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When you receive form I-797 Notice of Action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may need to take some action.
However, Form I-797 may simply inform you of a development in your case. How you should respond to Form I-797 depends on the specific designation of your form.
What Is the Notice of Action Form I-797?
USCIS explains that it sends various versions of Form I-797 to notify the recipient that:
- USCIS has received specific applications or documents
- USCIS is rejecting a request or application
- USCIS has decided to transfer the case to another agency or department
- USCIS is reopening a case that it previously rejected or closed
- They need to complete some type of step to move their application forward
Each Form I-797 Notice of Action contains specific instructions and explanations. The recipient is wise to heed these details. The form is a printed document that should arrive at the mailing address on file with USCIS.
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Reasons Why You May Receive a Notice of Action Form
There are six types of Form I-797, with each specific form designated between A and G. The purpose of each particular form is:
Form I-797A (Notice of Action)
Recipients generally receive Form I-797A when they change their address. When you receive form I-797A, USCIS may be confirming your address change and re-affirming your legal status in the United States.
Form I-797A may also state for how long the recipient is eligible to remain in the United States legally.
Form I-797B (Notice of Action)
Form I-797B generally informs the recipient of their alien worker status. It typically serves as approval of an alien worker petition. One may receive this form if they are:
- Currently in the United States
- Living in a foreign country
Before a foreign resident enters the United States after receiving Form I-797B, they must first receive a visa stamp in their home country. An immigration attorney can explain this process in greater detail.
Form I-797C (Notice of Action)
Form I-797C is one of the most variable types of Form I-797. Therefore, recipients of Form I-797C may be informed of:
- The USCIS’ receipt of an application, petition, fees, or paperwork: The USCIS may send this form simply to tell you that it received the items you sent.
- A rejection by USCIS: In some cases, Form I-797C can contain bad news. It may inform you that your application lacks certain information, does not contain correct fees, or is insufficient in some other way.
- A transfer of your case: USCIS may inform you that your case has been transferred using Form I-797C.
- A reopening of your case: This may be welcomed news informing you that a case once denied has been reopened for consideration.
Form I-797C may contain a receipt corresponding to your case. You can use a case identifier on this receipt to monitor your case online.
Form I-797D
Not designated as a Notice of Action, you may receive Form I-797D when USCIS delivers certain immigration-related documents.
These documents can include a green card, work permit, or other important documentation of your immigration status.
Form I-797E (Notice of Action)
Form I-797E informs the recipient that they must submit further documentation to move their application forward. Also known as a Request for Evidence (RFE), Form I-797E might:
- List the specific evidence that you’re required to submit
- Provide a timeframe for submitting said evidence
- Explain the specific way to submit the evidence
You may need to respond to the RFE within a particular time to avoid denial of your request.
Form I-797F
Also known as a “Transportation Letter,” Form I-797F permits foreign residents to travel to the United States.
In addition, this form may serve as a green card replacement for those who have lost their document and are currently outside of the United States.
Can an Immigration Attorney Help Me with a Form I-797?
If you have any questions about a Form I-797, speaking with an immigration-focused attorney could be helpful.
Even if you believe that you understand your specific Form I-797, speaking with an attorney could provide additional certainty.
An immigration lawyer can:
- Review your Form I–797
- Explain every aspect of the form
- Explain what the form requires of you if anything
- Help you secure any evidence that USCIS is requesting
- Answer any questions that you have
- Help in any other way that your case requires
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Discuss the Notice of Action You Received with an Immigration Lawyer Today
Immigration-related matters are often time-sensitive and have high-stakes. An attorney can explain your Form I-797 and provide a straightforward course of action for you.
Call New Frontier Immigration Law today for your initial consultation. We can work to help you resolve any immigration challenges that you face.
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