I-130 packet

[Dee/ryan 2]

I know it's been discussed plenty before but my wife and I are almost done putting everything together to send out. 

I just really want to make sure we are putting everything in the right order. I've looked at countless TOCs to try and get a clear picture but there's one thing I never see in them, the I-130a form. Where should we stick that in our packet. 

 

Everything we are are putting in is

money order 

I-130

i-130a

copies of our birth cirtificates

Passport photos of each of us

g-325a

g-1145

Copy Beneficiaries devorce papers

Copy of all benificiaries passport pages

Copy ofmarriage certificate  

2 affidavits from each side (4total)

boarding passes 

text messages

Phone call logs

Emails

photos (with family and on trips)

 

is there anything we are missi missy or should look out for? Can anyone point me in the right direction of putting these in order?

Thank you! So happy this site exists. It's help us so much thus far

 

 

 

 

 

[ItchyKneeSon 4]

I'm putting mine together as well.
You don't see the i-130a around because it was just recently introduced and may not be necessary depending on the version of the i-130 you are using (from what I understand).

[jay 2 0]

no need for g-325 now. its no more.

[Dee/ryan 2]

Oh wow, I'm happy I caught this info before sending it out. So 100% we don't need the g-325a?

i am using the newest version of the I-130 and I-130a. Does this mean I only need I-130 and no longer need the I-130a?

[A'n'L 735]

Yes, the new i130+i130a replaces the old i130+2xg325a system. 

 

The order of your actual documents should match what you describe in the cover letter. The actual order is not extremely important. I would recommend to place the g1145 directly behind the check - or it might be overlooked.

[ItchyKneeSon 4]

Here's what the USCIS website says HERE under 'special instructions'.

"

• If you are using the 02/27/17 edition of Form I-130 to file for your spouse, you must also submit a Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary.
   
• If you are using the 12/23/16 edition of Form I-130 to file for your spouse, you must also submit two Form G-325A, Biographic Information: one for you and one for your spouse.  Do not submit Form G-325.Please read our Lockbox Filing Tips.  "

[ItchyKneeSon 4]

Also, here's a discussion on which version of the i-130 to use.

It looks like we have to use the newer version, as it is now past the April 28th deadline, which requires submitting the (12-PAGE-LONG!) i-130a.   

What I find puzzling is that, though the USCIS i-130 instruction page was updated on 4/28/2017, it still shows the option for using the older version of the i-130.
https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

Does this mean it's still alright to submit the older version?
Why wouldn't they just update the following working day and remove the 2016 version i-130 instructions?
How does this information get so jumbled?

Edited May 15, 2017 by ItchyKneeSon
Wanted to include other link.

[ItchyKneeSon 4]

2 hours ago, ItchyKneeSon said:

It looks like we have to use the newer version, as it is now past the April 28th deadline, which requires submitting the ***(6-PAGE-LONG!)*** i-130a.   

[Dee/ryan 2]

Ok, so here is my nearly finished cover letter/table of contents. Please let me know if you have any advise on my wording, format, anything missing or any general opinions. 

 

To: USCIS 
ATTN: I-130
PO Box 21700
Phoenix, AZ 85036 

<DATE>

Subject : I-130 Petition for spouse <name>

Applicant/Petitioner : <name>

Beneficiary : <name> 

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <name>, a citizen of the United States, would like to file a petition I-130 for my spouse, <name>.

 

Please find enclosed the required and supporting documents, presented in the following order:

1.  Personal check in the amount of $535 for I-130 filing fee. 

2.  Completed and signed form G-1145. 

3.  Two (2) passport style photos of petitioner. 

4.  Two (2) passport style photos of beneficiary. 

5.  Completed and signed form I-130, petition for spouse. 

6.  Completed and signed from I-130a, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. 

7.   Copy of petitioner’s birth certificate and unexpired U.S. passport no. <NUMBER> to establish citizenship. 

8.  Copy of beneficiary’s unexpired Canadian passport no. <NUMBER>. (Biographical page and entry stamps) 

9.  Copy of beneficiaries birth certificate. 

10.  Copy of our marriage certificate. 

11.  Copy of beneficiaries divorce decree. 

12.  Evidence of bona fide marriage:

A.  Relationship Summary. 

B.  Travel evidence:

           i. 

           ii.

C.   Photographs evidence:

i.  10 miscellaneous photos of... <will add info later>*

D.  Communication evidence:

i. Phone records

ii. Text message screenshots 

                      E. Affidavits

 

Copies of the documents submitted are photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I or my wife may be required to submit or present original documents to an immigration or consular officer at a later date.

 

I kindly request you to process the above petition and to provide the receipt notice as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns on the above matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.

Thank you,

<name> (SSN <NUMBER>)

<ADDRESS>

<ADDRESS>

Cell: <NUMBER>

[JessieABC 159]

5 hours ago, Dee/ryan said:

Ok, so here is my nearly finished cover letter/table of contents. Please let me know if you have any advise on my wording, format, anything missing or any general opinions. 

 

To: USCIS 
ATTN: I-130
PO Box 21700
Phoenix, AZ 85036 

<DATE>

Subject : I-130 Petition for spouse <name>

Applicant/Petitioner : <name>

Beneficiary : <name> 

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <name>, a citizen of the United States, would like to file a petition I-130 for my spouse, <name>.

 

Please find enclosed the required and supporting documents, presented in the following order:

1.  Personal check in the amount of $535 for I-130 filing fee. 

2.  Completed and signed form G-1145. 

3.  Two (2) passport style photos of petitioner. 

4.  Two (2) passport style photos of beneficiary. 

5.  Completed and signed form I-130, petition for spouse. 

6.  Completed and signed from I-130a, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. 

7.   Copy of petitioner’s birth certificate and unexpired U.S. passport no. <NUMBER> to establish citizenship. 

8.  Copy of beneficiary’s unexpired Canadian passport no. <NUMBER>. (Biographical page and entry stamps) 

9.  Copy of beneficiaries birth certificate. 

10.  Copy of our marriage certificate. 

11.  Copy of beneficiaries divorce decree. 

12.  Evidence of bona fide marriage:

A.  Relationship Summary. 

B.  Travel evidence:

           i. 

           ii.

C.   Photographs evidence:

i.  10 miscellaneous photos of... <will add info later>*

D.  Communication evidence:

i. Phone records

ii. Text message screenshots 

                      E. Affidavits

 

Copies of the documents submitted are photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I or my wife may be required to submit or present original documents to an immigration or consular officer at a later date.

 

I kindly request you to process the above petition and to provide the receipt notice as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns on the above matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.

Thank you,

<name> (SSN <NUMBER>)

<ADDRESS>

<ADDRESS>

Cell: <NUMBER>

Photos and travel evidence is great since they weigh heavily on time spent together.  Photos with friends and family is even better.

 

I would suggest including some financial ties - have you added her as a beneficiary to your life insurance/401K/savings or retirement plans?  Is she an authorized user on your credit card?  Have you sent her any money via wire transfer?  Does the travel itinerary have both your names?  If you are living apart, USCIS won't expect a load of evidence but they probably will look for some proof within this phase of financial ties.  If not available/included, this doesn't necessary create any issues with your case but it would make it stronger.

[NikLR 13,220]

Only passport photos of the petitioner is needed unless the beneficiary is in the usa. 

You also do not need the copy of the beneficiary's biodata page nor birth certificate at this time.   Entry stamps however, are useful as evidence of visiting.