Effective January 1st, 2012, the USCIS will accept stand alone I-130 petitions at two of its lockbox locations – based upon location of the petitioner and beneficiary. Family-based immigration applicants use the I-130 petition to file for immigration benefits. Thus, the form is used by spouses of a U.S. citizen, children of a U.S. citizen, parents of U.S. citizen, and siblings of U.S. citizen.
Both the Chicago and Phoenix lockbox will know accept the I-130. However, if the I-130 is not filed “standalone”, then the filing location will differ. Failure to file at the correct location will probably result in the petition’s delay (and its possible rejection).
If you are seeking to file an I-130, please contact a family immigration lawyer.