cover letter for green card application

• (888) 777-9102
• Learning Center

• How It Works
• All Packages & Pricing
• I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé
• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• I-131 Application for Travel Document
• I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
• I-751 Remove Conditions on Residence
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
• I-821D DACA Application Package
• I-864 Affidavit of Support
• N-400 Application for Naturalization
• N-565 Application to Replace Citizenship Document
• Citizenship Through Naturalization
• Citizenship Through Parents
• Apply For Citizenship (N-400)
• Apply for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
• Replace Citizenship Document (N-565)
• Apply for a Green Card
• Green Card Renewal
• Green Card Replacement
• Renew or Replace Green Card (I-90)
• Remove Conditions on Green Card (I-751)
• Green Card through Adjustment of Status
• Adjustment of Status Application (I-485)
• Affidavit of Support (I-864)
• Employment Authorization (I-765)
• Advance Parole Application (I-131)
• Adjustment of Status Fee
• Family-Based Immigration Explained
• Search the Learning Center
• Request Support
• Find an Immigration Attorney

Home » USCIS Cover Letter Samples: A Complete Guide

USCIS Cover Letter Samples

Sample uscis cover letter by form type.

Form I-90 | Form I-129F | Form I-130 | Form I-131 | Form I-485 | Form I-751 | Form I-765 | Form I-821D | Form N-400 | Form N-565 | Form N-600

A cover letter is an overview document that gives the USCIS officer a quick summary of what to expect in the application package. Generally, it should include an outline of the contents. In some cases, it may be a good way to communicate any special circumstances that you have.

Use each sample USCIS cover letter as an example only. You’ll need to customize it to fit your own specific situation. Although supporting documents listed in the letter may be representative of a typical case, you may need different evidence based on the way you prepared the USCIS form. Use CitizenPath to get step-by-step instructions and a checklist of supporting documents.

Form I-90 Cover Letter Sample

Form i-129f cover letter sample, form i-130 cover letter sample, form i-131 cover letter sample, form i-485 cover letter sample, form i-751 cover letter sample, form i-765 cover letter sample, form i-821d cover letter sample, form n-400 cover letter sample, form n-565 cover letter sample, form n-600 cover letter sample, tips when writing a letter.

The USCIS generally is not required when filing an immigration application or petition. However, it is recommended. A well written letter projects care and professionalism. If you present your case with pride and attention to detail, it’s more likely that a USCIS officer will notice the importance you place on the request. With this in mind:

• Keep your cover letter short and simple;
• Use typed English on single-sided white paper;
• Proofread before sending.

What to Include in Your USCIS Cover Letter

Our examples are for informational purposes only. You must review and customize the letter for your specific use. In general, a USCIS cover letter should contain the following elements:

• USCIS address
• Date of filing
• Subject line that identifies the relevant benefit
• Short introductory paragraph describing the purpose of the letter
• List of the documents in your package that support your request for the immigration benefit
• Name and signature

The USCIS filing fee, supporting documents, and mailing address will vary based on form and other factors. You may find this information on the USCIS website . If you’re using CitizenPath to prepare your application or petition , you’ll receive filing instructions that are customized to your situation. Our filing instructions include easy-to-follow directions and a checklist of supporting documents.

What Customers Say About CitizenPath

Immigration Form Guides Form I-90       Form I-129F       Form I-130       Form I-131       Form I-131A       Form I-134       Form I-485       Form I-751       Form I-765       Form I-821D       Form I-864       Form N-400       Form N-565       Form N-600

Sign Up to Receive Free Monthly Information for Your Immigration Journey

© Copyright 2013-2024, CitizenPath, LLC. All rights reserved. CitizenPath is a private company that provides self-directed immigration services at your direction. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but general information on issues commonly encountered in immigration. CitizenPath is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms of Use .

How To Write a Cover Letter for Your Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) Application

To get a family-based green card, you need to submit Form I-130 and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the required fees. It’s a good idea to include a cover letter with your application as well. It can help keep everything organized and gives you a chance to highlight anything in your application that USCIS should know about. This article explains what a cover letter for a family-based green card application is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated May 17, 2023

What Is a Form I-130 Cover Letter?

You’ll need to file Form I-130 : Petition for Alien Relative if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder who wants your family member to obtain lawful permanent resident status. You may petition on behalf of an immediate relative, such as a spouse, sibling , or parent. You may file this petition for your relatives even if they are outside of the United States. If they are abroad when you file, you’ll need to use the direct consular filing process instead of the U.S.-based adjustment of status process .

Though not required, many immigrants, sponsors, and immigration lawyers choose to include cover letters to preface a USCIS application. A cover letter is a short letter where you may introduce yourself, describe your background, list your application components, and state the specific immigration status or benefit you, your relative, or your client is seeking.

As a sponsor completing Form I-130, you can write a cover letter to explain your relationship with the immigrant applicant. You can also address any questions or unusual circumstances about your relationship. Writing a cover letter can also help you double-check whether you’ve included everything you need in the application. By writing a complete list of the documents in your package, you’ll be able to see if there’s any application component you’re missing.

Is a Cover Letter Required for My Family Green Card Application?

USCIS does not require a cover letter to process the I-130 petition. However, a cover letter can be beneficial. When sponsoring your relative to adjust status, you can use a cover letter to explain you and your relative’s circumstances to USCIS. USCIS can better understand and evaluate your application given the greater context a cover letter provides.

If there is anything unusual about you and your relative’s relationship, a cover letter also gives you the space to address these concerns. For example, if you are estranged from or have not seen your relative in a long time, you may want to use part of the cover letter to explain your situation to USCIS. You can explain why you have not been in contact for a long time and how getting a green card for your relative would help rebuild your relationship. By giving them greater clarity on circumstances like this, you can make it easier for USCIS to process your application.

What Should My Form I-130 Application Cover Letter Include?

You should begin your Form I-130 cover letter with a heading and greeting. Your heading should provide USCIS officials with your mailing address, your name, and your foreign relative’s name. Your introduction should then explain your reasons for writing this cover letter. Use your introduction to give USCIS a basic overview of your relationship and tell them you are sponsoring your relative’s green card application.

Checklist of Information To Include in Form I-130 Cover Letter

USCIS will find it most helpful if you include the following information in your cover letter:

Your contact information

The USCIS address to which you’re sending this letter

Your full name as the petitioner

Your relative’s full name as the beneficiary

A note stating which form and status you are filing an application for

A list of all the supporting documents you’ve included in this package, in bullet points:

Your birth certificate

Your relative’s passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of entry into the United States.

Two passport-style photographs that meet Department of State requirements . You and your relative must take two photos each within 30 days of filing.

You and your relative should each provide supporting documents relating to your address and employment histories for the last five years.

Your relative should also provide their I-94 information if they are present in the United States. If USCIS has involved your relative in any previous immigration proceedings, you’ll also need to disclose this.

If petitioning for your spouse, you’ll need to provide your marriage certificate. You must also prove that any of your prior marriages are legally terminated. For example, you may provide a divorce decree or a deceased spouse’s death certificate. Be sure to provide the date of termination if applicable.

When petitioning for a spouse, you’ll also need to prove that you have a bona fide marriage , meaning that your marriage is genuine. You may prove this by providing documents that show you have shared liabilities, assets, insurance, tax filings, children together, or other shared commitments.

Your signature and the date

Finally, you should conclude your letter by thanking USCIS for their consideration of your relative’s case. Be sure to sign and date the letter before enclosing it in the application package.

Filing Fee and Address Information for the Form I-130 Application

You may either file Form I-130 and your cover letter online or through a direct filing address in the mail. When filing, you’ll also need to include the $535 filing fee for this form. You may pay this fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. You should make any checks payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” 

When filing at a USCIS lockbox, you also have the option to pay by credit card. To pay with a credit card, you’ll need to file Form G-1450 : Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

Note that if you are using the direct consular filing process, you’ll need to work with your local U.S. embassy or consulate to determine fees. Your embassy may also require different documentation when considering your application.

Form I-130 Cover Letter Template

You may use the following template for guidance when writing your USCIS Form I-130 cover letter. However, be sure to edit each field to reflect your own situation. The sample cover letter below is for a marriage green card. However, marriage green cards are not the only family-based green cards. You can also petition for other immediate relatives. To double-check whether you may petition for a certain relative, visit USCIS’s page on Form I-130 .

You should replace each [bracketed field] with personalized information. To access an editable version of the Form I-130 cover letter sample below, you can make a copy of this sample cover letter for Form I-130 .

Your immigrant relative will be known as the “beneficiary” in this visa petition. You, the U.S. citizen sponsoring your immigrant relative, are the “petitioner.” Note that you must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder to successfully sponsor your foreign relative’s immigrant visa application.

[Preparer Street Address]

[Preparer City, State  ZIP code]

[Relevant USCIS mailing address]

RE:[Marriage Green Card Application]

Beneficiary:[Immigrant’s Full Name]

Petitioner:[Sponsor’s Full Name]

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed, please find my [Marriage Green Card Application] for [Immigrant’s Full Name], the beneficiary, and [Sponsor’s Full Name], the petitioner and [U.S. citizen spouse] of the beneficiary. 

The following documents accompany and support this application:

Filing Fee Payments

Check for [Current Fee Amount] for Form I-130

Check for [Current Fee Amount] for Form I-485

Check for [Current Fee Amount] for Biometrics

Form G-1450 (credit card charge authorization if you completed one)

Form G-1145 (e-notice authorization if you requested them in our system)

Petitioner’s Form I-130

[List of supporting documents]

Beneficiary’s Form I-130A (if this application is for a Marriage Green Card)

Beneficiary’s Form I-485

Petitioner’s I-864 petition

Beneficiary’s Form I-944

Beneficiary’s Form I-693

Beneficiary’s Form I-765

Beneficiary’s Form I-131

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [(000) 000-0000].  Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my [Marriage Green Card Application].

[Immigrant’s Full Name]

Tips for Writing Your Family Green Card Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter, be sure to write as clearly and concisely as possible. USCIS will find it more helpful for a letter to have a clear summary of your application materials than for a letter to be too detailed in unnecessary areas. Be sure to use bullet points when laying out your application contents in the supporting documents category.

Within your letter, be sure to mention that any documents you’ve provided are accurate and true. You should also note that these documents are acceptable for USCIS, meaning that they are unaltered, original documents or photocopies. If you need to include any certified translations in your application, you should also mention this and note that you’ve included both the original non-English and translated documents.

Continue reading and learning!

How to Write an I-485 Cover Letter

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

At a Glance

• A cover letter for an I-485 submission is essential to create a comprehensive package and highlight crucial details.
• It articulates the application’s contents, encompassing documents, proof of fee payment, and establishing the applicant’s identity.
• The cover letter adheres to a specific format, ensuring the inclusion of necessary information, and emphasizes organization, conciseness, and a positive tone.
• While a sample cover letter is provided, its content may vary depending on individual circumstances, with emphasis on brevity, active voice, and a neat format within a one-page limit.

When you wish to become a lawful permanent resident by adjusting your status, you will have to file Form I-485 . This applies if you don’t wish to take a trip home for your immigrant visa. But to tie all the documents together, you are going to need the I-485 cover letter. We’ll introduce you to the cover letter and everything about it in this article.

Why Is a Cover Letter Required when Submitting I-485?

When you submit an I-486 , a cover letter is simply required because you need something that can tie all your documents together and form a proper package. This cover letter will mention important details about the package, such as what is included inside it, like documents or proof of fee payment. Information about the person submitting the letter is also mentioned, which will help identify the applicant.

Considering that applying for adjustment of status is often a very complex process, the I-485 cover letter will come in handy. It will explain why the application package was sent, and what can be found inside.

I-485 Cover Letter Format

There is usually a specific format that an I-485 cover letter follows. It’s just a basic structure that will not give you too much trouble. But even though it’s not that difficult, we still think it’s important to be aware of it. Here is what a format of the cover letter contains:

• The date (the month, day, and year)
• Postal address
• The full name of the petitioner and the beneficiary
• Subject line (For instance: “Adjustment of Status Application (Family-Based I-130 Immediate Relative))
• Your reason for using full names to contact the USCIS
• Address the USCIS, and then mention the address of the service you are going to file at
• Contact number in the event there are any concerns
• A list of the enclosed documents
• Closing salutation
• Printing the full name

I-485 Cover Letter Sample

While knowing what the cover letter involves may be helpful, it will be easier to make your own if you saw a sample. That being said, we prepared a sample for you below.

At the same time, it’s essential to know that every situation varies. Your particular adjustment of status may contain different documents, and thus the cover letter will be a little different. In any case, the example we are going to offer is for a family-based adjustment of status, respectively the spouse of a U.S. citizen who files using Form I-130 concurrently. The example below shows you how an I-485 cover letter should look like for this situation.

Beneficiary name & Petitioner name: Address:

USCIS address: Date: Petitioner: Beneficiary: Joint Sponsor:

To Whom It May Concern:

Here, please find enclosed my Adjustment of Status application for [Your name], the beneficiary, and [Name of the petitioner], the petitioner, as well as the beneficiary’s U.S. citizen spouse.

The documents included in this package in order to support the application include:

• The check for $1,760 (Paid for the Form I-130 which cost $535, Form I-485 which cost $1,140, AND biometrics which were $85)
• Petitioner’s Form I-130
• Beneficiary’s Form I-485
• Form G-1145
• Beneficiary’s Form I-131
• Beneficiary’s Form I-765
• Petitioner’s Form I- 864 petition
• Beneficiary’s Form I-130A
• Beneficiary’s Medical Exam
• A copy of the Birth Certificate of the Petitioner
• Copy of the Passport belonging to the beneficiary
• The birth certificate of the beneficiary and a translation for it
• Divorce decree of the beneficiary
• Copy of U.S. Marriage Certificate of the Petitioner and Beneficiary
• Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

All copies of the documents submitted are proper photocopies of documents that were unaltered. We also understand that later, we may have to submit some original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer. Thank you very much for assisting with processing this application. If you have any concerns or questions, please call me at [(000)000-0000].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Tips for Writing Your I-485 Cover Letter

When you compose your cover letter, it’s very important to know how to write it so that it can be accepted. Also, it must be easy to read and understand by the receiver. This is why we are going to give you some tips on how to write this cover letter.

Keep It to One Page

Don’t write an entire novel. The purpose of the I-485 cover letter is to mention what documents are included, as well as who the petitioner and the beneficiary are, and offer some contact information as well.

You shouldn’t write more than a page. If you can keep it one page only, it’s ideal. It makes no sense to make it too long because the officers will not have time to read unnecessary information. So, keep it short and only include details that are actually relevant.

Make Sure It’s Organized and Neat

No matter what, the cover letter should be properly organized and neat – after all, you’re sending it to an official institution, so it should look good.

This is why you should have it formatted properly, with a nice, formal letter template. The font should be readable, so don’t go with the fanciest font you have available. It has to be simple and nice, not look like a band’s logo. On top of that, it has to be properly laid out too, so don’t forget this aspect.

Use the Active Voice

When writing your cover letter, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: using an active voice is ideal. You shouldn’t rely on the passive voice too much. So, it’s better to say something like “I started the project” (in an active voice) rather than saying “The project was started” (in the passive voice). You’ll come across as more direct and you’ll be more likely to have the attention of the person reading the cover letter. Therefore, avoid passive voice and make sure you reread your letter before submitting it to get rid of any sort of passive voice if possible.

Keep the Tone Positive

Throughout the entire letter, you should keep a positive tone. It will increase the chances of success if you keep everything on a positive note. Ensure that you talk about your skills, providing a summary of them. Furthermore, talk about your experience up to that point. This could include your academic qualifications and the amount of time you have been working in that field. The more experience you have and the more skilled you are, the better.

• How Do I Speak to a Live Person at USCIS?
• How Many Citizenships Can You Have?
• How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center?
• How Do I Know If USCIS Received My Application?
• What “Country of Residence” and How to Know Yours When on a Visa
• How to Check Dropbox Eligibility with the App

The Bottom Line

The I-485 cover letter you have to compose when submitting Form I-485 has to be written properly. Otherwise, it will be hardly recognized, or will not be taken seriously. Although it’s not difficult to work on it, some advice and examples will help a lot, especially if you want to be sure you’re doing a good job. If you use the sample in this article as an example and consider the tips we provided, you shouldn’t find it too hard to write a good cover letter. Prepare all the documents and pack them nicely and mention every document in the cover letter . Also, don’t forget about the data of the beneficiary and the petitioner.

I-485 Cover Letter FAQ

What is an i-485 cover letter.

An I-485 Cover Letter is a formal letter that accompanies your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, when you submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It serves as an introduction to your application package and provides essential information about your submission.

Why is an I-485 Cover Letter necessary?

An I-485 Cover Letter is not a mandatory requirement, but it is highly recommended. It helps streamline the application process, ensures that USCIS can easily identify your application, and provides a brief overview of your case. A well-organized cover letter can improve the USCIS officer’s understanding of your application.

What should be included in an I-485 Cover Letter?

An I-485 Cover Letter should include the following components:

• Introduction : Start with a formal salutation and introduction, including your name, address, and the date of the letter.
• Brief Overview : Provide a brief summary of the purpose of your application, such as adjusting your status to permanent residence based on family, employment, or other eligible categories.
• List of Enclosures : Include a list of all the supporting documents and forms you are submitting with your I-485 application. Be thorough and organized in listing these items.
• Payment Information : Mention any applicable fees or provide proof of payment, such as a check or money order.
• Special Requests or Circumstances : If you have any specific requests or are facing exceptional circumstances related to your application, briefly explain them in the cover letter.
• Contact Information : Include your contact information, including your phone number and email address, in case USCIS needs to reach you.
• Signature : Sign the cover letter and include your printed name beneath the signature.

Should the I-485 Cover Letter be formal?

Yes, the I-485 Cover Letter should be formal and professional. Use a standard business letter format, address it to the appropriate USCIS office, and avoid using colloquial language or casual tone. The cover letter is an official document, and a professional presentation is essential.

How should the I-485 Cover Letter be formatted?

Format the I-485 Cover Letter as a business letter. Use a legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and maintain a clear and organized structure. Use proper grammar and punctuation throughout the letter.

Is it necessary to include the I-485 Cover Letter in the application package?

Yes, you should include the I-485 Cover Letter as the first document in your application package. It should serve as the introduction to your entire submission, making it easier for USCIS to process your application.

Can I customize the I-485 Cover Letter based on my specific circumstances?

Yes, you can and should customize the I-485 Cover Letter based on your individual circumstances and the specific documents you are submitting. Tailoring the letter to your case helps USCIS officers understand your situation better.

Where can I find a template or sample of an I-485 Cover Letter?

You can find templates and samples of I-485 Cover Letters on various immigration websites, legal assistance organizations, and USCIS-related forums. Ensure that any template you use is up-to-date and accurate, as USCIS requirements may change.

Should I seek legal assistance for preparing the I-485 Cover Letter?

While preparing an I-485 Cover Letter is a task you can undertake on your own, seeking legal assistance or consulting an immigration attorney can be beneficial, especially if your case is complex or if you have concerns about your application. An attorney can provide guidance and ensure that your cover letter and application are complete and accurate.

Frank Gogol

Get the checklist.

How to Write a Winning USCIS Cover Letter

While it's not required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including a well-written cover letter can be very helpful for your client—it organizes the application materials and provides a clear summary of the case. 

With a cover letter, lawyers can highlight the important aspects of the application and ensure that USCIS officers understand the purpose of the submission and notice all necessary documents you have included right from the start.

A cover letter also gives you the chance to explain any special circumstances or potential issues that might come up during the review process. So let’s take a look at how to write a letter to USCIS for your client.

What is a USCIS cover letter, and why is it important?

A USCIS cover letter is a formal (but optional) letter that accompanies immigration applications and petitions, such as those for citizenship, green cards, or specific visas. It serves as an introduction to the application package and gives a brief overview of the case.

The main purpose of a USCIS cover letter is to guide USCIS officers through the materials, summarize what type of application you are submitting, and explain how the facts of the client’s case make them eligible for the benefit they are seeking. It may also contain legal arguments citing statutes, regulations, and agency or court decisions that are favorable to your client’s case. This can be especially useful for complex cases or when you need to emphasize specific details.

 Here is a breakdown of the purpose of the cover letter: 

• Summarize the application : The cover letter outlines the purpose of your client’s application, the specific immigration benefit they are seeking, and provides information about their background. This helps USCIS officers quickly understand the context and the nature of the submission. For example, if your client is applying for a green card through marriage, the cover letter would clearly state this, along with a summary of the supporting documents attached.
• Highlight key documents : A cover letter can help draw attention to critical supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or proof of employment. By doing this, you can ensure that these important documents are not overlooked during the review process. 
• Address Potential Questions : If there are any special circumstances that might raise questions (such as living separately from a spouse), the cover letter gives your client the opportunity to address these issues upfront.

Key Elements of an Effective USCIS Cover Letter

To create a successful USCIS cover letter, certain key elements should be included to ensure that the letter is clear, organized, and complete. 

Here’s what you should include:

• Applicant Information : Include a caption that is a subject or “re” line under the recipient's address. This caption section should state the type of application you are submitting, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), followed by your client’s name and A-number, each on successive lines. If you have the USCIS receipt number from any previously filed forms or applications, include that as well. 
• Summary of Application : Provide a brief explanation of the purpose of the application and why your client is eligible for the immigration benefit they are requesting. For instance, if your client is applying for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, state that clearly. If your client is adjusting their status based on employment, mention that as well. This summary gives USCIS officers a quick overview of your case, making it easier for them to understand your client’s situation from the start.
• Highlight Supporting Documents : Include a concise, bulleted list of the key documents you are submitting for your client's application. These might include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of employment, or any other evidence that supports their eligibility. Listing these documents helps ensure that USCIS officers can quickly verify that all necessary paperwork is included. This reduces the chances of receiving requests for additional information, which can delay the processing of your application. If the documents are lengthy or if you wish to cite particular documents in the case explanation and arguments you include in your cover letter, you may tab them with lettered exhibit tabs for easy identification. If you do so, make sure to index the exhibits in your cover letter, listing them by the name of the document and the letter of the exhibit.
• Call to Action : At the end of the main body of the letter, politely request that the USCIS officer give the application a thorough and favorable review. A simple statement asking for careful consideration of the enclosed documents and a request to grant the immigration benefit your client is seeking adds a respectful and positive touch to the letter. This shows that you and your client value the officer’s time and consideration.
• Closing : Conclude the letter with a formal closing, including your signature and printed name. This personal touch adds authenticity to the letter and also acts as a declaration that the information provided is accurate. 

Best Practices for Different USCIS Applications and Petitions

When preparing a cover letter for a USCIS application, follow some of these best practices to ensure quality.

I-485 Cover Letter: Adjustment of Status

When writing a cover letter for Form I-485, which is used to adjust status to permanent residency, it is important to clearly demonstrate the applicant's eligibility for a green card. Begin by outlining the specific basis for adjustment, such as a family relationship or employment. Make sure to list all supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and employment verification. If the application also includes a request for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Advance Parole for travel, mention these as well. Highlighting these requests shows that the applicant is seeking permission to work and travel while their green card application is under review. Clearly organizing this information can help ensure that the application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

I-751 Cover Letter: Removal of Conditions on Residence

For the I-751 form, which is used to remove conditions on residence, the cover letter should focus on proving the authenticity of the marriage. It's also crucial to include evidence that supports the genuine nature of the marital relationship; mention joint financial documents like bank statements and lease agreements, which demonstrate shared financial responsibilities. Also, include photographs of the couple together and affidavits from friends or family who can vouch for the legitimacy of the marriage. By highlighting these documents in the cover letter, you can reassure USCIS that the marriage is real and not for immigration benefits. This helps to reduce the risk of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) and can facilitate a faster review process.

I-130 Cover Letter: Petition for Alien Relative

When preparing a cover letter for Form I-130 , which is used to petition for an alien relative, the focus should be on clearly establishing the nature of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. If the petition is for a spouse, mention key marriage-related evidence such as a marriage certificate, photos, and documents showing shared financial responsibilities. If the petition is for a parent, child, or sibling, include the appropriate birth certificates and other documents that prove the family relationship. Clearly explaining these relationships helps provide a quick and clear overview to USCIS officers, making it easier for them to understand the nature of the petition and facilitating a smoother review process.

Each type of USCIS application has specific requirements, and tailoring the cover letter to meet the needs of your client can make a significant difference. By clearly outlining the purpose of the application, summarizing the relationship or circumstances, and listing supporting documents, you provide USCIS with a well-organized and compelling case. This approach not only helps to streamline the review process but also increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Sample USCIS Cover Letter 

Here you can find a sample USCIS cover letter that you can copy and use.

Follow the USCIS envelope example and guidelines when mailing documents: 

• Use a large envelope that can hold all documents without folding them. 
• A standard 9x12 inch or 10x13 inch envelope is usually sufficient. 
• A Tyvek envelope is very strong, waterproof, and tear-resistant providing additional peace of mind that contents will be delivered safely. 
• Put the cover letter on top of the other documents and mail it using a trackable mailing service, such as USPS Priority Mail ® or a trackable service from FedEx or UPS.

That being said, tailor the USCIS sample cover letter to your client’s needs, - but don’t forget to include all of the documents in a single envelope.

Tips for Immigration Lawyers when Writing USCIS Cover Letters

When drafting USCIS cover letters, immigration lawyers should work closely with their clients to gather all necessary and accurate information. This collaboration ensures that the cover letter truly reflects the unique aspects of the client’s case, adding a personalized touch that can significantly impact the application process. It’s important to keep the language clear and concise so that USCIS officers can quickly grasp the essential details without getting bogged down by unnecessary information. A straightforward approach enhances readability and helps ensure a smooth review process.

Proofreading the cover letter is essential to maintaining a high level of professionalism and avoiding errors that could cause misunderstandings or delays. Additionally, including any unique or special circumstances in the cover letter can be very helpful. This allows lawyers to address potential questions in advance and provide context that might not be immediately clear from the application forms alone.

Using a document management system can also streamline the drafting process. Such systems help keep all necessary documents organized and easily accessible, making it easier to create precise and comprehensive cover letters efficiently. This organized approach not only saves time but also ensures that all relevant information is included, helping to present a well-prepared and compelling case to USCIS.

Streamlining Immigration Document Management with Docketwise

Docketwise is an immigration forms and case management software that simplifies and streamlines the daily operations of immigration law firms.  It quickly became a favorite among immigration attorneys for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of features.  Docketwise is an all-in-one solution for handling various immigration law demands by integrating document management, immigration form automation , client management, and case tracking into a single platform.

With Docketwise’s case tracking capabilities, lawyers can monitor the status of each case, keeping track of all documents, notes, and updates from USCIS. This organized approach helps attorneys manage their workflow efficiently, reducing the risk of missing important deadlines or steps in the case management process. To experience these features firsthand, you can schedule a demo of Docketwise to see how it can enhance your immigration practice.

Carve Your Niche in Immigration Law

Start Saving 6 Hours A Day Today

Free resources.