I-824: Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition

What is Form I 824?

As long as applicants follow the instructions from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), their immigration process should go smoothly without a problem. However, in the process of attaining a green card, applicants may run into a situation to take action or receive another copy of an already approved application or petition. Applicants may use Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, to request an action on an application that is previously approved by the USCIS or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If application or petition is past the expiration date or revoked, neither government agency will approve Form I 824.

As two varying government agencies accept I-824, applicants must be educated on when to file to each agency.

Filing Form I-824 to the USCIS

Applicants may file the form for one of the following reasons the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services:

  • Request a duplicate of the approval, I-797: Notice of Action, issued from a USCIS Service Center due to loss or misplacement of the original notice. A common example is the original notice action being delivered to the wrong address.
  • Notify a U.S. embassy or consulate that the application has been approved by the USCIS. While the embassy/consulate receives a notice for the approval from the original filing, the original filing must specify the USCIS to notify the embassy/consulate.
  • Notify a different U.S. embassy or consulate that the applicant has been approved by the USCIS. A common example is when an applicant must enter the country through a different port of entry than originally specified.
  • Notify a U.S. embassy or consulate the applicant has become a permanent resident, green card holder.
  • Notify the National Visa Center (NVC) the application has been approved.
  • Notify the NVC that an applicant has become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Filing Form I-824 to the CBP

Applicants may file the form for one of the following reasons with the Customs and Border Protection:

  • Request a duplicate of approved Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Non-immigrant
  • Request a duplicate of approved Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal

Commonly, applicant file for a duplicate when the original form is lost or misplaced.

What are Form I-824 Instructions?

Instructions for filing Form I-824 vary by the receiving agency.

Filing Form I-824 to the USCIS

Applicants must file the completed I 824 to a correct USCIS lockbox facility location. Filing address will depend on the USCIS location that approved the original application.

Original USCIS Customer Service Center Filing Address for I-824
A local USCIS office; Your form I-797C Notice of Action
receipt number may begin with “MSC”, or your
Form I-797C Notice of Action does not contain a
3-letter code before the receipt number
Applicants must file to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox
Via USPS:
USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
Via Express Mail or Courier Service:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
The USCIS Vermont Service Center or the USCIS Texas
Service Center; Your Form I-797C, Notice of Action
receipt number will begin with either “EAC” or “SRC.”
Applicants must file to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox
Via USPS:
USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
Via Express Mail or Courier Service:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
The USCIS Nebraska Service Center or the USCIS
California Service Center; Your Form I-797C,
Notice of Action receipt number will begin with
either “LIN” or “WAC.”
Applicants must file to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
Via USPS:
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
Via Express Mail or Courier Service:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Applicants whose petition is still pending cannot use Form I-824 to confirm status of the application. Submission of I-824 on pending petition may not receive a response back from the USCIS. Eligible applicants can also sign up for status notification via email/text message by completing Form G-1145, E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.

Filing Form I-824 to the CBP

Applicants filing with the CBP must file I 824 at a designated CBP land border port of entry or a preclearance office. To find the list of CBP offices, visit the Customs and Border Patrol website.

What is the Latest Form I-824 Edition?

The latest Form I-824 edition is dated May 4, 2021.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-824?

1. Completed Form I-824
2. Copy of the approved Form I-130 or I-140, if applicable
3. Copy of proof of lawful Permanent Resident status, if applicable
4. Copy of current or prior alien registration number
5. Copy of valid passport
6. Copy of evidence of current employment or pending status, such as a letter from the employer
7. Evidence of a qualifying relationship to the principal beneficiary, if applicable
8. Copy of receipt for filing fee payment

How to Submit Form I-824?

Form I-824 can be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a few different ways.

1. Online: The most convenient and efficient way to submit your Form I-824 is through the USCIS online portal. You will need to have a valid USCIS online account in order to access this option.

2. By Mail: You can also mail your completed Form I-824 to the appropriate USCIS processing center. Your application will need to include all of the necessary documentation and fees. Make sure you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that your receipt notices and other communications can be sent back to you.

3. In Person: If you prefer, you can submit your Form I-824 in person at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). You will need to make an appointment with the ASC before submitting your application in person.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-824?

1. Be sure to include all relevant documents and information that is necessary to prove your eligibility.

2. Make sure that all forms are filled out correctly and completely.

3. Keep copies of any documents submitted with your Form I-824 for your records.

4. Remember to provide details of any previous applications you’ve made for a similar USCIS benefit.

5. Provide evidence of any familial relationships that are relevant to the application.

6. Have any fees associated with the case ready to submit with the application.

7. Double-check that you’ve included all the required evidence for your case with the application before submitting it.

8. Make sure that all documents included are in English or have an accompanying certified translation.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-824?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-824. First, you must make sure that you are eligible to file the form. To do this, you must have either a pending or approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or a pending or approved Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

You must also make sure that you are filing the form in the appropriate manner and format. The form must be printed on white 8-1/2″ x 11″ paper and must be completed in black ink only. In addition, make sure to sign and date the bottom of the form.

If you need help filling out the form or understanding the instructions, you can consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

What is the Form I-824 Fee?

The Form I-824 Fee is a fee paid to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is a fee paid to request action on an approved immigrant petition that has already been filed. The fee covers the cost of administrative processing for the request.

Can I Apply for Form I-824 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you may apply for a fee waiver or reduction for Form I-824. In order to qualify, you must meet certain income guidelines. Additionally, you must provide evidence that you are unable to pay the full amount due to financial hardship or extraordinary circumstances. The fee waiver or reduction request must be accompanied by a written statement from an authorized representative explaining why you are unable to pay the full amount.

What is the Form I-824 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form I-824 can vary depending on the case. Generally, processing time can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months. The USCIS may also require additional documentation or evidence before they can process the form. To get an estimate of the processing time for your case, you can use the USCIS Processing Times tool.