USCIS Petitions

Below is a comprehensive guide for some common USCIS petitions, including USCIS Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), USCIS Motion Petition, USCIS Waiver Petition, Family-based Petition, Employment-based Petition, and other Immigrant Petitions.

Types of USCIS Petitions:

1. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and Family-Based Petition
2. Employment-Based Petition
3. Immigrant Worker Petition
4. Fiancé(e) Visa
5. Asylum and Refugee Status

General Steps to Apply for USCIS Petition:

1. Determine the Type of Petition:

Identify the specific USCIS Petition based on your immigration needs:

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and Family-Based: Petition for Alien Relative
• Employment-Based: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
• Nonimmigrant Worker: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
• Fiancé(e) Visa: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

2. Complete the Appropriate Form:

• Download the Form: Download the appropriate form.
• Instructions: Read the instructions carefully to ensure you fill out the form correctly.

3. Pay the Filing Fee:

• Fee Amount: The fee varies depending on the form and petition type.
• Payment Methods: Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card (if filing online).

4. Prepare Required Documents:

Prepare and gather the required supporting documents. These typically include:

Family-Based Petitions:

1. Complete the Appropriate Form
2. Proof of Relationship
   • Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other proof of family relationship.
3. Proof of Petitioner’s Status
   • Copy of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
4. Passport Photos
   • Recent passport-size photos of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.

Employment-Based Petitions:

1. Complete the Appropriate Form
2. Labor Certification (if applicable)
   • Approved Labor Certification from the Department of Labor.
3. Employer Letter
   • Job offer letter or employment verification letter.
4. Evidence of Qualifications
   • Educational credentials, work experience letters, and other relevant documents.

Nonimmigrant Worker Petition:

1. Complete the Appropriate Form
2. Employer Letter
   • Detailed job offer letter specifying the position, salary, and job duties.
3. Supporting Documents
   • Evidence of the beneficiary’s qualifications and credentials.

Fiancé(e) Visa:

1. Complete the Appropriate Form
2. Proof of Relationship
   • Photos, communication records, and evidence of meetings.
3. Proof of Petitioner’s Status
   • Copy of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship status.
4. Intention to Marry
   • Letters of intent to marry within 90 days of the beneficiary’s entry to the U.S.

5. Submit the Petition:

• Mail the Petition: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address. The address depends on the form type and the petitioner’s location.
• Online Submission: For certain forms, you may have the option to file online through the USCIS website.

6. Receive Receipt Notice:

• Notice of Action: After USCIS receives your petition, you will receive a Notice of Action, acknowledging receipt of your petition.

7. Wait for Processing:

• Processing Time: Processing times vary depending on the type of petition and the USCIS service center handling your case. Check the USCIS Processing Times for current estimates.
• Request for Evidence (RFE): If additional information is needed, USCIS may issue an RFE. Respond promptly with the required documents.

8. Petition Approval:

• Approval Notice: If your petition is approved, you will receive an approval notice.
• Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is outside the U.S., the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in Pakistan for visa processing.

Specific Considerations for Pakistani Applicants:

Consular Processing:

For applicants in Pakistan, approved petitions are forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the U.S. Consulate in Karachi for consular processing. The steps generally include:

1. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
   • Pay visa fees and submit required documents to the NVC.
2. Consular Interview
   • Schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. Visa Issuance
   • If approved, the visa will be issued, and the beneficiary can travel to the U.S.

Medical Examination:

• Medical Exam: Complete a medical examination with an authorized panel physician before the consular interview.

Biometrics Appointment:

• Biometrics: Some applicants may be required to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photos.