The USCIS has changed the locations where some forms need to be filed.
In an effort to provide faster service and streamline operations, the USCIS has announced some changes in the way that specific forms are handled:
1) Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) after August 3, 2010, will need to be filed at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Previously, applicants were able to file at a USCIS Service Center. The new address is available at the USCIS.gov website or on the Form I-526 instructions. Before September 17, 2010, all Form I-526 filings at Service Centers will be forwarded by the USCIS to the Dallas Lockbox. After that date, every Form I-526 filed at the wrong facility will be returned to the applicant.
2) Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) will also need to be filed at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility starting on Aug. 3, 2010. However, applicants submitting Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) as well as Form I-539 will need to continue to submit their forms to either the USCIS Vermont Service Center or the USCIS California Service Center. There are other exceptions, as well. Those who qualify to file their Form I-539 under “P-4, Dependents of Major League Sports” or as “V Nonimmigrant” will also need to file through the USCIS Vermont Service Center or the USCIS Chicago Lockbox, respectively.
3) Canadian applicants filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) alone (without other forms) will now need to process their form through the USCIS Chicago Lockbox, rather than through the USCIS Vermont Service Center, which is where the forms were previously filed.
4) Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) will now be filed at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox, the USCIS Nebraska or Texas Service Centers, whether it is filed alone or with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). The changes take effect August 3, 2010. Applicants submitting Form 1-140 with an “f” petition type (for skilled workers) will file with the Nebraska or to the Texas Service Centers. If applicants are submitting Form I-140 with Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service), filing will be at the Nebraska or Texas Service Centers. Any other applicants filing Form I-140s will submit their application to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.
5) Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) will now be filed at USCIS Dallas Lockbox. The change begins August 3, 2010.
Submitting your USCIS forms or applications to the wrong address can delay your application. For this reason, it is important to always carefully read the latest information from USCIS regarding the correct filing of forms. In some cases, the same application may have different filing locations, depending on how the form is completed and depending on the status of the applicant. Read the instructions at USCIS.gov carefully and make sure that you have the latest versions of all forms to ensure that your forms are forwarded to the correct center.
