New Insights Into I-829 Application Receipt Process

My colleague, Martin Lawler, has provided some interesting insights into US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) issuance of receipts for I-829 petitions for removal of conditions on permanent status. Historically, when someone’s green card expires they are provided with a receipt that acts as proof of that person’s status for one year.

Recently, we have noticed that some spouses and children of green card holders have been having difficulty obtaining these I-829 receipts, which allow them to travel, work and renew driver’s licenses.

“Due to a system conversion, I-797 Receipt notices for beneficiaries of new I-829 filings have been delayed but continue to be issued.  Please allow 90 days from the date of filing to receive the I-829 receipt notice for both the petitioner and associated derivatives.  Furthermore, evidence pertaining to the current immigration status of a petitioner and their associated derivatives can still be obtained through an INFOPASS appointment with their local field office.  Please go to USCIS’ website uscis.gov for more information regarding how to obtain an INFOPASS appointment.  Unless it is an emergent situation, we request that you allow the full 90 days to elapse before seeking an INFOPASS appointment.  The Immigrant Investor Program Office (IPO) is working to issue I-797 Receipt Notices, which provides evidence of the petitioner’s and their derivatives’ current status as quickly as possible.”

USCIS is in the process of closing down some INFOPASS services, and we are hoping that this does not exacerbate the issues that dependents have been having.