Is the I-797 (Approval Notice) Necessary?

[dbae315]

My husband's I-130 was approved at the end of last month but we've moved since then. I called USCIS asking them to send the Approval Notice to our new address but I just received an email today saying that I need to fill out a I-824 form for a duplicate notice that will cost $405 to file.

Now, I'm wondering--Is this I-797 actually necessary for us to move onto the next step? Isn't it in NVC's hands now?

Does the I-797 Approval Notice just let you know that you've been approved or is there other important information on there?

[rcmax]

My husband's I-130 was approved at the end of last month but we've moved since then. I called USCIS asking them to send the Approval Notice to our new address but I just received an email today saying that I need to fill out a I-824 form for a duplicate notice that will cost $405 to file.

Now, I'm wondering--Is this I-797 actually necessary for us to move onto the next step? Isn't it in NVC's hands now?

Does the I-797 Approval Notice just let you know that you've been approved or is there other important information on there?

You get the I-797C generally 7-10 days after you get the e-mail/text notification of approval. You may want want to inform your local post office and give them the new forwarding address to get the original.

I-797 is a proof that you are officially in queue and it contains important information like priority date and receipt number. Though it may not be mandatory to have it for moving to next steps it is a good to have document IMO.

[Adrian Gruber]

Petition I-130

My husband's I-130 was approved at the end of last month but we've moved since then. I called USCIS asking them to send the Approval Notice to our new address but I just received an email today saying that I need to fill out a I-824 form for a duplicate notice that will cost $405 to file.

Now, I'm wondering--Is this I-797 actually necessary for us to move onto the next step? Isn't it in NVC's hands now?

Does the I-797 Approval Notice just let you know that you've been approved or is there other important information on there?

The "Notice of Action" 797c is the actual approval documentation for the Petition. You will need it for the next step known as "AOS" which is the I-485 and you must include this document with your application.