Need to upgrade your immigration status? Specifically, thinking about moving from F2A to IR1? Then, you may need a “Sample Letter To Upgrade From F2A To IR1”. This letter officially notifies USCIS of a change. Usually, this happens when an F2A visa holder’s spouse becomes a US citizen.
Crafting this letter can feel daunting. You want to get it right. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This article is your go-to resource. We will share sample letters. These samples will help you write your own. Let’s make this process easier!
Sample Letter To Upgrade From F2A To Ir1
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Request to Upgrade Petition from F2A to IR1 – [Beneficiary Name], [Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request an upgrade of the pending F2A petition, Receipt Number [Receipt Number], filed on behalf of my spouse, [Beneficiary Name].
I, [Your Name], am the petitioner and I am now a United States citizen. I was naturalized on [Date of Naturalization] and a copy of my naturalization certificate is enclosed.
As a United States citizen, my spouse, [Beneficiary Name], is now eligible for the Immediate Relative (IR1) visa category. This upgrade should expedite the processing of my spouse’s immigration case.
I have enclosed the following documents in support of this request:
- Copy of my Naturalization Certificate
- Copy of the original F2A approval notice (Form I-797)
- Copy of our marriage certificate
- Copy of [Beneficiary Name]’s birth certificate
- Any other relevant documents
I kindly request that you upgrade the petition to the IR1 category and continue processing my spouse’s application accordingly.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I look forward to a favorable response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write Sample Letter To Upgrade From F2A To IR1
Subject Line: Conciseness is Key
The subject line is your initial salvo. It should be pithy and directly communicate the letter’s purpose. Avoid verbosity; instead, aim for clarity.
- Example: Subject: Upgrade Request – F2A to IR1 – [Your Name] – [Beneficiary Name]
- Succinctly mention the type of request and the names of both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Salutation: A Formal Overture
Begin with a respectable greeting. Impersonal salutations are generally frowned upon. Aim for professional courtesy; this isn’t the time for colloquialisms.
- Example: Dear USCIS Officer,
- If you know the specific officer handling your case, tailor the salutation accordingly (e.g., Dear Mr./Ms. [Officer’s Last Name]).
Introduction: Frame Your Request
The opening paragraph should encapsulate the letter’s raison d’être. State your purpose plainly and introduce the relevant details of your case. Establish the context for your subsequent arguments.
- Specify Your Intention: Begin by explicitly stating that you are requesting an upgrade from the F2A category to the IR1 category due to the petitioner’s naturalization.
- Provide Key Information: Include the petitioner’s name, Alien Registration Number (A-Number), the beneficiary’s name, and the receipt number for the pending I-130 petition.
- Example: “I am writing to formally request an upgrade of the pending I-130 petition, Receipt Number [Receipt Number], from the F2A (Spouse or Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident) to the IR1 (Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen) category. This request is predicated upon the petitioner, [Petitioner’s Name], A-Number [A-Number], becoming a naturalized citizen on [Date of Naturalization].”
Body Paragraph 1: Evidence of Naturalization
This section provides irrefutable evidence supporting the petitioner’s transition to U.S. citizenship. Attach copies of pertinent documents and explicitly mention them in this paragraph.
- Cite the Naturalization Certificate: State that you are including a copy of the Certificate of Naturalization.
- Include Key Details: Mention the Certificate Number and the date of issuance.
- Emphasize Relevance: Underscore that this document serves as definitive proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship, thereby satisfying the prerequisite for an IR1 classification.
- Example: “Enclosed, please find a photocopy of the petitioner’s Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate Number [Certificate Number], issued on [Date of Issuance]. This document unequivocally demonstrates that [Petitioner’s Name] is now a U.S. citizen, making the beneficiary, [Beneficiary’s Name], eligible for the IR1 classification.”
Body Paragraph 2: Affirmation of Relationship
Reiterate the bona fides of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This reinforces the legitimacy of the initial I-130 petition and its continued validity under the upgraded classification.
- Re-affirm the Relationship: Explicitly state the familial relationship (e.g., spouse, child).
- Reference Previous Evidence: Mention that evidence of the relationship was previously submitted with the original I-130 petition.
- Offer Additional Evidence (If Needed): If there have been any significant life events since the initial filing (e.g., birth of a child, joint property ownership), consider including supporting documentation.
- Example: “As previously established in the original I-130 petition submission, [Beneficiary’s Name] is the [Relationship] of [Petitioner’s Name]. We maintain a genuine and ongoing familial relationship. All pertinent documentation substantiating this relationship was provided with the initial filing. Furthermore, we are including [mention any new relevant documentation].”
Conclusion: A Courteous Request
End with a polite and professional closing. Express your gratitude for their consideration and provide contact information for any follow-up inquiries.
- Express Gratitude: Thank the USCIS officer for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate Your Request: Briefly restate your request for the upgrade.
- Provide Contact Information: Include a phone number and email address for communication purposes.
- Example: “Thank you for your time and meticulous consideration of this request. I respectfully request that the pending I-130 petition, Receipt Number [Receipt Number], be upgraded from the F2A to the IR1 category. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] should you require any additional information.”
Closing: A Formal Farewell
Conclude with a standard, professional sign-off. Choose a closing that conveys respect and formality.
- Choose a Professional Closing: Acceptable closings include “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Yours Sincerely,”.
- Include Your Signature: Sign the letter in ink after printing.
- Type Your Name: Type your full name below your signature.
- Example:
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Frequently Asked Questions: Upgrading from F2A to IR1
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the process of upgrading from an F2A (Spouse or Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident) to an IR1 (Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen) visa category. Please review the following questions and answers for clarification.
What is the primary difference between the F2A and IR1 visa categories?
The F2A visa is for spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents, while the IR1 visa is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen. The IR1 category offers certain advantages, including no annual numerical limitations and generally faster processing times.
When can I request an upgrade from F2A to IR1?
You are eligible to request an upgrade once your spouse, who was previously a lawful permanent resident, becomes a U.S. citizen. The upgrade ensures you are considered an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.
How do I formally request the upgrade?
You must notify the National Visa Center (NVC) and/or the U.S. embassy or consulate processing your case of your spouse’s naturalization. Provide a copy of your spouse’s Certificate of Naturalization to initiate the upgrade process.
What documents are required to support the upgrade request?
Essential documents include a copy of your spouse’s Certificate of Naturalization, your existing case number, and any other documents previously requested by the NVC or relevant U.S. embassy/consulate. Providing updated contact information is also recommended.
Will upgrading from F2A to IR1 guarantee immediate approval?
While upgrading to the IR1 category typically facilitates faster processing, it does not guarantee immediate approval. Your case will still be subject to standard review and adjudication based on your eligibility and admissibility under U.S. immigration law.
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