Everything You Need to Know About Filing Form I-824

Navigating US immigration procedures can be difficult, and Form I-824 is critical in the process for many applicants. Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is used to seek a duplicate of an accepted application or petition, as well as to request that a USCIS office act on an approved petition or application. Understanding how to correctly complete this form can significantly improve the efficiency and success of your application.

What is Form I-824 Used For?

Form I-824 is used in several scenarios, including:

• Requesting a Duplicate Approval Notice: In the event that you have misplaced your approval notice or never received one in the first instance, you can submit an equation using form I-824.

• Requesting Action on an Approved Petition: For instance, if your petition or application has often been processed with an approval, but you need it to be transferred forward to a U S consulate or embassy in a foreign country, then you would use Form I-824 in such a circumstance.

• Requesting a Copy of an Approved Petition for Certain Visa Applications: This form is also used to ask for a certified copy of an approved petition for visa when the original was not presented.

Form I-824 must be filed when you want your request for action on an approved petition or application to be processed properly and for receiving relevant documents.

How to Fill Out Form I-824 Step-by-Step

1. Obtain the Form: Get Form I-824 from the USCIS Website; or, for a paper copy of the form, send your request on organization letterhead to the address below.

2. Complete the Form:

• Part 1: Information About You: You have to fill in your name in full, date of birth and the physical address. If it applies to you, do not forget to include your A-Number.
• Part 2: Information About the Petition or Application: Although it is not mandatory to enter this information, you should provide the receipt number of the original petition or application and the date when it was approved.
• Part 3: Action Requested: In this field, you must mark whether you want to receive a copy of approval notice, whether the action has to be taken on an approval of the petition for a visa application or the copy of the petition for an application for a visa.
• Part 4: Information About the Beneficiary: Provide details of the individual that will stand to gain from the action that will be taken on the petition or an application.

3. Sign and Date the Form: Remember to fill, sign and date wherever necessary in the provided space. Unsigned forms will not be accepted.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents: Attach copies of any documents that will support your request where necessary. This may include photocopying of the original approval notice or any other related documents which the contractor may wish to have.

5. Submit the Form: After you have filled the Form I-824 and have attached the necessary documents, you should then mail the form and documents to the right USCIS office address. The address differs with the type of the request and geography.

6. Pay the Filing Fee: Always remember to enclose the appropriate filing fee together with the application. The fee amount is provided on the form instructions and may be remitted by check or money order only.

How Much Does it Cost to File Form I-824?

As of the most recent update, the filing fee for Form I-824 is $465. This charge is subject to change, so make sure to check the current fee on the USCIS website or the form instructions before completing your application. The charge must be paid in US dollars and may be paid by check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your request is denied or you withdraw your application. To minimize delays or rejections, make sure you fill out the form correctly and include all required papers.
If you are aware of what Form I-824 is, how to fill it out and the filing fee provisions, you will effectively deal with a request for action on an approved petition or application. Exactly the same way that every other process in life can only require a specific time for completion if well executed, it is very important to understand that this process can also only take the same amount of time if well handled.