Does an I-130 with the USCIS Expire?

[ws1889 18]

I petitioned for an I-130 for my spouse in 2017, and it was approved shortly after. Now, I'm about to file an I-824 to transfer my case from USCIS to the NVC, but am concerned that perhaps my case has expired somehow?

 

On the USCIS online webpage, I am able to find my receipt number, and it says,  "Case was approved." Anyways, I wanted to double check with this forum that nothing here is awry, because after all, 2017 was a while ago. Perhaps it's obviously okay, but $500 is a lot of money, so better to check here first rather than be sorry! Thank you for your help!

Edited May 23, 2020 by ws1889

[kendelle 102]

11 minutes ago, ws1889 said:

I petitioned for an I-130 for my spouse in 2017, and it was approved shortly after. Now, I'm about to file an I-824 to transfer my case from USCIS to the NVC, but am concerned that perhaps my case has expired somehow?

 

On the USCIS online webpage, I am able to find my receipt number, and it says,  "Case was approved." Anyways, I wanted to double check with this forum that nothing here is awry, because after all, 2017 was a while ago. Perhaps it's obviously okay, but $500 is a lot of money, so better to check here first rather than be sorry! Thank you for your help!

Did you receive then a welcome letter from NVC. Do you still have the case number from NVC? 

[ws1889 18]

12 minutes ago, kendelle said:

Did you receive then a welcome letter from NVC. Do you still have the case number from NVC? 

It was never sent to NVC because at the time we had planned to do AOS. But now, we're abroad so we'll need to apply for consular processing.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

I-130 approval never expires. 

[payxibka 10,039]

35 minutes ago, ws1889 said:

I petitioned for an I-130 for my spouse in 2017, and it was approved shortly after. Now, I'm about to file an I-824 to transfer my case from USCIS to the NVC, but am concerned that perhaps my case has expired somehow?

 

On the USCIS online webpage, I am able to find my receipt number, and it says,  "Case was approved." Anyways, I wanted to double check with this forum that nothing here is awry, because after all, 2017 was a while ago. Perhaps it's obviously okay, but $500 is a lot of money, so better to check here first rather than be sorry! Thank you for your help!

It doesn't expire, it might be in cold storage.  It can be retrieved and reinstated.  

[kendelle 102]

7 minutes ago, ws1889 said:

It was never sent to NVC because at the time we had planned to do AOS. But now, we're abroad so we'll need to apply for consular processing.

I suggest you contact USCIS.

[Crazy Cat 32,254]

Agree that an I-130 doesn't expire as long as the relationship still exists......

[kendelle 102]

 

You'll need to file form I-824 which is used to request additional action on a previously approved application.  In addition, you need to attach documents such as copies of the original I-130 petition or a copy of the approval notice  (Form I-797). You can download Form I-824 at uscis.gov 

You can also complete Form G-1145 and attach it to the front page of your application if you want to receive email notification of the status of the request by USCIS. Good luck.

[HRQX 4,142]

10 hours ago, ws1889 said:

but am concerned that perhaps my case has expired somehow?

An I-130 does not expire, although it could be sent to the National Records Center (NRC) and eventually destroyed.

Edited May 24, 2020 by HRQX

[ws1889 18]

19 hours ago, kendelle said:

 

You'll need to file form I-824 which is used to request additional action on a previously approved application.  In addition, you need to attach documents such as copies of the original I-130 petition or a copy of the approval notice  (Form I-797). You can download Form I-824 at uscis.gov 

You can also complete Form G-1145 and attach it to the front page of your application if you want to receive email notification of the status of the request by USCIS. Good luck.

Thank you for all of this wonderful information!

[ws1889 18]

10 hours ago, HRQX said:

An I-130 does not expire, although it could be sent to the National Records Center (NRC) and eventually destroyed.

If I were to file the I-824, would the USCIS still retain a copy of the approved I-130, or is the whole record completely removed from their system once they send it to the NVC?

[NikLR 13,212]

1 hour ago, ws1889 said:

If I were to file the I-824, would the USCIS still retain a copy of the approved I-130, or is the whole record completely removed from their system once they send it to the NVC?

They move it to the NVC.  If you don't do something with it within a year, it's move back to the NRC (national records center)

[ws1889 18]

3 hours ago, NikLR said:

They move it to the NVC.  If you don't do something with it within a year, it's move back to the NRC (national records center)

I see. That's good to know.

 

On part 3 question 1.a. of the I-824, it asks for "form number of previously approved application or petition." Is this just the number of the form I received (e.g. I-797)? I'm not quite sure what to make of this part - otherwise, all good!

[payxibka 10,039]

1 minute ago, ws1889 said:

I see. That's good to know.

 

On part 3 question 1.a. of the I-824, it asks for "form number of previously approved application or petition." Is this just the number of the form I received (e.g. I-797)? I'm not quite sure what to make of this part - otherwise, all good!

I130 .  I797 is neither an application nor a petition 

Edited May 24, 2020 by payxibka

[ws1889 18]

1 minute ago, payxibka said:

I130 

Okay, thank you so much!!