How much did I mess this up?

[Foxglove 0]

We sent our i-130 to Chicago lockbox this week (we both live overseas). We didn't find this forum ahead of time so we were just going off the info on the USCIS website. We didn't notice that you have to include the G-1145 to get an email receipt so we didn't do that. We also included both a cover letter and a separate table of contents, then a separate cover sheet for each inclusion - maybe this was bad? Also we failed to make two perfect copies and we sent in an original bank statement as part of the evidence of genuine relationship - I know failing to copy the application was dumb. I also didn't see that you have to include either the front and back of the birth certificate or all pages in the passport - I included biometrics page only and only the front of the birth certificate. On the copy of our marriage certificate, I highlighted our married names because I was worried the name changes we both made would confuse them (the name changes were the topic of the cover letter and all the name change evidence is in there).

Will any of these things trip up my application? I guess the only thing I can do now is prepare the affadvait of support and other later docs so they are ready?

[NikLR 13,220]

I can't imagine that they will trip up your petition. The birth certificate might but only if there is actually something on the back of the birth certificate. You didn't need to include the petitioner's passport if they have a US birth certificate. My husband's birth certificate only has information on the front so we didn't bother including a blank page. LOL

We also didn't copy the petition and I'd say as Oz is the country of beneficiary, it likely may not be necessary. Had you been in a high fraud country I would have said to complete a whole new one and have it on hand for the interview.

Hopefully it won't take too long for the USCIS to get your NOA1. Keep on eye on the bank account or track the money order you used to pay with. If it shows that it's paid then you can call the USCIS (only the petitioner can) to find out your case number.

[StrawberryKiss 170]

We also forgot to make copies of our original I-130 petition and I was freaking out about it (a little bit) when the interview date came closer. But no one ever wanted to see it USCIS will receive your petition, then forward it to NVC who, in turn, will send it to the cosulate in the end Don't worry and good luck!

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

The incredibly rare occasions in which you would need a copy of your I-130, like our case where we submitted it again due to a USCIS error, you can really just make up a new one.

[Foxglove 0]

Thanks everyone for your responses, that makes me feel a bit better. I am mostly worried now about how long this could take - we were originally told 6 months by an acquaintance from USCIS and when we saw the K3 info on USCIS website we thought, great, so even less than 6 months, effectively! And sat on our hands for a while. Come to find out a) the process could actually take more than a year, and b) the K3 isn't really a thing!

Now we are scrambling and feeling down because we wanted to move in May. Silly us for not doing our homework earlier!

[Frips 166]

Cause you both live overseas, you may be routed to CSC (California service center) and be "auto-expedite".We got our NOA2 in 29 days:)

Once you will get hard copy of NOA1 by mail (receipt/case#), you can sign up to USCIS portal to track your case https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

Good luck!

[Foxglove 0]

Thank you! I have seen a few promising timelines in this forum like yours, that gave me some hope... I have my fingers crossed for the California Service Center!

[Ketsuban 1,034]

I didn't make a copy of my I-130 package either. The rest of the stuff you mentioned just relates to how your portfolio of evidence was arranged and it won't be a problem. USCIS/NVC/the embassy bind it together in their own way anyway, possibly removing the cover letters altogether. My husband's birth certificate was also blank on the back so we didn't copy that side.

[Foxglove 0]

Ok, thanks for the note. I see you are at the end of your process, congratulations! Must have been a long year!