How to send an application to USCIS and know if they received it

How to send an application to USCIS and know if they received it

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The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) applications may not be for everyone. Despite the conveniences of modernity, it is common that for many people the legalities are complicated. Therefore, we will give you a guide to send applications to USCIS and find out if they received your application.

Luckily, this is a very easy process. Of course, being a legal process, it cannot be underestimated. However, the application is just the filing of a document, where you will leave all the data that it requests.

We will guide you through what you need to do to complete your application and be ready for what happens next.

Where can I find the forms?

You may be wondering: How do I get the forms? Does someone have to give them to me? Where do I look? Also, how do I make sure I give the address that the USCIS needs?

The first thing you will need to do is to access the official USCIS website and click on the “Forms” button, which is clearly visible on the top menu of the website. Here, you will find a directory with everything related to immigration.

On the website you will have everything you need to know about the form, the process, and other specific details required. You will also find a downloadable file where you can fill out the form electronically and print it out if necessary.

In case you do not have access to a printer, you can order the forms directly from USCIS via mail. Just keep in mind that this option is only for individuals, not for immigration professionals. You can order up to five copies of each form.

You will be asked for your exact address. You have to consider something very important, and that is that USCIS documents can only be delivered in the US and the rest of its territories. All the methods we mentioned are free of charge. 

Consider also that, if there is an option to file a form online, it will not be available in paper format.

Tips for filing forms

When you file the forms with all the necessary information, you need to follow a series of rules. Filing the forms can be complicated to some extent, however, as long as you know the guidelines you will not have any problems.

We will give you a series of tips that you will surely need for the filing process, therefore you will avoid concerns. In any case, you may need the help of a immigration lawyer to be able to do it perfectly.

Make sure your information is completely accurate

For your application, you need to be absolutely sure that the information you are giving is accurate. The best option to make sure that the USCIS starts your immigration process is to have all the data filled out. Any mistakes can cause your application to be cancelled. Here are some tips:

• You must sign everything that requires a signature. No signature means no approval.
• Make sure you are using the most current form downloaded directly from the USCIS website and that when you print it out, it is only on one side of the paper.
• Never leave blank spaces. Instead, you can put (N/A) or “Not Applicable”.
• You should use black ink pens only. Avoid highlighters entirely. The form must be readable by USCIS scanners.
• Be absolutely sure that all information is the same, in cases where you fill out more than one form.
• Make sure you are paying the correct fee. If you are not, your form will be invalid for USCIS. 

Note that failure to comply with any of the formalities of the document will invalidate it immediately. Take care of all the details.

Assemble your application

You have to consider the importance of the organization in your form. All documentation, evidence and other information should be organized. This will make it easier for the immigration offices to access your petition, request, or application. Consider the following:

• You must include proof of payment, checks or money, on the front of the application. Next are the completed forms and documentation in English. The documents should have your name on them and be numbered.
• Make the documents are easy to access with heavy clips or fasteners. 
• The documents should highlight the intent of the application at the top. The type of the application should also be clear in the envelope.
• In case the documents are related to an RFE (Request For Evidence) you should have the RFE notice in top of the packet and use the envelope also with the notice that it is an RFE. 

If you require more details, you can find more information in the following link.

You can mail your application

After making sure of everything, you can send your application via mail. You will have to send it by mail to the address that the website stipulates according to the form. If you send it to the wrong address, your application will be rejected and returned. You can send it by US Postal Service, FedEx, DHL, or UPS.

The online filing, a new safe way to submit your applications

As we have just mentioned, although most of the forms can be sent by mail, there are some forms that are only available online. These forms are done digitally in your filing system, on your official website.

But this does not have to be a problem, in fact, you will be getting several advantages. Among them, the speed of the process and the convenient ease. Besides that, there is also the best option to protect your information. However, the filing fee is different depending on whether you do it online or via email.

The forms available online are listed below. You can go to the official website and file the forms online or check their details. 

• AR-11 | Alien’s Change of Address Card.
• G-639 | Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request.
• I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
• I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative.
• I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
• I-589 | Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.
• I-765| Application for Employment Authorization.
• I-821| Application for Temporary Protected Status.
• I-821D| Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
• N-336 | Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA).
• N-400 | Application for Naturalization.
• N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.
• N-600 | Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
• N-600K | Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322.

To start filing online, you must first create a free account on the official USCIS website. As on other websites, you will only need your email account and create a password. In addition, you must verify the two-factor authentication of your account, which adds security.

After you have fully authenticated your account, you can choose the form you require and upload the requested documents. Remember to avoid blanks. When you are done, you will be able to check your submission before subscribing with your full name. You will be able to pay the fees with a credit or debit card online.

After USCIS received my application, what I have to do?

You can check the status of your case or application in many ways. You can even check what is happening at any given moment and how much time is left for your case to be finalized. Below, we will explain the ways in which you can check the status of your case:

• On the official USCIS website. You only need to check the status of your case with a 13-digit receipt number.
• With your own phone. You can check the status of your case by calling 1-800-375-5283. 
• By mail. You have the power to inquire about the status of your case by mail.
• You can also inquire in person. Furthermore, you can go to USCIS offices to ask about your case. You may need an appointment.
• By email, phone, and text. Another way is to use the digital contact methods provided by USCIS. USCIS processing centers have unique mailing addresses.

With all of these options, you can be fully aware and advised about your case. This will help you with the whole process.

How long does the USCIS take to process applications? When will I receive the notice?

It can be nerve wracking to be unsure when USCIS will respond to you. The USCIS can take from eight to nine weeks to receive your application notices. This is because the USCIS processes applications in the order in which they are received.

This also means that some applications can take much longer than others. Some can take years.

This may all sound complicated, but it is still possible. However, you may not have the time or the inclination to perform such activities. In that case, the best thing to do is to hire an immigration attorney. Those immigration lawyers can be us, we will help you fill out, send and successfully receive everything you need. Contact us!