As immigration attorneys, we have already seen several times how fake news can negatively impact immigrant communities.
Unfortunately, we have seen how fake news circulating on social networks have caused more than two thousand immigrants to attempt to forcefully cross from Ciudad Juarez into the United States last Saturday, March 11.
These unsubstantiated messages and fake news about immigration can be extremely damaging, not only because they can get you in trouble with immigration authorities, but also because many of them are outright scams used to take money from immigrants.
Therefore, at Jaskot Law, we tell you everything you need to know about the document that will help you avoid falling into such fake news: the Form I-797.
Remember that you can stay informed about the latest immigration news here, at Jaskot Law. In addition, if you are experiencing difficulties, or have questions about your immigration process, we can help you. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or email us by using jared@jaskot.law for professional assistance.
How does USCIS communicate with applicants?
First, it is important to know that authorities from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only communicate with applicants by email or postal mail; they will never call you on the phone or send messages on social media platforms. Instead, it is your lawyer with whom they could communicate by telephone (which is often done).
Therefore, if you receive a phone call from a supposed USCIS agent, you should be cautious and verify the caller’s identity. You should never give out any personal information or pay any money demanded. Should you be requested to do so, it is most likely a scam.
In addition, it is also advisable that you block such phone number, and disregard any kind of information you see through unofficial channels or unreliable sources.
On the other hand, USCIS has an official website where you can find information about its procedures and policies. You will also find information on local USCIS offices where you can obtain in-person assistance.
However, the way USCIS notifies applicants is through Form I-797. If you receive one of these documents, you can rest assured that USCIS is the legitimate sender, and that it doesn’t constitute a fraud.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your U.S. immigration process, or have questions about any USCIS notification, at Jaskot Law, we can help you. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or email us by using jared@jaskot.law for professional assistance.
What is a Form I-797, and what is its purpose?
The Form I-797 is a notice of action issued by USCIS to inform applicants or petitioners about their applications or petitions’ status. In fact, it will inform you about the status of your application or request, and the steps to follow to complete the process.
It is important that you understand what the different USCIS forms are so that you do not fall for scams or fake news. In addition, it is crucial that you read it carefully, and follow the instructions provided.
On the other hand, it is advisable to keep a copy of all Forms I-797 for your personal records, which can be used as evidence for other USCIS forms you may need to complete. It is worth mentioning that every Form I-797 will include all the details of your current application.
If you have questions or concerns, you should better consult an immigration attorney to get proper advice and guidance.
But don’t worry, at Jaskot Law, we can help you. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or email us by using jared@jaskot.law for professional assistance.
Types of Form I-797
There are several types of Form I-797, depending on the type of notice you must receive. It is important that you distinguish between each of them, since the information they provide can be crucial to understand the status of your application.
Form I-797: Notice of Action
The Form I-797 is simply a receipt that informs you about the approval of your application or petition. However, keep in mind that it does not have the status of an official document. Therefore, you will not be able to use it to travel, get a job, or any other legal procedure.
Despite that, the form is still very useful, because with your receipt number (a 13-character identifier), you can track your case online with the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
Form I-797B: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
This type of Form I-797 is issued when the petitioner files a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers).
In the body of the document, you will find the instructions, and in the lower section, you will find all the important information for admission to the United States.
Form I-797C: Notice of Action
This is the most common Form I-797. It is very important that you read this document carefully, as it indicates the next step in your application process.
Apart from common information, the Form I-797C informs the applicant of a denial, transfer, reopening, or a scheduled/rescheduled appointment.
If you receive a Form I-797C, pay close attention to its content, since ignoring or misreading the instructions may complicate your case.
Form I-797D: Benefit Card
This type of Form I-797 generally includes a benefit card (a Green Card, or other official document).
Form I-797E: Request for Evidence
On some forms, USCIS requests additional evidence to support your case. Should USCIS not receive such evidence, you will be sent a Form I-797E, explaining the problems with the evidence provided, or a notice that you did not include the required evidence. Be always sure to read it carefully. If you do not provide the necessary evidence, your application will most likely be denied.
Remember that you must submit only photocopies of official documents, as USCIS will not return evidence to you, and will most likely destroy it once the case is closed.
Form I-797F: Transportation Letter (Travel Permit)
This type of Form I-797 is a document that allows foreign applicants to travel outside the country.
Form I-797A: Request for replacement of Form I-94
This type of Form I-797 is sent as a notice of action to replace Form I-94. This means that the change of status has been approved, and you will be able to legally stay in the United States while the authorities make a decision. Therefore, in this kind of Form I-797, you will be able to see the date and type of admission, along with the date of legal stay in the country.
Remember that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automated the Form I-94; therefore, the paper document is only issued in certain circumstances. Should you need a copy of the Form I-94, you can request it at the CBP website.
Conclusion
The fake news circulating on the internet, and especially through social networks, are often the cause of many problems for immigrants who, in good faith, believe what they are told, and fall into making mistakes. Therefore, it can lead to complications in their immigration process, or fraud that could cost them a lot of money.
This is why it is mandatory that all applicants for immigration benefits know that USCIS will only communicate via email or by mail through Form I-797.
This is a type of document that USCIS sends to applicants as a notification with all the information about their immigration process, and the steps to follow to complete it. This way, you can avoid falling into fake news and frauds that may compromise your immigration status.
If you have received a questionable call from a USCIS authority, or have questions regarding Form I-797, at Jaskot Law, we can help you. Contact us at +1 (410) 235-6868, or email us by using jared@jaskot.law for professional assistance.
Sources
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
FAQs
What is a Form I-797?
A Form I-797 is a notice of action issued by USCIS to inform applicants or petitioners about the status of their application or petition.
What is the purpose of a Form I-797?
The Form I-797 informs applicants about the status of their application or petition, and the steps to be taken to complete the process in question. You will also be able to track the status of your application online by entering your Form I-797 receipt number in the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
What should I do if I misplace my Form I-797 receipt number?
If you lose your receipt number, you can schedule an InfoPass appointment, where a USCIS officer will give you the information you need about your case. Be sure to bring a valid ID to the appointment.
How does USCIS communicate with applicants?
USCIS will only communicate with applicants requesting an immigration benefit by email or mail by sending the type of Form I-797 that applies to their case. So, they will never call you on the phone or send you notifications through social networks.
