How to Mail USCIS Documents Safely (2025)
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Send USCIS Documents SecurelyMailing documents to USCIS requires careful preparation. Lost or delayed immigration paperwork can result in missed deadlines, denied applications, or months of delays. This guide explains how to mail USCIS documents safely, including which addresses to use, how to organize your package, and how to get proof of delivery.
Quick Checklist: Mailing to USCIS
- • Use the correct USCIS address for your form type
- • Include filing fee (check or money order to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security")
- • Sign all forms where required
- • Include photos (if required) in correct format
- • Don't staple photos or checks to forms
- • Mail via trackable service (Certified Mail, Priority Mail, or Express)
- • Keep copies of everything
Table of Contents
USCIS Mailing Addresses
USCIS uses different addresses depending on your form type and situation. Using the wrong address can delay processing by weeks or months.
Important: Always Verify the Address
USCIS addresses change frequently. Before mailing:
- • Check USCIS.gov/forms for current filing addresses
- • The address depends on your form, state, and whether you're filing online or by mail
- • RFE responses go to a different address than the original filing
USCIS Lockbox Facilities
Most initial form filings go to USCIS lockbox facilities:
- • Chicago Lockbox - Many family-based petitions
- • Phoenix Lockbox - Employment-based forms
- • Dallas Lockbox - Various applications
- • Lewisville Lockbox - Newer processing center
Service Centers
Some forms go directly to USCIS Service Centers:
- • California Service Center (Laguna Niguel, CA)
- • Nebraska Service Center (Lincoln, NE)
- • Texas Service Center (Dallas, TX)
- • Vermont Service Center (St. Albans, VT)
- • Potomac Service Center (Washington, DC)
Common Forms & General Addresses
These are general addresses—always verify on USCIS.gov:
- • I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Chicago or Dallas lockbox
- • I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Chicago lockbox or concurrent filing address
- • I-765 (Work Permit): Varies by category
- • N-400 (Naturalization): Phoenix or Dallas lockbox
- • I-90 (Green Card Renewal): Phoenix lockbox
What to Include in Your USCIS Package
Required Items
- • Completed form(s) - all pages, signed
- • Filing fee - check or money order
- • Photos (if required) - USCIS passport style
- • Supporting evidence - copies, not originals
- • G-1145 (optional) - for e-notification of receipt
Payment Information
- • Make check/money order to:
"U.S. Department of Homeland Security" - • Write your name and A-Number (if any) on check
- • Don't send cash
- • Check current fee at USCIS.gov
USCIS Photo Requirements
- • 2" x 2" passport-style photos
- • Taken recently, following current USCIS photo guidelines
- • White or off-white background
- • Head must be 1" to 1 3/8" from chin to top
- • Write your name and A-Number lightly on back in pencil
- • Don't staple or paperclip photos to forms
- • Place in small envelope or plastic sleeve
How to Organize Your USCIS Documents
Proper organization helps USCIS process your application faster and reduces the risk of a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Recommended Document Order
- G-1145 (e-notification request) - if using
- Check or money order (don't staple)
- Completed form(s) - all pages in order
- Photos - in envelope, labeled
- Supporting documents - organized by category with dividers/tabs
- Cover letter (optional but recommended) - lists all enclosed items
Organization Tips
- • Use paper clips, not staples
- • Use tabs or dividers to separate document categories
- • Include a cover letter listing all documents
- • Make copies of everything before mailing
- • Use binder clips for thick packages
- • Place in large envelope (9"x12" or larger)
Responding to a USCIS RFE (Request for Evidence)
If USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE), respond carefully and on time. Missing the deadline can result in denial.
RFE Response Deadlines
RFE deadlines are strict. Typical deadlines are 30-87 days from the date on the notice. Mail your response early—the deadline is when USCIS must receive your response, not when you mail it.
How to Organize Your RFE Response
- RFE cover sheet (included with your RFE notice) - on top
- Response letter - address each item requested
- Index/table of contents - list all documents
- Evidence - organized with tabs matching your index
- Copies of original application (if helpful)
Important RFE Tips
- • Mail to the address on the RFE notice (not the original filing address)
- • The cover sheet must be on top—it has a barcode
- • Address every item in the RFE, even if you don't have the evidence
- • Use trackable mail (Priority Mail Express or Certified Mail recommended)
- • Mail at least 1 week before deadline to ensure receipt
Best Mailing Options for USCIS
| Service | Delivery | Tracking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | 1-2 days | Yes + signature | RFE responses, urgent filings |
| Priority Mail | 1-3 days | Yes | Standard filings |
| Certified Mail + Return Receipt | 3-5 days | Yes + delivery proof | Proof of delivery needed |
| First-Class Mail | 3-5 days | No | Not recommended |
Recommended: Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express
Many people prefer Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express for USCIS filings because these services are faster than regular mail and include tracking and delivery confirmation. This can help you monitor when your package reaches USCIS.
Common USCIS Mailing Mistakes
Document Mistakes
- • Stapling photos or checks - use paper clips instead
- • Missing signatures - sign everywhere required
- • Incorrect fee - check current fee at USCIS.gov
- • Wrong check payee - must be "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- • Sending originals - send copies unless originals specifically requested
Address Mistakes
- • Using outdated address - USCIS addresses change often
- • Wrong lockbox for form type - verify at USCIS.gov
- • RFE sent to wrong address - use address on RFE notice
- • Missing return address - include your address
Mailing Mistakes
- • No tracking - always use trackable mail
- • Mailing too close to deadline - allow buffer time
- • Not keeping copies - copy everything before mailing
- • Multiple applications in one envelope - separate packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I send USCIS documents by certified mail?
Yes, always use a trackable mailing method for USCIS documents. USPS Certified Mail, Priority Mail, or express services provide tracking and delivery confirmation. This proof is critical if USCIS claims they didn't receive your documents.
What is a USCIS lockbox facility?
USCIS lockbox facilities are secure processing centers that receive and process initial immigration form filings. They are located in Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas, and Lewisville. The correct lockbox depends on your form type and where you live.
How do I respond to a USCIS RFE?
Mail your RFE response to the address shown on the RFE notice, not the original filing address. Include the RFE notice cover sheet on top, organize evidence clearly with tabs, and mail via trackable service before the deadline. Keep copies of everything.
Can I mail original documents to USCIS?
Generally, submit copies of documents unless USCIS specifically requests originals. If you must send originals, use a secure mailing method with tracking and keep copies. USCIS may not return originals, so only send them when required.
How long until I get a receipt notice?
USCIS typically mails receipt notices within 2-4 weeks of receiving your application. If you include Form G-1145, you'll get an email/text notification when your application is received. Check USCIS processing times for current timeframes.
What if USCIS says they didn't receive my documents?
This is why tracking is essential. If USCIS claims non-receipt, provide your tracking information showing delivery. For certified mail, your return receipt is proof of delivery. Without tracking, you may need to refile and repay fees.
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