1. How long does it take to process an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
The processing time for an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case and the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, USCIS may take up to six months from the time the petition is received to process the application.
2. What is the timeline for processing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
The timeline for processing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition can vary depending on a variety of factors. Generally, the USCIS will send a receipt notice within two to four weeks after receiving the I-730 petition. This receipt notice will provide information regarding the receipt of the petition and the processing center that will handle the case. The actual processing time can vary greatly and may take up to a year or more. The USCIS has set processing times to complete various stages of the I-730 process, however, the actual time may differ depending on the workload and staffing levels of each individual processing center.
3. How long will it take for USCIS to adjudicate an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
The processing time for an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition varies depending on the current processing times at the USCIS office where the petition is being processed. Generally, processing times can range anywhere from 8 to 14 months.
4. Are there any ways to expedite the processing of an I-730 Petition?
The processing time for an I-730 Petition can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the case. However, there are a few steps that can be taken to expedite the process. These include filing an expedited processing request, paying the applicable fees, and submitting all required documentation in a timely manner. Additionally, if the applicant is in an immediate life-threatening situation, they may be eligible for humanitarian parole.
5. How can I check the status of my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
You can check the status of your I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition by visiting the USCIS website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
6. Are there any delays in the processing of I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions?
Yes, there have been delays in the processing of I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions due to the pandemic. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has limited its operations to emergency services only, and there has been a backlog of cases due to the high number of applications and limited staff resources.
7. How should I prepare for an interview for my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
To prepare for an interview for an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, you should make sure that you have a complete, organized package of documents that you can present to the immigration officer. This should include the application form, any supporting documents (such as birth certificates and other proof of relationship) and copies of any other forms or documents that you have submitted. Additionally, it’s a good idea to practice responses to potential questions about your relationship to the refugee/asylee and your reasons for wanting to bring them to the United States. Being prepared will help ensure that your interview goes as smoothly as possible.
8. What documents do I need to submit with my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
The required documents to submit with an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition include the following:
-Form I-730
-Proof of the qualifying relationship between the principal refugee or asylee and the relative beneficiary
-Proof of refugee or asylee status for the principal refugee or asylee
-Copies of the principal refugee or asylee’s admission or parole documents
-Evidence of any name changes for either the principal refugee or asylee, or the relative beneficiary
-Proof of the relative beneficiary’s nationality
-Photographs of both the principal refugee or asylee and the relative beneficiary
-Copy of a valid passport or other government-issued identification document for both the principal refugee or asylee and the relative beneficiary
-Medical examination results for both the principal refugee or asylee and the relative beneficiary
-Proof of financial support from the principal refugee or asylee for the relative beneficiary if needed
9. Is there a fee associated with filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes, there is a fee associated with filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. The fee is $535 and must be paid in U.S. dollars at the time of filing.
10. What additional steps do I need to take after my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is approved?
Once the I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is approved, you will need to submit a Form I-485 to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to adjust the refugee/asylee’s status from refugee/asylee to that of a lawful permanent resident. The refugee/asylee will also need to submit an I-693 Medical Examination and Vaccination Record in order to establish eligibility for the adjustment of status. The USCIS will then review the application and, if approved, issue the refugee/asylee a green card.
11. What is the difference between an immigrant visa and adjustment of status when filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
An immigrant visa is used to enter the United States for permanent residency, while an adjustment of status is used to change someone’s current non-immigrant status to a permanent resident. An I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is used to bring eligible relatives of a U.S. refugee or asylee to the United States as derivative beneficiaries. A derivative beneficiary cannot apply for adjustment of status; they must use an immigrant visa to enter the United States and adjust their status once they are here.
12. How does USCIS determine whether or not to grant an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative petition?
USCIS will review the I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative petition to determine if the petitioner and the beneficiary meet the eligibility requirements, including that the petitioner is a granted refugee or asylee, and that the beneficiary is an unmarried son or daughter of the refugee or asylee. USCIS will also consider whether the beneficiary is admissible to the United States. In addition, USCIS will consider any additional evidence submitted with the petition, such as proof of a biological relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
13. Can a family member file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition on behalf of another family member?
Yes, a family member may file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition on behalf of another family member. The family member filing the petition must be either a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). The petition must be accompanied by proof of the petitioner’s citizenship or lawful permanent residence, as well as evidence of the family relationship.
14. Can a non-refugee or asylee relative file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes, a non-refugee or asylee relative can file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition as long as they are the principal beneficiary’s spouse, parent, unmarried son or daughter, or unmarried son or daughter of a parent. The petitioning relative must also prove that they are a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen living in the United States.
15. How do I appeal a denial of my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative petition?
To appeal a denied I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative petition, you must file a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, with the appropriate fee to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days of the date you receive the denial. The AAO will then review the appeal and issue a decision.
16. Are there any risks associated with filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes, there are risks associated with filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. If the immigrant applying for a U.S. green card through the I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition cannot prove sufficient ties to the U.S. asylee or refugee, then their petition could be denied and they could be removed from the United States. Additionally, even if the petition is approved, it is possible that further action by other agencies could be taken, depending on the individual’s immigration history.
17. Are there any restrictions on who can file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes. To qualify to file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), and the person they are petitioning for must be an asylee or refugee who was admitted to the United States as such. Additionally, the petitioner must be able to demonstrate that they are related to the asylee or refugee in one of the following ways: parent, spouse, widow/widower, unmarried child under 21 years of age, or a married son or daughter of any age.
18. Are there any special considerations for applicants who are minors when filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes, there are special considerations for applicants who are minors when filing an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. The minor must be under the age of 21 when their petition is filed, and unmarried. Special consideration may also be given for those who are over the age of 21 but still considered a dependent of the petitioner. The petitioner must provide evidence of the dependent status in order to be considered.
19. What happens if my I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is approved but the immigrant visa or adjustment of status is denied later on?
If the I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is approved but the immigrant visa or adjustment of status is denied later on, then the beneficiary of the petition may not be able to receive the immigration benefits requested. However, any derivative beneficiaries listed on the petition may still be eligible for benefits.
20. Can multiple family members be included in a single I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?
Yes, multiple family members can be included in a single I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.
