Form I-730 Process: Navigating Refugee Family Reunification

The Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, outlines clear criteria for eligibility that petitioners must meet. Below are the specific requirements based on the relationship to the petitioner, time constraints for filing, and the legal status needed to apply.

Qualifying Relationships

Petitioners using Form I-730 must hold a principal refugee or asylee status. They are eligible to petition for their:

• Spouse: Legally married partner.
• Unmarried Children: Must be under the age of 21.

Time Limits and Deadlines

The petitioner must adhere to strict time frames:

• The petition must be filed within two years of the petitioner’s admission to the United States as a refugee or asylee grant.
• Extensions to these deadlines are typically not granted.

Protection From Removal Status

Petitioners must have a status that protects them from removal:

• They must have been either admitted as a refugee or granted asylee status.
• This status must be maintained when filing the I-730 petition.

The Application Process for Form I-730 requires precise steps beginning with submission, followed by providing supporting documentation, and possibly attending a biometrics appointment.

Form I-730 Submission

Principal refugees or asylees in the United States can initiate the process by submitting Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, for their spouse and unmarried children under 21. It is crucial that this form is filed within two years of the principal applicant’s admission as a refugee or grant of asylum. Applications must be complete and signed.

Supporting Documentation

Along with Form I-730, applicants must include evidence to establish their relationship with the beneficiary. This typically consists of:

• Marriage certificates for a spouse.
• Birth certificates for children.
• Proof of the principal applicant’s refugee or asylee status.

The documentation must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Biometrics Appointment

Some applicants might be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and/or a signature. Applicants will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of the appointment, which is mandatory to attend for the application to proceed.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rigorously assesses, interviews, and verifies Form I-730 applications, determining approval or denial based on specific criteria.

USCIS Assessment

When an applicant submits a Form I-730, USCIS initially evaluates the petition’s completeness and the validity of the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiaries. This process includes reviewing the approval of the petitioner’s status as a refugee or asylee and ensuring the application falls within the required two-year filing period post-admittance or asylum grant.

Interview and Verification

In certain cases, an interview may not be conducted if the adjudication process deems it unnecessary. However, if an interview is required, the beneficiary may undergo a comprehensive review process. USCIS verifies the authenticity of the documents and the information provided, assessing any Class A conditions revealed during pre-departure medical examinations which could impact the decision.

Approval and Denial Outcomes

Approval: If USCIS determines that all criteria for the Form I-730 are met, they will approve the application, allowing beneficiaries to join the petitioner in the United States.

Denial: USCIS may deny a petition for several reasons, including but not limited to discrepancies in the application, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or deaths of petitioners before beneficiaries’ arrival in the U.S. In such cases, the beneficiary is ineligible for the benefits sought through Form I-730.

Upon approval of Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, beneficiaries gain the ability to join the petitioner in the United States.

Family Member Travel

Beneficiaries whose I-730 petitions have been approved should prepare for travel to the United States. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State (DOS) will process the beneficiary’s case, potentially in a third country if the beneficiary has departed from their country of origin without a U.S. government presence. They are advised to keep their contact information current and to expect communication regarding travel arrangements.

Adjusting Status of Beneficiaries

After arriving in the United States, beneficiaries may apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Their eligibility to apply for adjustment of status is contingent upon meeting certain requirements and is typically available after one year of presence in the U.S. under asylee or refugee status. The adjustment of status is a crucial step towards integrating into the fabric of American society and securing the long-term stability of beneficiaries’ immigration standing.

When Form I-730 is denied, the applicant has specific avenues to address the decision. Understanding the reasons for denial, reapplication procedures, and legal remedies is crucial.

Reasons for Denial

• Insufficient Evidence: If the evidence provided to establish a qualifying relationship in an informal or camp marriage is deemed insufficient.
• Security Checks: Uncompleted or adversely completed security checks.
• Interview Requirements: If the beneficiary was not interviewed, either overseas as part of the approval process or in the United States prior to approval.

Reapplication Procedures

• Submit Form I-290B: Applicants can submit a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, to request a review of the decision.
• Timing: Form I-290B must be filed within the designated time frame from the date of the denial notice.

Legal Remedies and Appeals

• Appeal: The decision can be contested through an appeal, which is a request for a higher authority to review the decision.
• Motion to Reopen: Applicants can file a motion to reopen the case with new facts.
• Motion to Reconsider: Applicants may file a motion to reconsider if they believe the decision was based on an incorrect application of law or policy.