How can we get a second approval notice for Form I-130 if we completely missed the first one?

The validity of the approval notice depends on the kind of I-130 that was filed (petition for parents of USC, spouse or child, etc.) and depending on whether the petitioner had selected whether the beneficiary was going to adjust status in the US or consular process. If the petitioner indicated that the beneficiary was going to consular process USCIS sent the approval to the National Visa Center and if the beneficiary did not contact the NVC within a year then the case would have been deemed abandoned and the underlying I-130 petition would have been revoked. Your best option is to contact USCIS either via its website or by phone and inquire whether the I-130 is still valid. You will need to share the receipt number. If you do not have the receipt number, then you should file a Freedom of Information Act Request.

You can file an I-824, if it was approved, or request a copy under the Freedom of Information Act.

You can try to do a FOIA request to USCIS and/or look up the case in Case Status with the number on the receipt.

Try filing a FOIA request.

You need to file and pay the fees of form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, and ask USCIS to send the approval notice. If the Priority Date is not current with the Visa Bulletin, you might be fine. If not, and no action was taken within a year from the first moment the National Visa Center contacted you, it is possible that you would have to re-file for the I-130 and obtain a new approval. However, since little information about the specifics of this case has been provided, we cannot accurately answer your question. We hope this general information is helpful.

File Form I-824 with USCIS.