Form I-824 – A Complete Guide to Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition

Form I-824 plays a crucial role in U.S. immigration procedures by allowing individuals to request further action on previously approved applications or petitions.

Purpose of Form I-824

Form I-824 is utilized to solicit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to undertake additional action on an already approved application or petition. Applicants often need this form when they require an official notification of the approval to be forwarded to a consulate or government office or a duplicate notice of approval due to the lost original.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to file Form I-824, applicants must have received previous approval for an immigration petition or application. Not all approvals qualify; the original decision must still be valid and not revoked or expired. For instance, individuals cannot use Form I-824 for actions on approvals that have been rescinded or for documents that are no longer current.

Completing Form I-824 requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure all required information is accurately provided and the necessary supporting documents are included.

Required Information

When an individual fills out Form I-824, “Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition,” they must include the following key details:

• Part 1. Information About You (Person filing this Application):
  • Full legal name (Last, First, Middle)
  • Company or organization name, if applicable
  • Current or most recent immigration status

They must select the appropriate category they belong to—either an applicant or a petitioner on a previously approved application or petition. Each field on the form should be completed with correct and up-to-date information to prevent processing delays or denials due to incomplete or inaccurate submissions.

Supporting Documents

A complete submission of Form I-824 must be accompanied by a variety of supporting documents, as listed below:

• Proof of the Initial Approval:
  • A copy of the original application or petition’s approval notice (Form I-797).
• Government Fee:
  • A payment of the prescribed fee, which, as of the specified update, was $465.00 US dollars.
• Explanation Letter (if necessary):
  • A brief statement detailing the reason for the request, such as the need for a duplicate approval notice.

Each supporting document should be legible and conform to the specific guidelines set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure the application is processed without any issues. Applicants must carefully check the most current instructions provided by USCIS to ensure they remain compliant with any changes to submission requirements.

The application process for Form I-824 – Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition is undertaken by applicants requiring official USCIS documentation to further their immigration status. The process involves submitting the appropriate forms to the designated filing location and anticipating the standard processing times.

Filing Location

Applicants must submit Form I-824 to the USCIS Lockbox facility that serves their region. The specific address can vary depending on the type of action requested and the applicant’s location. It’s crucial to check the current USCIS filing instructions for Form I-824, as these addresses and filing locations are subject to change.

Processing Times

Processing times for Form I-824 can range widely, but on average, applicants might anticipate a timeframe of several months. An applicant can typically find the most current processing time estimates by checking the USCIS website and looking up the specific USCIS office handling their case. Processing times are influenced by various factors, including application volume and complexities specific to the individual’s case.

After submitting Form I-824, the applicant enters a phase of waiting and monitoring. The process includes receiving a submission confirmation, staying updated on the case status, and awaiting the arrival of the approved documents.

Receipt Notice

Once USCIS accepts Form I-824 for processing, the applicant receives a Receipt Notice. This official document, Form I-797C, contains a receipt number vital for tracking the application’s progress. The notice typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks after submission.

Case Status Checking

Applicants can check the status of their Form I-824 online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. They need to enter the provided receipt number from the Receipt Notice to receive real-time updates on their application.

Receiving Approved Documents

If Form I-824 is approved, USCIS sends the requested document or action notice. The delivery timeframe can vary, but applicants should receive the approved documents within a few weeks to several months after the approval notice. If there are delays, they should contact the USCIS Contact Center or check the status update for any additional information provided.

When filing Form I-824, applicants may encounter specific issues such as incorrect information on the form, loss or theft of original documents, and experiencing delays or denials. This section provides clear resolutions for these common problems.

Incorrect Information Filed

If an applicant submits Form I-824 with incorrect information, they should promptly notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to correct the mistake. It’s crucial to provide detailed information about the error and include supporting documentation validating the correct information.

Lost or Stolen Documents

If an approval notice or document related to Form I-824 is lost or stolen, the applicant must use Form I-824 to request a duplicate. Along with the form, the applicant must include:

• The fee is $465.00 US dollars.
• A short explanation of why the duplicate is necessary.

These materials can be mailed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Admissibility Review Office or submitted in person at a designated port of entry.

Delays and Denials

Delays in processing or denials of Form I-824 can occur for various reasons. Applicants should:

• Review their application for completeness and accuracy.
• Check the processing times and ensure that the expected timeframe has passed.
• Contact USCIS or the office where the form was filed to inquire about the delay or reasons for denial.

In the case of a denial, applicants may receive instructions on how to appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider the case.

When preparing to file Form I-824, “Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition,” applicants should adhere to the following tips and best practices to ensure a smooth process:

• Complete and Accurate Information: Ensure all form sections are filled out thoroughly and accurately. Providing false information can lead to delays or denial.
• Review Filing Fees: Fees are subject to change. As of the latest update, the fee is $465.00. Applicants should verify the current fee before submission to avoid processing delays.
• Provide Explanation: If requesting a duplicate approval notice, include a concise explanation for the need for a duplicate. Do not include unnecessary details.
• Supporting Documents: Attach all required supporting documents. Ensure you have any necessary evidence for a replaced document, like a police report for stolen documents.
• Correct Mailing Address: Mail the completed form to the correct address, currently U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Admissibility Review Office, or as designated by the latest instructions.

Documentation Checklist:

• Form I-824 completed
• Filing fee payment
• Explanation of request
• Supporting documents (e.g., police report for stolen items)

It’s advisable to consult the most recent instructions and checklists provided by USCIS to ensure that an applicant’s specific circumstances are covered adequately. Maintaining organized records and following up with USCIS on the status of the form can also be beneficial.