As you prepare your adjustment of status application, you might begin to notice that the stack of documents can get particularly large. For applicants filing the Form I-130 concurrently with Form I-485, it might even be overwhelming.
The documents shouldn’t be carelessly thrown in an envelope and sent to USCIS. They must be presented in a way that USCIS can easily understand your intentions and find your supporting documents. Assembling your adjustment of status package may take some planning.
First, it may be easiest to explain what not to do when assembling your adjustment of status package. Do not use binders or folders that USCIS cannot easily disassemble. Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
Many law firms use a two-prong folder or ACCO fastener to organize applications and supporting documents. The documents stay in place, are protected, and can be easily disassembled by USCIS. In order to do this correctly, you’ll need to purchase or have access to a two-hole punch. That’s not necessary.
You may use a combination of paper clips and binder clips to secure each group of documents.
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USCIS recommends assembling your family-based adjustment of status package in the following order:
Not every adjustment of status application includes all of the forms listed above. This example is for the immediate relative spouse of a U.S. citizen filing a concurrent immigrant petition.
If you have multiple family members filing applications together, be cautious about combining them. USCIS will process them separately anyway. If the cases are not clearly separated upon arrival at USCIS, the disorganization could create a delay for each. What’s more, USCIS is notorious for losing items. If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or fasteners.
