Case type I130 not pursued and case is now closed

[RAHIM]

My dad applied for permanent resident for his family including myself back in 1996. In Feb 2005, INS requested
to update my marital status. During that time, I was already living in Canada and currently I am a Canadian
citizen. We therefore, didn't pursue the green card for USA at that time.
I am now interested to open that case again and see if it can be pursued again.
I am looking for a lawyer who can take this case and adv. if this case can be re-open again.
Thanks, Noureen

[RAHIM]

My dad applied for permanent resident for his family including myself back in 1996. In Feb 2005, INS requested
to update my marital status. During that time, I was already living in Canada and currently I am a Canadian
citizen. We therefore, didn't pursue the green card for USA at that time.
I am now interested to open that case again and see if it can be pursued again.
I am looking for a lawyer who can take this case and adv. if this case can be re-open again.
Thanks, Noureen

[Aroha]

In recent experience, no. You will have to file again.

My logic is simple. We had I-130's approved 8 years ago, but as my husband chose instead to come to New Zealand to live, we didn't follow up. The case was closed and we have now had to re-file and play the waiting game.

[RationalE]

What was the final status on the case (NOA)?
If it was approved, when?
I assume there is a certain timeline to proceed with I-485 (if you didn't, the visa number under cap should have been allocated to someone else).
If it was denied due to lack of responce, file a new petition.

This is not a legal advice. I am not an attorney. Consult one if you need.

Good luck

[Aroha]

Our original I-130's were purged after 4 years.