mean yeah, I've already seen several "NOA2, now what??" threads. But does calling it a petition really make a difference to the people who can't manage to find Guides at the top of the page? I'm not trying to argue with you--you're a long-time poster who clearly knows his stuff--but I can't see how calling it a petition instead of an application would make a person who didn't do the research suddenly realize there's more to the process.

[pushbrk 12,248]

You mean that there are people who think that once the I-130 is approved, they're done and the visa will be sent in the mail or something? I mean yeah, I've already seen several "NOA2, now what??" threads. But does calling it a petition really make a difference to the people who can't manage to find Guides at the top of the page? I'm not trying to argue with you--you're a long-time poster who clearly knows his stuff--but I can't see how calling it a petition instead of an application would make a person who didn't do the research suddenly realize there's more to the process.

It won't. The notion is ridiculous, which is why such a notion has nothing to do with my point. Whenever something bad happens, there's always somebody who comes along and seeks to find the ONE THING that if changed, would have made ALL, the difference. No matter what BAD THING happens it is NEVER because of JUST....ONE...THING. It's ALWAYS, a combination of things. For some reason, even folks who know it's a combination of things that cause the bad result, seem to want to believe it's not possible the ONE THING, they did could have been any part of the combination. Don't be one of those folks. Do the right thing because it's the right thing. Make the effort to do avoid the wrong thing because it's wrong. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

[NikLR 13,220]

I'd like to see where the USCIS website says to write I-130 application on the check. I just looked at the website and the instructions and it says nothing of the sort.

[pushbrk 12,248]

USCIS web site instructions say to put "I-130 application fee" in the notes section.

This statement is completely false.

[lil2be 11]

Terminology is used when you speak with USCIS officers. I tried io use applicant to them. They said your husband is a "petitioner" of I-130 application.

Likewise, when speaking with a teacher or a doctor, they will correct you if you use an incorrect term.

[Ryan H 3,796]

Terminology is used when you speak with USCIS officers. I tried io use applicant to them. They said your husband is a "petitioner" of I-130 application.

Likewise, when speaking with a teacher or a doctor, they will correct you if you use an incorrect term.

One thing to keep in mind when speaking with USCIS phone operators (they are not officers); the USCIS phone line is often referred to as the misinformation line here on VJ. There is a reason for that term, the phone operators often give out inaccurate information over the phone when you ask them specific questions about your case (they are trained to read from a script). I've seen it posted many times over on VJ just how wrong they can be, in fact, their bad information has caused members significant problems with their cases that would not have otherwise occurred.

**Moderator hat on**

***Another off topic and bait post removed; any more posts of that nature will result in a thread ban.***

[Abby&Mario 100]

I'd like to see where the USCIS website says to write I-130 application on the check. I just looked at the website and the instructions and it says nothing of the sort.

This statement is completely false.

Okay people simmer down, I hit post before reading back over which I of course should realize is a capital offense on an internet forum where people thrive on being right. It was misinformation and I am sorry for that; I am usually much more careful. Hopefully everyone has found some ice for their heads, which must be hurting after repeatedly slamming them against the wall. Those instructions are on the Visa Journey payment instructions, not the USCIS page, and use the example "N-400 application fee." The N-400 is indeed an application. My apologies. I don't have a dog in this fight so please carry on with the cause, I just found it amusing to be honest. I know what the terminology is, and I respect the patience of anyone who is willing to help someone who comes crying to the forum with a problem "application" who doesn't even bother filling in their profile or timeline so people can know what the heck they're talking about.

[lil2be 11]

Part of I -130 where signature required...

I practice on evidenced base.

Edited April 18, 2014 by lil2be