USCIS GENERAL COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

[DATE]

[SENDER NAME/LAW FIRM NAME]
[ADDRESS LINE 1]
[ADDRESS LINE 2]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]

VIA [DELIVERY METHOD: USPS / FEDEX / UPS / ONLINE FILING]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[APPROPRIATE USCIS FILING ADDRESS]
[LOCKBOX/SERVICE CENTER NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]

RE: [FORM TYPE AND NUMBER] Application/Petition
Applicant/Petitioner: [FULL LEGAL NAME]
Beneficiary (if applicable): [FULL LEGAL NAME]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Country of Birth: [COUNTRY]
A-Number (if known): [A-NUMBER or "N/A"]
Receipt Number (if applicable): [RECEIPT NUMBER or "Initial Filing"]

Dear USCIS Officer:

Please find enclosed the [FORM TYPE AND NUMBER], [FULL FORM NAME], along with all required supporting documentation, filed on behalf of [APPLICANT/PETITIONER NAME] [and BENEFICIARY NAME, if applicable].

I. TYPE OF SUBMISSION

☐ Original Submission
☐ Response to Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [DATE]
☐ Response to Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) dated [DATE]
☐ Amended/Supplemental Filing
☐ Premium Processing Request (Form I-907)
☐ Other: [SPECIFY]

II. APPLICANT/PETITIONER INFORMATION

III. BENEFICIARY INFORMATION (If Applicable)

IV. BASIS FOR FILING

[PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE BASIS FOR THIS APPLICATION/PETITION:]

[EXAMPLE: This Form I-130 is being filed by [PETITIONER NAME], a United States citizen, to petition for [his/her] spouse, [BENEFICIARY NAME], a citizen of [COUNTRY]. The parties were married on [DATE] in [CITY, COUNTRY].]

V. FILING FEE AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

☐ Form G-1450 (Credit/Debit Card Authorization) enclosed
☐ Form G-1650 (ACH Bank Payment Authorization) enclosed
☐ Fee Waiver Request (Form I-912) enclosed
☐ Reduced Fee Request enclosed
☐ No fee required for this form

Note: As of 2026, USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders, or cashier's checks for paper filings unless an exemption applies.

VI. FORMS ENCLOSED

Please find the following completed form(s):

VII. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED

A. Identity and Status Documents

☐ Copy of Petitioner's U.S. Passport (biographical page)
☐ Copy of Petitioner's Naturalization Certificate
☐ Copy of Petitioner's Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
☐ Copy of Petitioner's Birth Certificate (with translation if applicable)
☐ Copy of Beneficiary's Passport (biographical page)
☐ Copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate (with translation)
☐ Copy of Beneficiary's Current Immigration Documents

B. Relationship Evidence

☐ Marriage Certificate (with certified translation)
☐ Divorce Decree(s) / Death Certificate(s) for prior marriages
☐ Birth Certificate(s) of children
☐ Photographs of relationship
☐ Joint financial documents
☐ Joint lease/mortgage documents
☐ Affidavits of third parties attesting to relationship

C. Financial Documents

☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (if applicable)
☐ Tax Returns (most recent [#] years)
☐ W-2s / 1099s
☐ Employment Verification Letter
☐ Pay Stubs (most recent [#] months)
☐ Bank Statements

D. Additional Supporting Evidence

☐ [DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION]
☐ [DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION]
☐ [DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION]

E. Translations

☐ Certified translations enclosed for all foreign language documents
☐ Translator's certification included for each translation

VIII. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES / NOTES FOR ADJUDICATOR

[USE THIS SECTION TO EXPLAIN ANY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, DISCREPANCIES, OR ISSUES THAT MAY REQUIRE CLARIFICATION:]

[EXAMPLE TOPICS:]
- Name discrepancies between documents
- Missing documents and reason for unavailability
- Prior immigration history that requires explanation
- Criminal history disclosure
- Medical issues
- Request for expedited processing (with supporting evidence)
- Other relevant information

[DETAILED EXPLANATION]

IX. DOCUMENT INDEX

For the convenience of the adjudicating officer, the enclosed documents are organized as follows:

Total Pages Enclosed: [NUMBER]

X. CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have any questions regarding this submission or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact:

Primary Contact:
[NAME]
[TITLE]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

Applicant/Petitioner Address for Notices:
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

XI. CONCLUSION

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing this application/petition. All required forms have been completed accurately and signed, all required fees have been included, and all necessary supporting documentation has been provided.

We respectfully request that this [FORM TYPE] be approved.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________
[SIGNATURE]

[PRINTED NAME]
[TITLE, if applicable]
[FIRM NAME, if applicable]
[DATE]

CHECKLIST BEFORE MAILING

☐ All forms are the current edition (check www.uscis.gov for latest versions)
☐ All forms are completed in English
☐ All questions are answered (use "N/A" for non-applicable questions)
☐ All required signatures are in black or blue ink
☐ Correct filing fee is enclosed with proper payment method
☐ Form G-1145 enclosed for e-notification (recommended)
☐ All documents are single-sided on 8.5" x 11" paper
☐ All foreign language documents include certified English translations
☐ Passport-style photos included (if required)
☐ Copies (not originals) of supporting documents are enclosed
☐ Filing address is correct for the specific form and location
☐ Package is clearly marked with form type on envelope
☐ Proof of service/mailing is retained

FILING ADDRESSES

Note: Filing addresses vary based on form type, applicant location, and whether concurrent filing. Always verify the correct filing address at www.uscis.gov before mailing.

Common Lockbox Locations:
- USCIS Chicago Lockbox
- USCIS Dallas Lockbox
- USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
- USCIS Elgin Lockbox

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Filing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements at www.uscis.gov.