Training 111: Package Assembly and Generating the Final Product

Package Assembly in Prima.Law

The Package Assembly tool in Prima.Law is designed to streamline the process of compiling and organizing case documents for submission to USCIS, Immigration Court, or other agencies. By leveraging this tool, you can save hours of manual work, avoid errors, and ensure your submissions are professional and complete. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Package Assembly tool effectively.

Preparation: Gather Your Data

Before assembling your package, ensure you have all the required information and documents in Prima.Law:

1. Client Portal: Encourage clients to upload documents directly using the checklist.
2. Smart Interviews: Use Smart Interviews to gather data from clients or staff.
3. Forms: Complete necessary forms using reverse autofill for efficiency.
4. Printable Questionnaires: Use these for clients who prefer paper-based data entry.

Step 1: Accessing the Package Assembly Tool

1. Navigate to Package Assembly:
   • Open the client’s case in Prima.Law.
   • Click on the Package Assembly tab.
2. Create a New Package:
   • Click the “New” button to start a new package.
   • You’ll see the assembly interface with two panels:
     • The left panel lists available forms and checklist items.
     • The right panel is where you build the package.

Step 2: Adding Items to the Package

1. Add Forms:
   • Select the required forms (e.g., G-28, I-130, I-130A) from the left panel.
   • Use the arrow to move them to the right panel.
2. Add Checklist Items:
   • Any checklist items with attached documents will appear under “Checklist Items.”
   • Select the relevant documents and move them to the package.
3. Organize the Package:
   • Drag and drop items within the right panel to reorder or nest them.
   • Ensure the sequence matches submission requirements.

Step 3: Configure Package Settings

1. Exhibit Sheets:
   • Enable exhibit sheets and set the starting number (e.g., Exhibit 1).
   • This is especially useful for Immigration Court or EIR cases.
2. Page Numbers:
   • Decide whether to include page numbers. For USCIS submissions, this is optional but can be helpful.
3. Footer Text:
   • Add a footer with details like the client’s alien number or name.
   • Choose footer placement (e.g., center).
4. Save Settings:
   • Save your settings to ensure consistency throughout the package.

Step 4: Generate the Table of Contents

1. Click “Generate Table of Contents”:
   • The system automatically creates a table of contents based on the package structure.
   • Include exhibit numbers, descriptions, and page numbers.
2. Customize the Cover Page:
   • Add your firm’s letterhead or logo.
   • Include a cover letter (e.g., “Dear USCIS, enclosed for filing please find the following…”).

Step 5: Generate the Package

1. Click “Generate”:
   • The system begins compiling the package.
   • Progress updates appear, and any errors (e.g., unsupported file types) are highlighted.
2. Resolve Errors:
   • If an error occurs (e.g., a Photoshop file that cannot convert to PDF), the system identifies the problematic file.
   • Go to the checklist, locate the file, and delete or replace it.
   • Return to Package Assembly and regenerate the package.

Step 6: Review and Finalize

1. Preview the Package:
   • Check the final package to ensure all documents and the table of contents are in order.
   • Confirm that addendums, photos, or other exhibits are correctly included.
2. Download or Print:
   • Download the package as a PDF or send it directly to a connected printer.
   • If e-filing, use the Prima.Law Chrome extension to upload the package to government websites.

Best Practices for Package Assembly

1. Test Unsupported Files:
   • Upload a variety of file types to identify potential issues before finalizing the package.
2. Delete Unused Items:
   • Remove unnecessary files or forms from the checklist to keep the package organized.
3. Regenerate Table of Contents:
   • Always regenerate the table of contents after making changes to the package structure.
4. Use Addendums:
   • For clients with extensive histories (e.g., multiple addresses or marriages), generate and include addendums automatically.

Why Use Package Assembly?

The Package Assembly tool eliminates the need for manual compilation and page numbering, saving hours of work. Features like exhibit sheets, auto-generated tables of contents, and customizable settings ensure professionalism and compliance with submission standards.

By leveraging this tool, you can streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and improve efficiency in your practice.

Start using Package Assembly in Prima.Law today to elevate your case management and submission process!