So You're Filing An Immigration Application - What's Next?
May 24, 2022
So You're Filing An Immigration Application - What's Next?
Let's assume you are ready to file an application or petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). What can you do to ensure that CIS approves your application?
- Consider contacting a licensed attorney that practices immigration law. Using an attorney gives you security that you have used the correct form, that the application is complete, is in proper order and is being sent to the correct CIS office, and that CIS can contact the attorney if there is a problem. An attorney can also save you lots of time dealing with CIS and the application process.
- Double check the form instructions to make sure you have included all required documentation and fully completed the application. Check www.immigration.gov to make sure you have the most recent forms and the correct fee amount.
- Double check your responses on the form. Make sure you have answered all applicable sections.
- Make a copy of your complete application.
- Prepare a cover letter listing your enclosures.
- Note that CIS likes you to indicate page numbers on your documents for certain forms.
- Check the form instructions or www.immigration.gov for the order of the enclosures.
- Send it via overnight delivery or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested. That way, you have evidence of delivery.
- Complete and include form G-1145 if you would like an email indicating USCIS received your package.
Now that you have sent your application, what happens next?
- You should receive a Receipt Notice within a month. Review it to make sure your information is correct; if it is incorrect, contact CIS.
- If you don't receive a Receipt Notice within a month, determine if your check for the fee has cleared your bank account. We recommend sending checks, and not money orders, for this reason.
- Depending on the application, you may receive an appointment notice to take your "Biometrics." This is a fancy word for electronic picture and fingerprints. You will have to travel to Atlanta on a scheduled date and time. You can reschedule your appointment, but rescheduling is likely to delay processing of your application.
- You may realize that you failed to include certain documentation or information. You can submit a supplemental filing. Indicate your name, address, date of birth and the receipt number provided in the Receipt Notice on your cover letter so CIS can match up the supplemental filing with your application. Make a copy and send as noted above.
- You may receive a Request for Evidence. Read it carefully and timely respond. Send everything requested, even if it was in the previous application package. Make a copy and send as noted above.
- You may receive a Notice of Intent to Deny. Read it carefully and timely respond. Make a cogent argument why your application should be approved. An attorney may be able to locate favorable case law to include in your argument.
- You may be required to attend an interview. The interview notice will indicate what to bring. Comply with those instructions and take any other documents that might help your case. Practice responding to questions about yourself and anyone that has petitioned for you. Schedule an interpreter if you need one, or if having an interpreter will make you more comfortable.
- Pray for a favorable decision!
- You can check the status of your case at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. You can also check standard processing times at that site. If your case is outside of the normal processing time, contact CIS at 800-375-5283 and initiate a case status inquiry.
While we like to help clients from beginning to end; often, however, clients contact us in the middle of the process. That's fine, too. We want to help you prepare and file the best application you can!
GKH attorneys pride themselves on being on the forefront of new immigration developments, and we strive to keep you informed of the developments regarding immigration issues. Please call the GKH Immigration Group toll free at 888-463-8117 for more information or representation in your immigration process. We help clients through the internet from around the U.S. and the world. Let us help you no matter where you are, near or far!
This blog is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship or provide legal advice. Please contact the author if you have any questions or comments regarding the subject matter
Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. is pleased to announce that two (2) of its attorneys and counselors are named to the 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Edition. In addition, three (3) attorneys were recognized in the Rising Stars category this year. The selected attorneys are recognized for this achievement of professional excellence and peer recognition. Each year, the Super Lawyers research team recognizes no more than 5% of Tennessee attorneys for this distinction and selects no more 2.5 % of attorneys in a state for the Rising Stars category based upon eligible candidates who are in practice for 10 years or less or 40 years old or younger.
The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Law firm is pleased to announce that Amanda Williams and Zachary Atchley have joined the firm as an Associates. Amanda comes from the Golden State of California, specifically San Diego. Amanda attended Boston College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics. Amanda then attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was a student-attorney in the Domestic Violence Clinic and the Expungement Clinic. She was also the Pro Bono Director during her third year of law school. Amanda was previously a summer associate with Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison during law school and joined the firm after her graduation in May 2024. Amanda handles primarily domestic relations issues. In her practice, she addresses a variety of topics such as divorce, child custody, child support, and paternity issues. Amanda strives to give zealous yet efficient representation while helping clients navigate one of the most emotional and challenging periods of their lives. When not in the office, Amanda can be found kayaking the rivers of Tennessee, running along the Tennessee Riverwalk, reading a great book, or cheering for the Tennessee Vols. Zachary Atchley is the second fourth-generation attorney on his father's side who benefitted greatly from the mentorship he received from both his father, Fielding H. Atchley, and brother Trevor F. Atchley, with whom he practiced law before joining Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. Zachary practices in the areas of General Civil & Commercial Litigation, Financial and Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Business and Corporate Law. Zachary received his B.A. from Appalachian State University Graduate in 2006. While at Appalachian State, Zachary graduated from Watauga Residential College, an alternative honors program focused on writing, discussion, complex thinking, creativity, community, and curiosity. He received a Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2010 and his J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law in 2022. Law is Zachary's second-career as he has over 10 years' experience in nonprofit management, where he specialized in program development, grant writing and administration, organizational planning, and fundraising for nonprofits serving Chattanooga's disinvested neighborhoods and underserved populations. Throughout his life, Zachary has been an active volunteer, involved in both church and civic activities. As a boy scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His law school emphasized the importance of engaging in community service and pro bono work is an important part of his practice. Zachary regularly volunteers at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and Center for Creative Arts. where his daughters attend, serves as a Deacon. Sunday School Facilitator, and Worship Leader at First Christian Church Chattanooga, serves as co-president of Barking Legs Theater's Board of Directors, and serves the Citv of Chattanooga as a member of its Beer Board.
Grant, Konvalinka and Harrison congratulates one of their own, David Higney, on being invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is excited to introduce the new board members. Each member brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our community and a passion for supporting and advocating for UTC. The new board members include: Marla Cobb, David Higney, Joyce Lloyd, Lessie Lyttle, Walker Rhodes, Taylor Rowell, Victor Sims, and Brian Wright.
The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. law firm is pleased to announce that Melissa Weitzel has joined the firm as an associate. Melissa will be practicing in Business and Corporate Law, Financial Services and Transactions, Governmental and Administrative Law, Litigation, and Labor and Employment. Melissa is a Gulfport, Mississippi native and graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Law School. Prior to joining the firm, Melissa worked as a Law Fellow in Vanderbilt University’s Office of the General Counsel where she assisted with a range of higher education matters including finance, labor and employment, intellectual property, and student affairs. During law school, Melissa participated in the Intellectual Property & the Arts Clinic where she represented small businesses in trademark filings and disputes. She completed a full-semester externship with the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and a summer internship with USAID’s Justice for All Activity Ukraine. She served on the executive boards of the Space Law Society, the Entertainment & Sports Law Society, and OutLaw. Prior to law school, Melissa attended Mississippi State University where she graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Political Science and History. During her time as an undergraduate, she studied internationally at the University of Oxford and with Cornell University in Turin, Italy. At Mississippi State, Melissa worked as a Student Office Assistant for the Shackouls Honors College, served as Secretary-General of Mississippi Model Security Council, and as Vice-President of the College of Arts & Sciences’ Dean’s Student Advisory Council. Melissa is a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, and the Southeastern Tennessee Lawyers' Association for Women (SETLAW). In her free time, Melissa enjoys practicing her (very underwhelming) Russian language skills, being active, and traveling with her loved ones.
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The Board of Directors of Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison ("GKH"), a Chattanooga law firm, are pleased to announce the election of Kane Shepherd as Director at the firm. Kane guides clients in all aspects of real estate matters, financial and lending transactions, and mergers & acquisitions. Kane represents clients ranging from startups to businesses with large international footprints. Kane is a native of Montana who joined the firm in 2019. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana, and received his J.D. with a concentration in business transactions from the University of Tennessee in 2018. Prior to joining GKH, Kane clerked at the Hamilton County Chancery Court for the Honorable Pamela A. Fleenor and the Honorable Jeffrey M. Atherton, and previously worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. To learn more about Mr. Shepherd, please visit his webpage at http://www.gkhpc.com . Contact him at 423-756-8400 or by email at kshepherd@gkhpc.com .
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