the Document

It All Starts With You!
Business Representatives Meeting
Nebraska Service Center
Lincoln Nebraska
May 9, 2012
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
Filing tips for the Journey
• Lockbox
• R.O.P. (Record of Proceeding)
– I-140; Employment Based I-485; I-131; I-765
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Cover Letters
Expedites
RFE/Appeals
Additional Hints
Contact Information
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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USCIS Office of Intake and
Document Production
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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OIDP Presentation Topics
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Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about USCIS
Intake. This presentation will answer the following questions:
– What is the Lockbox and its role in processing applications?
– Who can customers contact with Lockbox processing issues?
– What happens to an application after it is received by a Lockbox
facility?
– What are some filing tips to avoid common problems?
– If a client sends a personal check, does that slow down processing?
– What should be written on a money order?
– How should filing packages be assembled (what order to use for each
document, whether to fasten and by what method, etc.)?
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Introduction to USCIS Paper Intake (Lockbox)
• A Lockbox is a secure facility used by government agencies and
private organizations to facilitate the collection and deposit of fees.
• The Department of Treasury designated a financial agent to perform
Lockbox services for USCIS. The Lockbox service provider
manages the intake of USCIS benefit applications and the collection
of associated fees submitted directly by mail. The Lockbox service
provider does not approve or deny petitions/applications received.
• USCIS Lockbox facilities are located in Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ;
and Lewisville, TX.
• In 2011, over 4.6 million benefit applications were processed
through the paper intake channel.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Lockbox Customer Support
• About 80 percent of applications are processed within 48
hours of receipt.
• The acceptance rate for incoming applications is around 90
percent.
• Customers and their representatives who have intake questions
about an application filed at a Lockbox facility may write to
[email protected].
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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USCIS Lockbox Services
•
The Lockbox Service provider performs the following activities when
processing incoming applications:
– Receive, open, sort and stage mail.
– Prepare and scan documents.
– Enter document data in system from scanned images.
– Accept or reject applications and related fees based on business rules.
– Balance applications and fees. Deposit payments to the U.S. Treasury
– Send receipt notices for accepted applications to the applicant and designated
representative.
– Return rejected applications to the applicant or designated representative.
– Transmit application data to USCIS and payment data to U.S. Department of
Treasury.
– Send application files to the appropriate USCIS service center or field office
for further processing.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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General Lockbox Filing Tips
• Lockbox filing tips are also posted in the “Related Links” section on the
www.uscis.gov form landing pages.
• Please read and follow the form filing instructions.
• Make sure your form is neat and legible, and keep all entries within the spaces
provided on the form.
• Complete the form in black ink and do not use highlighters or correction fluid.
Use of these items may prevent our scanners from reading the information on
the form.
• Use the current form version and mail all pages of the form.
• When possible, use the Adobe fillable forms available online at
www.uscis.gov. When completed electronically, these forms include features
that will assist customers.
• Pay the correct fee. Incorrect fee is a primary reason forms are rejected at a
Lockbox facility.
• Sign the form in the correct section. An original signature is required. Forms
without signatures or signatures in the wrong place will be rejected.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Paying Immigration Fees at a Lockbox Facility
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Bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks and
money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable
in U.S. funds.
– Although one check covering multiple applications is acceptable, we recommend
submitting separate checks or money orders when multiple applications are filed.
• Make the check or money order payable to U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (not "USDHS" or
"DHS")
– No additional notations are required on the check or money order.
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Paying by Personal Check
– Electronic Deposit of Checks – your check will be converted into an electronic fund
transfer and funds may be drawn from your account faster than processing a paper check.
– Paying by personal check will not delay your application.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Paying Immigration Fees at a Lockbox Facility
(cont.)
• Paying by Personal Check (cont.)
– All checks must be typed or written in ink.
– Write in numbers the exact dollar amount of the fee for the service you
are requesting.
– Spell out the exact dollar amount of the fee for the service you are
requesting.
– Sign the check using your legal signature.
– Ensure the check is not postdated or stale (more than a year old).
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Application Package Assembly
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Place the check or money order on top of the related application.
Attorneys or accredited representative filing Form G-28 must include one for each
application. The Form G-28 should be place near the top of the application
package.
Use Form G-1145 to request an e-Notification that your application has been
accepted by a Lockbox facility and place it on top of the application.
Place supporting documentation behind the application.
The Lockbox service provider will assemble each application in the package in the
correct processing order before it is scanned.
We recommend the following:
– Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.
– Use fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions.
– Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
– Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required.
– Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.
– Do not send documents or supporting evidence not required by the form filing
instructions.
– Do not send documents or fees in separate envelopes. The Lockbox service
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AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
provider cannot match
documents and applications mailed in separate envelopes.
Record Of Proceeding (I-140)
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I-907 (Application for Premium Processing)
G28 (Signed by I-140 Petitioner)
I-140
I-140 Cover Letter (with Index)
Labor Certification (if required)
I-140 Supporting Documentation, to include
degree certificates, transcripts and job experience
letters, and other supporting documents
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Record Of Proceeding (I-485)
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G-28 (Signed by I-485 Applicant)
I-485
I-485A (if required)
I-485 Cover Letter (with Index)
G-325A
Copy of I-94
Copy of Passport
I-20 A-B/I-20 ID (if current or prior student)
DS-2019 (if current or prior exchange visitor)
I-864 (if required), with supporting documents
underneath
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Record Of Proceeding (I-485 cont.)
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I-134 (if required), with supporting documents underneath
I-601 (if required), with supporting documents underneath
I-602 (if required), with supporting documents underneath
I-212 (if required), with supporting documents underneath
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (if appropriate)
Divorce Decrees (if appropriate)
I-797
I-693 Medical Exam – leave in sealed envelope unopened
Other I-485 Supporting Documentation
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Record of Proceeding (I-131)
• Form G-28 (Signed by I-485 applicant)
• Form I-131 Application
• Evidence of Refugee/Asylee Status (For Refugee Travel
Document)
• Copy of identity document (birth certificate and/or
passport)*
• Photos (secured with staple in envelope or holder)
• Copy of Form I-94
• Copy of passport
• Other supporting documentation
Note: When filing Form I-131 concurrently with Form I-485, be sure to
include a copy of the identity document with both forms.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Record of Proceeding (I-765)
• Form G-28 (Signed by I-485 applicant)
• Form I-765
• Copy of identity document (birth certificate
and/or passport)
• Copy of prior EAD, if applicable
• Other supporting documents
When filing Form I-765 concurrently with Form I-485, be sure to
include a copy of the identity document with both forms.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Cover Letters
• Should contain SUMMARY of the argument and how the
documents provided relate to the evidence.
• Steer away from a long technical explanation. Focus on
the impact that the work/accomplishments have on the
area of endeavor.
• Index should have corresponding numbers or letters for
reference to the document.
• Documents should be divided by 8 x 10 sized paper
(colored preferably – Green, purple, tan or any neon
color, NO BLUE, RED OR PINK) with the corresponding
index number or letter.
• DO NOT send tabs or dividers to Lockbox.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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No Tab Dividers
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Colored Dividers
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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More is not always better
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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More is not always better
• No DVDs
• Not entire article
• Provide only the part of the article
pertaining to the beneficiary
• No Portfolios
• No copies of books
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Expedited Filing
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Big and Bold
Do not use highlighter other than yellow
State the reason for the expedite
Ensure the reason meets the criteria for an
expedite.
• All expedites are reviewed on a case-bycase basis and are granted at the
discretion of the Director.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Expedite Criteria
• Severe financial loss to company or
Individual
• Extreme emergent situation
• Humanitarian situation
• Nonprofit status of requesting organization
in furtherance of the cultural and social
interests of the United States.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Expedite Criteria (Cont.)
• Department of Defense or National
Interest Situation (Note: Request must
come from official U.S. Government entity
and state that delay will be detrimental to
our government)
• USCIS error
• Compelling interest of USCIS
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Post-Filing Expedites
• If you have already filed your application
or petition:
– You can make an expedite request by
contacting the National Customer Service
Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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RFEs & Motions
• Always send RFE responses and Motions to ReOpen to the address provided in the RFE or
denial.
• Do not address RFEs and Appeals to the
Service Center Director. This will only slow
down the process.
• Include the gold sheet that came with the RFE or
denial (if TSC) or return notice and special
envelope (if NSC).
• All RFEs must have a response within 87 days.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Additional Hints
• Submit all evidence required for each
individual application/petition even if filing
concurrently.
– For example, make sure to submit an extra identity
document with your I-765 application.
• Please remember to attend your ASC
appointment as scheduled.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Contact Information
• National Customer Service Center
• 800 375-5283
• Texas Service Center
• [email protected]
• Nebraska Service Center
• [email protected]
• Vermont Service Center
• [email protected]
• California Service Center
• [email protected]
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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Contact Information (Cont.)
• TSC Premium Processing Unit
– [email protected]
• Lockbox
– [email protected]
• Community Engagement Officers
– [email protected] (Jack Jaggers)
– [email protected] (Kathryn Nicholas)
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/11/12)
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USCIS
Business Representatives Conference
Presented by the Nebraska and Texas Service Centers - May 9, 2012
8:30
9:00
9:15
10:00
Arrive, Register, and Meet & Greet
Welcome
Mark Hazuda, Director, Nebraska Service Center
“It All Starts With You” - Filing Tips for the Journey
Jack Jaggers, Community Engagement Officer, Texas Service Center
Meg Comstock, Supervisory Management & Program Analyst, Dallas Lockbox
Inquiries and Stakeholder Communication
Doug Platt, Supervisory Immigration Services Officer, Nebraska Service Center
10:15
Break
10:30
I-9 and E-Verify
Steve Warner, Management & Program Analyst, Nebraska Verification Operations Center
11:30
Lunch
12:30
Transformation
Neil Jacobson, Assistant Center Director, Nebraska Service Center
I-140 Panel—General Issues
Barb Ahlm, Acting Assistant Center Director, Nebraska Service Center
Barb Malcom, Don Moody, Kevin Smith, and Melissa Wimmer, Supervisory Immigration Service
Officers, Nebraska Service Center
Julie Kennedy-Lindstrom, Supervisory Immigration Services Officer, Texas Service Center
Sophia Cox, Special Assistant, Service Center Operations
I-140 Panel—Entrepreneurs in Residence
Kevin Smith, Supervisory Immigration Services Officer, Nebraska Service Center
Sophia Cox, Special Assistant, Service Center Operations
1:15
1:45
2:15
Break
2:30
I-485 Panel
Alisha Soucie, Supervisory Immigration Officer, Nebraska Service Center
Wyvette Covington, Assistant Center Director, Texas Service Center
Sophia Cox, Special Assistant, Service Center Operations
Ancillary Forms Panel
Mary Hoatson, Senior Immigration Services Officer, Nebraska Service Center
Tim Pearce, Senior Immigration Services Officer, Texas Service Center
Closing Remarks
Kathryn Nicholas, Community Engagement Officer, Nebraska Service Center
Tour of Nebraska Service Center Facility
Shawn Allen, Special Assistant, Nebraska Service Center
Kathryn Nicholas, Community Engagement Officer, Nebraska Service Center
3:15
3:45
4:00
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666. (Posted 05/07/12)
Meeting Invitation
Business Representatives Conference
The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) invites all immigration legal representatives to attend the
Business Representatives Conference on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. The NSC is partnering with
the Texas Service Center (TSC) to provide an opportunity to meet staff in person and share
information on various immigration related topics through presentation and open dialogue.
The Business Representatives Conference is an all-day event which will be held at the NSC
Highlands Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. Please note that there is no call-in option for this
meeting.
This conference will include panel discussions of business topics relating to Form I-140 and
Employment-Based Form I-485, as well as presentations on the topics of E-Verify and
Transformation.
The agenda for this meeting will be constructed with you in mind. If there are topics or questions
you would like to discuss at the conference, please provide them in advance. The conference
agenda will be primarily based on the questions and topics received.
Agenda Items: Please submit agenda items to [email protected] no later than April 11, 2012.
RSVP: If you would like to attend this Business Representatives Conference, please provide your
full name and the office or organization you represent to Kathryn Nicholas at [email protected]
no later than May 1, 2012.
Those who RSVP for this engagement will receive a finalized agenda as we approach the date of
the meeting.
If you need additional information, you may contact Kathryn Nicholas at the email above or by
telephone at (402) 219-6405.
We look forward to engaging with you!
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 12031666.
(Posted 03/16/12)