Getting ready to file your I-130 and I-485 forms can feel like a big puzzle. One of the most important pieces to make sure everything runs smoothly is a well-written cover letter. This article will walk you through what makes a great I 130 I 485 Cover Letter Sample, giving you the confidence to submit your application with all your ducks in a row.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Cover Letter
Think of your cover letter as your personal introduction to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer who will review your case. It's a chance to clearly state what you're filing and why. This letter is incredibly important because it acts as a summary of your entire package, highlighting the key documents and ensuring nothing gets missed. A disorganized or unclear cover letter can lead to delays or requests for more information, which is the last thing you want.
Your cover letter should:
- Clearly state the names of the forms being submitted (I-130 and I-485).
- Identify the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- List all the supporting documents included in the application.
- Provide contact information for both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Here’s a quick look at what essential information it should contain:
| Key Information | Why it's Needed |
|---|---|
| Applicant's Name | To identify who the application is for. |
| Petitioner's Name | To identify who is sponsoring the applicant. |
| Receipt Numbers (if applicable) | To link to previous USCIS actions. |
| Fee Payment Details | To confirm payment has been made. |
Sample Cover Letter for a Spouse Petition
Spouse Petition Cover Letter
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 and I-485 Filing
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed concurrently by Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] for Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] is a U.S. Citizen and is filing this petition on behalf of their spouse, Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is a citizen of [Beneficiary's Country of Citizenship].
The following documents are included in this package:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by the Beneficiary.
- Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship (e.g., copy of U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization).
- Proof of Marriage (e.g., Certified copy of Marriage Certificate).
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and supporting financial documents.
- Filing fees in the amount of $[Total Filing Fee Amount].
We have ensured that all required forms are completed accurately and that all supporting documents are included. We kindly request that you process this application in a timely manner. Please do not hesitate to contact us if any additional information is required.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
Beneficiary: [Beneficiary's Full Name]
[Beneficiary's Phone Number]
[Beneficiary's Email Address]
Parent Petition Cover Letter
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 and I-485 Filing
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies the concurrent filing of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] and Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] is a U.S. Citizen and is filing this petition for their parent, Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is a citizen of [Beneficiary's Country of Citizenship].
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by the Beneficiary.
- Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship (e.g., copy of U.S. Birth Certificate).
- Proof of Parent-Child Relationship (e.g., certified copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate showing Petitioner's name as child, Petitioner's Birth Certificate showing Beneficiary's name as parent).
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and supporting financial documents.
- Filing fees totaling $[Total Filing Fee Amount].
All forms have been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy. We appreciate your attention to this matter and are available to provide any further information needed.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
Beneficiary: [Beneficiary's Full Name]
[Beneficiary's Phone Number]
[Beneficiary's Email Address]
Child Petition Cover Letter
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 and I-485 Filing
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
This package contains the concurrent filing of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] and Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] is a U.S. Citizen and is filing this petition for their child, Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is a citizen of [Beneficiary's Country of Citizenship].
The enclosed documentation includes:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by the Beneficiary.
- Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship (e.g., copy of U.S. Birth Certificate).
- Proof of Parent-Child Relationship (e.g., certified copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate showing Petitioner's name as parent).
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and supporting financial documents.
- Filing fees totaling $[Total Filing Fee Amount].
We have meticulously completed all forms and gathered all necessary supporting evidence. Please let us know if any further information is needed for processing.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
Beneficiary: [Beneficiary's Full Name]
[Beneficiary's Phone Number]
[Beneficiary's Email Address]
Sibling Petition Cover Letter
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 and I-485 Filing
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
This submission includes Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed concurrently by Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] for Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] is a U.S. Citizen and is filing this petition for their sibling, Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is a citizen of [Beneficiary's Country of Citizenship].
The following items are enclosed:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by the Beneficiary.
- Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship (e.g., copy of U.S. Birth Certificate).
- Proof of Sibling Relationship (e.g., certified copies of birth certificates of Petitioner and Beneficiary, showing both share at least one parent). If parents are different, additional documentation might be required.
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and supporting financial documents.
- Filing fees totaling $[Total Filing Fee Amount].
We have taken great care to ensure all forms are completed accurately and all necessary documents are included. Your prompt attention to this application is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
Beneficiary: [Beneficiary's Full Name]
[Beneficiary's Phone Number]
[Beneficiary's Email Address]
Form I-130 Only (No Concurrent I-485) Cover Letter
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 Filing Only
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] for Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] is a [Petitioner's Status, e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident] and is filing this petition on behalf of their [Relationship, e.g., spouse, child, parent], Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name], who is a citizen of [Beneficiary's Country of Citizenship].
The following documents are enclosed:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Proof of Petitioner's Status (e.g., copy of U.S. Birth Certificate, Green Card).
- Proof of Relationship (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate).
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport (if applicable).
- Filing fee in the amount of $[I-130 Filing Fee Amount].
We have carefully completed all required sections of the form and included all necessary supporting documentation. We request that you review and approve this petition at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
When There Are Missing Documents
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: I-130 and I-485 Filing
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Submission of Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - Missing Document Notification
Dear USCIS Officer,
This package contains the concurrent filing of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] and Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name].
We have included all required forms and supporting documents to the best of our ability. However, we wish to inform you that the following document is currently unavailable:
- [Name of Missing Document, e.g., Original Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate]
We are actively working to obtain this document and will submit it as soon as possible. We understand the importance of this item and will provide it via [Method of Submission, e.g., separate mail, during interview] once received.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, completed and signed by the Petitioner.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, completed and signed by the Beneficiary.
- Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship.
- Birth Certificate of Beneficiary.
- Passport-style photographs of Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for both Petitioner and Beneficiary.
- Copy of Beneficiary's foreign passport.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and supporting financial documents.
- Filing fees totaling $[Total Filing Fee Amount].
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Please advise if there are any specific procedures we should follow regarding the submission of the missing document.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
After Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE)
USCIS Service Center
ATTN: Response to Request for Evidence
[Address of USCIS Service Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Date:
[Current Date]
Subject: Response to Request for Evidence (RFE) - Application Type: [Form Type, e.g., I-130/I-485], Receipt Number: [Your Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is a formal response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] regarding the application(s) filed by Petitioner [Petitioner's Full Name] for Beneficiary [Beneficiary's Full Name] (Receipt Number: [Your Receipt Number]).
We have carefully reviewed the RFE and are providing the requested information and documentation as follows:
- Item 1 Requested: [Description of the first item requested in the RFE]
- Response: [Explanation or details provided]
- Supporting Document: [Name of document submitted to address this item]
- Item 2 Requested: [Description of the second item requested in the RFE]
- Response: [Explanation or details provided]
- Supporting Document: [Name of document submitted to address this item]
We have included copies of all documents specified in the RFE, along with the required evidence.
We trust that this information fully addresses the concerns raised in the RFE and will allow for the continued processing of our application. Please contact us if any further clarification or documentation is needed.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
Putting together a strong I 130 I 485 Cover Letter Sample is all about being clear, organized, and thorough. By following these examples and understanding the purpose of each section, you can create a cover letter that helps your application move through the USCIS process as smoothly as possible. Remember, a little extra attention to detail here can save you a lot of time and stress down the line!