Sample I-130 Cover Letter: Four Fictional Examples and a Line-by-Line Breakdown

Which I-130 Cover Letter Examples Does This Page Include?

This page gives four I-130 cover letter examples, one each for a spouse, a parent, a sibling and a green card holder's spouse. All names are fictional. For who can petition, which documents are required and how to file, see our Form I-130 petition for alien relative guide.

Adapt every sample to your own documents

Treat every sample as a starting point to adapt. Your letter must describe your own documents and nothing you cannot prove. Check the current I-130 instructions on uscis.gov before you print.

What Is a Form I-130 Cover Letter?

A Form I-130 cover letter is a short, signed letter from the petitioner that sits on top of the paper petition. It states who is sponsoring whom and lists the enclosed forms and evidence. It works as an index for the USCIS officer, not as proof of the relationship.

A one-page map of the petition

The officer opening a family petition wants to know three things fast: who filed, for which relative, and whether the key documents are there. A good letter answers all three in the first few lines, then lists the proof in the order it appears.

Who Reads Your I-130 Cover Letter at USCIS?

Several people, in turn. Staff at the intake facility check the fee and signatures first. An adjudicating officer later reviews the evidence. Later, the National Visa Center (NVC) may reopen the file. A clear index helps each of them. None of them has time to search.

Do You Need an I-130 Cover Letter?

No. The I-130 instructions do not require a cover letter, and USCIS accepts a signed petition with the right fee and evidence without one. A letter is still worth the ten minutes it takes for most paper filings, especially spouse petitions with many exhibits.

When the letter earns its place

Write one when you send a spouse petition with the Form I-130A, file petitions for several relatives in one envelope, need to explain a name change or missing record, or file a petition together with a green card application.

When you can skip it

A simple petition, such as for a parent with a single birth certificate, can go without a letter. Online filing also makes it optional, because the system asks for each document by category.

How Does an I-130 Cover Letter Differ From Required Forms?

The cover letter is optional and unsworn. The Form I-130 itself, and for spouse petitions the Form I-130A, are required and signed under penalty of perjury. Third-party statements are optional evidence. Leaving out the letter never causes a rejection, but leaving out a required form does.

Comparison table

The rows below separate what USCIS requires from what simply helps an officer read your package.

Can a Cover Letter Prove Your Relationship?

No. A cover letter that says "my wife and I married in good faith" does not prove it. Relationship evidence does. For third-party statements, see the form I-130 guide section on spouse evidence. The letter only points to that proof.

Anatomy of a Sample I-130 Cover Letter

Every sample I-130 cover letter on this page uses six parts: return address and date, the USCIS address, a Re line, one relationship sentence, a numbered enclosure list and the petitioner's signature. Keep it to one page if you can.

Line-by-line breakdown

Each row explains one part of the letter and the specific problem it heads off at intake or review.

Why the Re line matters most

Packages get split for scanning. A Re line with the petitioner's and beneficiary's full names and dates of birth lets staff match a loose page to the right file.

Sample I-130 Cover Letter: U.S. Citizen Petitioning for a Spouse

This sample I-130 cover letter is for a fictional U.S. citizen petitioning for her husband abroad. Spouse letters are the longest, because the instructions ask for the I-130A, photos, marriage proof and evidence of a genuine marriage. Adapt every line.

The spouse sample

EXAMPLE ONLY: fictional petitioner and beneficiary. Adapt every line.

Hannah Whitfield, [street, city, state ZIP], [phone], [email]

[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, [address from the I-130 "Where to File" page]

Re: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Petitioner: Hannah Whitfield (DOB [date]), U.S. citizen. Beneficiary: Tomasz Kowalczyk (DOB [date]), spouse

Dear Officer:

I am a U.S. citizen and submit this petition for my husband, Tomasz Kowalczyk. We married on [date] in [city, country]. Enclosed please find:

1. Payment authorization for the filing fee
2. Form I-130, edition [date], signed by me
3. Form I-130A, signed by my husband
4. Two passport-style photos of me and two of my husband
5. Copy of my U.S. passport biographic page
6. Copy of our marriage certificate, with certified English translation
7. Copy of my final divorce decree from my prior marriage
8. Evidence of our marriage: Exhibit A, joint bank statements; Exhibit B, lease for [address]; Exhibit C, travel records of visits; Exhibit D, dated photos

Thank you for your consideration.

[Signature] Hannah Whitfield

Why the spouse version is longer

The instructions' checklist asks spouse petitioners for the signed I-130A and photos of both spouses. Prior marriages must be shown as ended. Listing each item separately lets the officer tick them off and spot a gap before it becomes an RFE.

What Should a Spouse Petition Letter List?

A spouse petition letter should list the signed I-130, payment, your status proof, the marriage certificate, proof that any prior marriages ended, the signed I-130A, photos of both spouses and evidence that the marriage is genuine. Each item gets its own number.

Genuine-marriage evidence

The instructions list examples: joint property, a joint lease, combined finances, children born to you both, third-party affidavits, and other proof of an ongoing marriage. Group these as lettered exhibits after the core documents.

What Are the Photo Rules for a Spouse I-130?

The instructions ask for two identical color passport-style photos of you and of your spouse (if your spouse is in the United States), taken within 30 days of filing. List the photos as one enclosure line per person. Check the current instructions.

Labeling the photos

Write each person's name and A-Number, if any, lightly in pencil on the back. Place them in a small labeled envelope. Ink can smudge onto the face of another photo, so use a soft pencil and let it dry.

I-130 Cover Letter Example: Petition for a Parent

A parent petition letter is short. A citizen petitioning for a mother lists their own birth certificate showing both names. For a father, the instructions also ask for the parents' marriage certificate. The sample I-130 cover letter below uses a fictional son sponsoring his mother.

The parent sample

EXAMPLE ONLY: fictional family. Adapt every detail.

Samuel Adeyemi, [address]. [Date]. USCIS, [address from the "Where to File" page]

Re: Form I-130. Petitioner: Samuel Adeyemi (DOB [date]), U.S. citizen. Beneficiary: Grace Adeyemi (DOB [date]), mother

Dear Officer: I am a U.S. citizen and petition for my mother, Grace Adeyemi. Enclosed: (1) payment authorization; (2) Form I-130, signed; (3) copy of my naturalization certificate; (4) copy of my birth certificate showing my name and my mother's name, with certified translation; (5) copy of my mother's passport biographic page.

[Signature] Samuel Adeyemi

Notes on parent petitions

If your birth certificate spells a parent's name differently from their passport, add one sentence pointing to proof of the same identity. A marriage or court record usually works.

Cover Letter for a Sibling Petition

A sibling petition letter lists the petitioner's status proof, both siblings' birth certificates showing at least one common parent and, if you share only a father, the marriage certificates that link him to each mother. The sample uses a fictional sister petitioning for her brother.

The sibling sample

EXAMPLE ONLY: fictional siblings.

Re: Form I-130. Petitioner: Elena Petrova (DOB [date]), U.S. citizen. Beneficiary: Nikolai Petrov (DOB [date]), brother

Dear Officer: I petition for my brother, Nikolai Petrov. Our surnames differ because of [the naming custom in our country / a name change], explained in item 5. Enclosed: (1) payment; (2) signed Form I-130; (3) copy of my U.S. passport; (4) both our birth certificates, showing the same mother and father, with translations; (5) [document explaining the name difference].

[Signature] Elena Petrova

How Do You Prove Siblings Share a Parent?

Use both birth certificates. The instructions say a sibling petition needs both birth certificates showing at least one common parent. If you share a father but have different mothers, add copies of the marriage certificates showing he was married to each mother. Siblings fall in a preference category, so waits are long.

Cover Letter When a Green Card Holder Files

A green card holder's letter states permanent resident status and attaches a copy of the green card, front and back. Permanent residents can petition for a spouse or an unmarried child only. The example shows a fictional resident petitioning for his wife.

The green card holder sample

EXAMPLE ONLY: fictional couple.

Re: Form I-130. Petitioner: Kenji Morita (DOB [date]), lawful permanent resident, A[000-000-000]. Beneficiary: Aiko Morita (DOB [date]), spouse

Dear Officer: I am a lawful permanent resident and petition for my wife, Aiko Morita. Enclosed: (1) payment; (2) Form I-130, signed; (3) Form I-130A, signed by my wife; (4) photos of each of us; (5) copy of my Permanent Resident Card, front and back; (6) our marriage certificate; (7) Exhibits A–C, evidence of our marriage.

[Signature] Kenji Morita

What changes for permanent residents

The A-Number goes in the Re line, because USCIS already has a file on you. If you have not yet received your card, the instructions accept your passport page showing admission as a permanent resident.

Citizen vs Permanent Resident Petitioner: What Changes in the Letter?

The petitioner's own status changes three things in an I-130 cover letter: the status-proof document listed, the relatives you may name, and whether the case is an immediate relative or preference case. Everything else in the layout stays the same.

Status proof for citizens

The instructions accept a citizen's birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or unexpired passport. List the exact document you chose.

Status proof for permanent residents

Permanent residents send a copy of their card, front and back. Name it in the letter as "Permanent Resident Card," not just "green card." Put your A-Number in the Re line as well.

What Happens If the Petitioner Naturalizes While the I-130 Is Pending?

When a resident petitioner naturalizes, a pending spouse petition generally moves to the immediate relative category. That can shorten the wait, but only after USCIS learns of the change. It does not happen automatically. Children under 21 can also convert, while some adult sons and daughters move to a different preference category.

Telling USCIS you naturalized

Send the naturalization certificate with a short letter citing the receipt number; see our N-400 citizenship guide for that process. If the case is already at the NVC, send the proof there.

Can You Send Several I-130s in One Envelope?

You can mail several petitions together, but each relative needs a separate Form I-130 and fee, so each needs its own cover letter. A short master note on top can list the petitions in the envelope. Never combine two relatives in one letter.

One petition per relative

The instructions say citizens and permanent residents must file a separate petition for each eligible relative. For some categories, the instructions say a beneficiary's unmarried children under 21 need no separate petition; note them in one line.

Wording for a batch envelope

EXAMPLE ONLY. "This envelope contains two separate petitions from Elena Petrova: Package 1, Form I-130 for Nikolai Petrov (brother); Package 2, Form I-130 for Irina Petrova (mother). Each package has its own fee, cover letter and evidence."

How Do You Explain a Name Change?

Add one sentence naming both versions and pointing to the legal name-change document. The instructions say that if anyone uses a name different from their documents, you must include copies of documents showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

A sample name-change line

EXAMPLE ONLY. "My marriage certificate (item 6) shows my former name, Hannah Brooks. I legally changed my name to Hannah Whitfield; the court order is item 9."

Use your own names and item numbers.

Spelling differences across countries

Transliteration often creates variants such as "Kowalczyk" and "Kovalchik." Use the passport spelling on the petition and note other spellings once, so record checks do not treat them as different people.

How Do You Mention Prior Marriages?

If the petitioner or the spouse beneficiary was married before, list proof that each prior marriage ended, such as a divorce decree, annulment or death certificate. Missing termination proof is a common cause of a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Listing each prior marriage

Write one line for each: "Copy of divorce decree ending petitioner's marriage to [name], dated [date]." Do the same for the beneficiary. A final decree matters; a pending divorce does not end a marriage.

When prior marriage records are abroad

Foreign divorce records need a certified English translation. If a record cannot be obtained, see the section on unavailable documents below and ask a professional whether the divorce is valid for U.S. purposes.

What If a Required Document Is Unavailable?

The I-130 instructions say to submit a statement from the civil authority certifying the record is not available, plus secondary evidence such as religious or school records. Your cover letter should name the missing record and list what you send in its place.

A sample unavailable-record line

EXAMPLE ONLY. "My mother's birth certificate is unavailable. Item 4 is a statement from the [authority] confirming no record exists; items 5 and 6 are her baptismal record and first school record."

Written statements as a last resort

If no records exist, the instructions allow two or more written statements from people alive at the time who have personal knowledge of the event. Each must include the writer's details and a specific declaration set out in the instructions.

How Do You Handle Translations in the Letter?

List each foreign-language document together with its English translation as one enclosure item. The I-130 instructions require a full translation and a translator's certification that it is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate. Partial translations are not enough.

Listing a translated document

Write "Copy of marriage certificate (Polish) with certified English translation" as one line. Place the translation directly behind the original in the stack, so the officer reads them together. Do this for each one.

Who Can Certify an I-130 Translation?

Any competent translator can sign the certification; someone other than the petitioner or beneficiary is the safer choice. It must include their signature, printed name, date and contact details. A paid service is not required. A bilingual friend who is fluent in both languages can sign, as long as the statement covers completeness, accuracy and competence.

Machine translations

Machine output without a signed certification does not meet the rule. If you start with an app, have a competent translator check it and sign the certification. Review names and dates closely.

Should You Mention Form G-28 or G-1145?

Yes, if you include them. Form G-28 shows that an attorney or accredited representative represents you; the instructions' checklist asks you to include it if you have one. Optional Form G-1145 asks USCIS to text or email you when the petition is accepted. List either as its own item.

Form G-28 with a representative

When a lawyer files, they usually write the cover letter on their letterhead and sign it. Put the G-28 on top, ahead of the payment and petition. Notices then go to the lawyer too.

Form G-1145 e-notification

Clip the G-1145 to the first page of the package. List it as item 1 so intake staff see it. The e-notification does not change processing. It only sends an email or text when the receipt is issued.

Is the I-130 Filed With an I-485 at the Same Time?

Sometimes. A relative already in the United States who qualifies may file Form I-485 together with the I-130 in one package, called concurrent filing. That package needs one letter covering both forms. Our I-485 cover letter guide shows that combined layout, which usually also lists the I-864 and the medical exam.

How a combined letter differs

A combined letter lists the I-130 package first, then the green card application, medical exam and other forms. Our I-485 cover letter guide covers that version, and the Form I-485 adjustment of status guide explains eligibility.

When to keep them separate

If your relative lives abroad, or a visa is not yet available in their category, file the I-130 alone. After approval, a relative abroad usually moves to the National Visa Center; see our NVC case status guide.

How Do You Build the Enclosure List?

Build the list from the finished stack, not from memory. Group documents by purpose: forms and payment, petitioner's status, relationship proof, then extra evidence. Number each line, and use exhibit letters for long evidence groups. Recheck after any change.

Grouping by purpose

1. Payment, G-1145 if any, G-28 if any
2. Form I-130 and, for spouses, Form I-130A
3. Photos (spouse petitions)
4. Petitioner's status proof
5. Relationship proof and translations
6. Lettered exhibits of supporting evidence

Numbering and labels

Use numbers for core items and letters for evidence exhibits. Mark each separator page with the same label. For example, "Exhibit C: joint lease" in the list and on a colored tab sheet makes the item easy to find.

Writing an I-130 Cover Letter Step by Step

Write the letter last, after every document is final. Gather the stack, sort it by purpose, draft the numbered list, add a one-line note only where needed, then compare the letter to the stack before you sign. Do not rush it.

The five steps

1. Gather forms, status proof and relationship documents
2. Sort them in the order above
3. Draft one numbered line per document set
4. Add short notes for name changes or missing records
5. Check the list against the stack, then sign

A final consistency check

Names, dates of birth and the edition date must match across the letter, the petition and the documents. Read each enclosure line aloud while touching the matching page, so nothing listed is missing.

How Long Should an I-130 Cover Letter Be?

One page is ideal for most I-130 cover letters. A spouse petition with many exhibits may need a second page for the exhibit list. If yours runs longer, it probably contains explanations that belong in evidence or a separate signed statement.

What a one-page letter fits

Contact block, Re line, a two-sentence opening and 8 to 12 numbered items fit on one page in 11-point type. Longer evidence lists can move to a second page, titled "Enclosure list, continued."

When a second page is fine

A second page suits a long exhibit list for a spouse petition or a petition with secondary evidence. Repeat the petitioner's name and the page number at the top of page two.

What Format and Paper Should You Use?

Use letter-size white paper, printed on one side, in a clear font such as 11- or 12-point. Write in English. The petitioner signs in ink. Skip letterheads and seals; never use anything that looks like a government seal. Plain is best.

Layout basics

Left-align the text, leave margins of about an inch, and bold only the Re line. Keep lists numbered, not bulleted, so the officer can refer to "item 6." Add page numbers.

Signature and date

Sign in ink above your printed name. Date the letter the day you mail it, so the letter date and the payment date roughly match. A digital or typed signature is not the safer choice for a paper filing.

Is There a Form I-130 Cover Letter PDF or Template?

USCIS does not publish an official I-130 cover letter, PDF or template. Any site selling an "official" version is not USCIS. Copy the structure of a sample I-130 cover letter from this page into your own document, fill in your facts and save as PDF if you want a digital copy.

No official version

Blank USCIS forms, including the I-130, are free on uscis.gov. A cover letter is your own document, so it has no edition or required wording. Our guide to avoiding USCIS scams explains how to spot paid look-alike sites.

Building your own template

Save a blank version with brackets for the Re line and enclosure list. Reuse the layout, but rewrite the content each time. Never reuse another family's letter, since its facts and item numbers will not match your stack.

Do You Need a Cover Letter for I-130 Online Filing?

Usually not. When you file online through a USCIS account at myaccount.uscis.gov/create-account, the system asks for each document type in turn, which replaces an enclosure list. Upload a short signed explanation note only if something needs context. Keep it short.

How online filing handles evidence

You upload scans into labeled sections, and the account shows notices later. Our USCIS online account guide explains how notices appear. Online filing also has a lower fee: $675 (paper) / $625 (online).

When an explanation note helps

Use a note for a name difference, an unavailable record or a prior petition. Title it "Explanation regarding [topic]," keep it short, sign it and upload it with the related document.

Where Does the Letter Sit in an I-130 Package?

The cover letter goes on top of the paper package, followed by the forms, photos and evidence in the order below. Use clips, not staples. Staples slow down scanning at intake, and pages can tear when staff remove them. Rubber bands or binder clips keep groups together.

Stacking order

This is a common order for a paper spouse petition; follow the form instructions if they differ:

1. Cover letter
2. Form G-1145 (optional)
3. Payment form
4. Form I-130, then Form I-130A
5. Photos in a labeled envelope
6. Status proof, relationship proof, exhibits

Keep a full copy

Copy or scan every page, including the signed letter, before mailing. A complete copy lets you answer an RFE without guessing what you sent. Keep the mailing receipt with it.

Where Do You Mail the Petition and What Does It Cost?

Mail the petition to the address on the uscis.gov "Where to File" page for Form I-130, which depends on your location and whether you file with an I-485. As of October 2026, Form G-1055 lists the fee as $675 (paper) / $625 (online).

Checking the address

USCIS recently changed many addresses: New USCIS mailing addresses from Oct. 7, 2026; old addresses accepted if postmarked by Nov. 9, 2026. Copy the address into the letter only after checking the official page that day.

Fee basics

Each petition needs its own fee. USCIS fees are nonrefundable, even if your case is denied or withdrawn. For costs across the whole process, see our guide to green card fees by stage.

Special Situations Worth One Sentence

Some situations deserve one clear sentence in the letter and a pointer to the document that explains them. Common ones are a petitioner living abroad, a spouse in immigration proceedings and a stepchild or adopted child. Keep each note factual.

Petitioner living outside the U.S.

A citizen abroad writes their foreign address in the contact block and checks the I-130 filing page for petitioners outside the United States. Add a U.S. mailing address only if it is one you actually receive mail at.

What If the Marriage Happened During Removal Proceedings?

Get legal help first. The instructions say a petitioner who married while the spouse was in proceedings must make a written request for a bona fide marriage exemption and prove good faith by clear and convincing evidence. This needs an immigration attorney, not a template.

Stepchildren and adopted children

A stepchild petition lists the marriage certificate showing the marriage happened before the child turned 18. Adoption cases list the adoption decree and related records; check the instructions for each rule.

What Should Not Go in an I-130 Cover Letter?

Leave out anything untrue, any claim you cannot document, emotional appeals, legal arguments and unnecessary personal data. False statements to USCIS can lead to denial and serious penalties. The letter's only job is to describe the package accurately. Less is safer.

Never overstate the evidence

Do not call a document "joint" if only one name is on it, or list "many photos" when you sent four. An officer who finds the letter inaccurate may doubt the rest of the file.

Data you do not need to repeat

Skip full Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and medical details. The petition already holds the required data, and the letter often gets copied between offices. Fewer numbers means less risk.

Common I-130 Cover Letter Mistakes

The most common mistakes are listing documents that are not enclosed, using names that differ from passports, covering two relatives in one letter and naming the wrong category for your status. Each can trigger an RFE. Most come from writing the letter before the stack is final, so the fixes below work best as a last check before mailing.

Letter-level mistakes

• A Re line missing dates of birth
• Old edition date for the I-130
• Calling a permanent resident petition "immediate relative"
• No signature, or the beneficiary signing instead of the petitioner

Package-level mistakes

These problems sit in the package itself, so a perfect letter cannot fix them:

• Spouse petition without the signed I-130A
• Photos missing or older than 30 days
• Translations without a certification
• No proof that a prior marriage ended

Worked Example: Checking One Letter Against Its Package

Here is a fictional draft with three errors and how the petitioner fixed them. Checking line by line against the stack catches the mismatches behind most avoidable delays. The names are fictional, and your own errors will differ, but the method is the same for every family petition.

The draft and its problems

Kenji's first draft listed "Form I-130A" but his wife had not signed it. It named the case "immediate relative," though he is a permanent resident. He changed it to F2A.

The translation problem

Item 6 said "marriage certificate and translation," but the translation had no certification. Kenji asked the translator to add a signed statement of completeness, accuracy and competence, then renamed item 6 "with certified English translation."

The fixes

Aiko signed the I-130A. Kenji changed the opening to "lawful permanent resident" and deleted the category label. The translator signed a certification with her name, date and contact details. Only then did Kenji sign and date the letter.

What Happens After USCIS Receives Your Petition?

USCIS checks the fee, signature and edition, then sends a Form I-797C receipt notice with your receipt number. An officer later reviews the evidence your letter listed. USCIS may approve, send an RFE or deny. The letter matters most at intake and first review.

The receipt notice

Keep the notice with your copy of the package. Our I-797C receipt notice guide explains each field, and the receipt number guide shows how to track it online. Check its names.

How long review takes

USCIS data shows I-130 (immediate relative): median 13.0 months (USCIS data, Apr.-June 2026) and I-130 (all other relatives): median 43.3 months (USCIS data, Apr.-June 2026). These are medians, not forecasts; our I-130 processing time page explains the live tool.

How Do You Use the Letter During an RFE?

When you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), write a new response cover letter. Put the RFE notice on top as instructed, then a letter that lists each requested item and the document answering it. RFE deadline: up to 12 weeks (the exact date is on your RFE); no extensions.

Sample RFE response opening

EXAMPLE ONLY. "Re: Response to Request for Evidence, receipt number [IOE0000000000], Form I-130, petitioner Hannah Whitfield. Enclosed in the order requested: 1. Certified translation of our marriage certificate; 2. Final divorce decree from my prior marriage."

Send it all at once

Send every requested item in one package. Our Request for Evidence response guide covers deadlines and mailing. A short new cover letter listing each answer helps here too. Put the RFE notice on top.

Which Status Updates Will You See?

Most I-130 cases show "Case Was Received," then later "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed" and "Case Was Approved." For a relative abroad, a later update often says the case was sent to the Department of State. Then track it at the NVC.

What each update means

Read our pages on case was received and case was approved for details. An "actively reviewed" update means an officer has the file. It is not a decision on the petition.

If the case seems stuck

A stalled case is rarely about the cover letter. Our guide to a case status that is not updating lists the steps to take. Check the processing tool first, then act.

If X, Do Y: Which Letter Version Fits?

Pick the sample closest to your situation, then adjust it with the rows below. Each row names the key addition to the basic layout. Unusual facts, such as past immigration violations, call for individual advice rather than a template. Use the table first.

Decision table

Find the row that describes you, then open that sample and make the listed additions.

When none of these fit

Spouse petitions for someone in proceedings, prior denials or past fraud findings need legal advice. The I-130 guide's section on legal help lists the warning signs. Do not file first.

When Should a Professional Review Your Petition Letter?

Ask an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative to review the package if your relative has a removal history, either spouse has past immigration problems, a record is unavailable, or USCIS denied an earlier petition. A review costs less than a denial.

Warning signs

Any one of these means a template is not enough for your case:

• The spouse married during removal proceedings
• A previous petition was denied or withdrawn
• Records conflict on names or birth dates
• The relative entered or stayed without status

Low-cost options

Nonprofit clinics and accredited representatives often charge less than firms. Our guide to what an immigration lawyer costs compares options. Avoid notarios, who cannot legally give immigration advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.