African Trumpet Edition 25_AFRITRUMPET NEW UK 1/17/2012 10:20 AM Page 4


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THE LAW & YOU with Ben Frimpong


Immigration News Updates email info@africantrumpet.com if you need help or have a question


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Announces Changes to Filing Locations for Those Filing Petitions for Alien Relatives (Form I-130) On January 1, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the fil- ing locations for Form I- 130, Petition for Alien Relative. Domestic peti- tioners will now mail their stand-alone I-130 applica- tions to either the Chicago Lockbox or the Phoenix Lockbox, depending on their resi- dence in the United States. The USCIS made the changes to in order to balance workloads between the two locations and provide more efficient and effective processing of Form I-130.


There will be no change in filing locations when submitting Form I-130 along with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Individuals


filing these forms together will continue to mail them to the Chicago Lockbox facility. Petitioners filing from overseas addresses in countries without USCIS offices will also continue to file at the Chicago Lockbox facility. Petitioners residing in a country with a USCIS office may send their I- 130 forms to the Chicago Lockbox, or they may file their Forms I-130 at the international USCIS office having jurisdiction over the area where they live. It is important to note that individuals who submit their Form I-130 pack- ages to the incorrect Lockbox location may experience a delay in pro- cessing.


What Is Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative?


The purpose of the I-130 Petition is for a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States to


adjustment of sta- tus to a lawful permanent resi- dent.


Filing By A U.S. citizen


A U.S. citizen can file for the follow- ing relatives (Note that a separate form must be filed for each eligible relative):


A. Husband or wife


B. Unmarried child under the age of 21 years C. Unmarried daughter or son aged 21 years or above


establish the relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States.


A separate form must be filed for each eligible rela- tive. USCIS processes Form I-130 as a visa number becomes avail-


able.


Filing and approval of an I-130 is only the first step in helping a relative immi- grate to the United States. Eligible family members must wait until there is a visa number available before they can apply for an immigrant visa or


D. Married daugh-


ter or son of any age E. Brother(s) or sister(s) (to apply for them, your age must be 21 years or above) F. Mother or father (for their application, your age must be 21 years or above)


Filing By A Lawful Permanent Resident


A lawful permanent resi- dent can file for the fol- lowing relatives (Note that a separate form must be filed for each eligible rela- tive):


A. Husband or wife B. Unmarried child under the age of 21 years C. Unmarried son or daughter aged 21 years or above


Questions or concerns regarding where to file your application should be directed to the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800- 375-5283. More informa- tion can also be found at www.uscis.gov Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not, in any way, constitute legal advice. You should not rely upon any of the information without first seeking professional legal advice.


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