CJ interview on June 15th, lost i797, help

[schroedermn]

After two years of paperwork we are finally bringing my stepdaugher here via an I-130 petition. We are scheduled for our interview in Ciudad Juarez June 15th at 8:00AM. We have our interview letter in hand.

Problem is that the letter included instructions on what documents are required at the interview. THe one item I can't find (tore house apart looking) is the I-797 approval notice. I can log onto the "ins" web site and see our case status is Approved. I have all other documents and we've already told my step daughter to pack for a trip to the US to live..... What a bummer...

I did call the 800 number and was told to file an I-824 "action on approve case" to request a copy of the I-797 approval. This takes 6 months or more? ANyone have experience with getting a copy of a lost I-797?

SO, my question is of anyone that has legal expertise OR someone who's recently gone for an interview in CJ..... Do they really need the I-797 even though the National Visa Center sent approval to CJ anyways? Seems the consulate could take the NVC contact + online check of the INS case status as proof of approval??

I should not have lost the piece of paper but we moved, before we moved it was on the refridgerator, now I have every document except for what might be the most important? Someone tell me that this doc is not required for the interview??? please.... OR am I about to start writing my congressmen begging for help?

THanks from Lakeville, MN
-Ron Lampat

 

[Raju595]

SO, my question is of anyone that has legal expertise OR someone who's recently gone for an interview in CJ..... Do they really need the I-797 even though the National Visa Center sent approval to CJ anyways? Seems the consulate could take the NVC contact + online check of the INS case status as proof of approval??


THanks from Lakeville, MN
-Ron Lampat

I do not have legal expertise and, I do not have experience with CJ Consulate.

However, going by my experience with a Consulate in India, I would think your
daughter can attend the interview without the Form I-797 (approval notice).

I did carry the original approval notice to the interview but they did not
ask for it.

Logically speaking the fact that the consulate has fixed the appointment
means the approval has taken place.

Raju

 

[jigesh]

During I-130, if you had an attorney, he/she should have another approval notice (I-797).