Letter to USCIS: Effective Writing Tips

Yes, a person can write a letter to USCIS. In general, it is not necessary to write a letter to USCIS, however, it could be useful in certain situations, particularly if you are sending a form or application along with supporting documents through the mail. There are some circumstances in which a third party might need to write a USCIS letter on an applicant’s behalf (for example, an employment reference letter, letter of recommendation or affidavit affirming a bona fide marriage relationship). If a USCIS letter is written, it should generally be brief and to the point. 

In general, people cannot write an email to USCIS, however, if USCIS sends someone an email, then that person may have the option to reply to the email, although other communication instructions might be given in the USCIS email. There are several ways to communicate with USCIS, including through an online USCIS account that can be created, which allows a person to file forms, upload copies of documents, check the status of one’s case, etc. Other online tools are also available from USCIS, such as e-Request. The USCIS website has a virtual assistant named Emma that can answer many questions people often have and live chat is also available. USCIS has an automated IVR phone system that offers various options to choose from, such as checking the status of one’s case, requesting a form from USCIS, scheduling an appointment, etc. Live assistance is available by telephone, however, there could be a long wait time to speak with a representative due to heavy call volume. 

There is generally no need to write a petition letter to USCIS, since the petition form can be filed online or through the mail along with copies of the required supporting documents (i.e., everything is self-explanatory to the USCIS officer). In the event that someone sends a petition form through the mail and includes supporting documents, he or she has the option to write a cover letter to USCIS that basically says that a specific petition form has been enclosed and briefly summarizes the supporting documents that have been included in the envelope.

The fastest and easiest way to send documents to USCIS is to create an online USCIS account and upload copies of the required documents. An online USCIS account also allows a person to check the status of his or her case, communicate with USCIS, update information, etc. There is also an option to send a form, application and documents through the mail (it is important to send them to the correct/relevant USCIS address). In the event that someone sends documents to USCIS using the mail, it may be useful to write a cover letter to USCIS (this is optional) briefly summarizing what has been enclosed in the envelope.

The easiest way to communicate with USCIS is using one’s online USCIS account and the online tools, such as e-Request. It is possible to speak with a USCIS representative, however, a person might have to wait on hold for a long time, because of the heavy call volume. The toll free (from inside the USA) phone number for the USCIS Contact Center is 1-800-375-5283, while the number if someone is outside of the US is +1-212-620-3418 (this number is not toll-free). USCIS accepts calls Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 8:00PM Eastern Time. In some cases, when an issue cannot be adequately handled over the phone, it may be possible to schedule an in-person appointment with a USCIS representative. 

Forms can be printed and then filled out by hand using a pen with black ink or they can be completed online by computer. Forms must be signed by hand (i.e., the signature cannot be typed or stamped). Of course, if you fill out a form by hand, make sure that you write neatly only using black ink and that the information can be read or scanned easily (it is generally best to print rather than to handwrite).

It generally takes between four weeks and six weeks for USCIS to send a Receipt Notice informing a person that his or her application, form or document was received. Save the Receipt Notice and take note of the address shown on the lower-left section for the USCIS office where your application/form is being processed. An individual can also check the status of his or her case by creating an online USCIS account.

Of course, it is best to make sure all of the information is correct and up-to-date before sending a form or application to USCIS. Whenever you send an application, form and documents to USCIS, as well as when you pay the governmental fees, you should make a copy and keep everything in a file that you can refer to later if necessary. In the event that you review a copy of a form you sent to USCIS and discover you made a relatively small mistake, you might simply take note of it and then inform the USCIS officer about it during the interview. On the other hand, if you find that you made a major mistake that could result in a delay or denial of your request, then you may want to call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (if living in the USA) or +1-212-620-3418 if living outside of the United States, to speak with a representative (they may be able to update your application/form or you might be asked to complete and send a new application/form with the mistake corrected).