What is a Form I-817?

Form I-817 is an application form used by certain individuals to apply for family unity benefits. It is used by individuals who are the family members of people who are already authorized to work or live in the United States, and want to extend their stay in the country. The form is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Who is Eligible for Form I-817?

Form I-817 is an application for family unity benefits. Eligibility for this form depends on the applicant’s particular situation. Generally, those eligible for I-817 must be either a family member of an eligible lawful permanent resident (LPR), or have been granted status under the Family Unity Program as a VAWA self-petitioner. The applicant must also prove they have not abandoned their LPR status and have been residing in the United States since at least December 1, 1988.

What is the Latest Form I-817 Edition?

The latest edition of Form I-817 is version 10/30/20.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-817?

The required documents for filing Form I-817, Application for Family Unity Benefits, vary depending on the petitioner’s situation. Generally, the petitioner must provide the following documents:

• A photocopy of the petitioner’s valid passport, driver’s license, or other valid government-issued identification document

• A photocopy of the petitioner’s green card or other valid evidence of lawful permanent residence in the United States

• A completed and signed Form I-817

• All necessary supporting documents and evidence

• Documents that prove the legal marriage between the petitioner and their spouse or child (including a translated copy if applicable)

• Documents that prove all family members’ physical presence in the United States on a continuous basis (if applicable)

• Proof of financial hardship (if applicable)

• Documentation of any applicable waivers (if applicable)

How to Submit Form I-817?

1. Gather Required Documents: Before submitting Form I-817, applicants must gather any necessary documents that prove their eligibility for the requested benefit. Documents may include proof of identity, legal status, or other records that demonstrate the applicant’s need for the requested benefit.

2. Complete Form I-817: Once the required documents are gathered, applicants must complete Form I-817 in full. This includes providing information regarding the applicant’s identity and immigration status and any other applicable information.

3. Submit Form I-817: Applicants must submit Form I-817 to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox facility with the required filing fee and supporting evidence. Applicants can also mail their application and required documents to the Phoenix Lockbox at the below address:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox Facility

P.O. Box 20300

Phoenix, AZ 85036

4. Wait for Decision: After submitting Form I-817, applicants must wait for a decision from USCIS. Applicants will typically receive a receipt notice or a decision letter within 90 days following submission.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-817?

1. Make sure to fill out Form I-817 completely and accurately. Double check that all of the information is correct and that all required signatures are included.

2. Include all of the supporting documentation along with your form. Documents such as a copy of your birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, and other forms of ID are often required.

3. Be sure to mail the form and supporting documents to the correct address listed on the form.

4. Keep a copy of your completed form for your records.

5. If your application is for cancellation or suspension of removal, be sure to include evidence that you have been in the United States for 10 years prior to filing Form I-817.

6. If you need assistance filing or understanding the form, contact a qualified immigration lawyer or a legal service provider for help.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-817?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-817. To complete Form I-817, fill out the form in its entirety, including your personal information and the reason for your application. Make sure to sign and date the form. In addition, you will need to include any required documents specified in the form’s instructions. You may also need to pay a fee depending on the type of application you are submitting. Finally, you must submit your application to the address provided in the form’s instructions.

What is the Form I-817 Fee?

The Form I-817 is an application that must be completed and submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to request permission to stay in the United States as a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary. The fee for the Form I-817 is $50.

Can I Apply for Form I-817 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction for Form I-817. USCIS offers fee waivers based on your individual financial circumstances. Fee waivers are available to those who meet certain income and family size guidelines. To request a fee waiver or reduction, you will need to complete Form I-912 and submit it with your Form I-817 application.

What is the Form I-817 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form I-817 varies depending on the specific request and can range from a few weeks to several months. USCIS recommends that applicants file their forms as early as possible to ensure timely processing.

Form I-817 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Form I-817?
A: Form I-817 is an application for Family Unity Benefits, which is a form of immigration relief for family members of certain eligible aliens who have been admitted to or are authorized to remain in the United States. This form is used to apply for benefits such as work authorization, access to Social Security benefits, and permission to travel in and out of the US.

Q: Who needs to file Form I-817?
A: Form I-817 is needed by certain family members of an eligible alien who are seeking certain immigration benefits such as work authorization, Social Security benefits, or permission to travel abroad.

Q: What information is needed to complete Form I-817?
A: To complete the form, the applicant will need to provide personal information about themselves, evidence that they are a family member of an eligible alien, and any other required documents. Applicants will also need to provide proof of their relationship with the eligible alien and evidence that the eligible alien has been legally admitted to or authorized to remain in the United States.

Q: What documents are required with Form I-817?
A: Along with the completed form, applicants will need to submit supporting documents such as evidence of their relationship with the eligible alien, a copy of any applicable immigration court orders, and evidence that the eligible alien has been legally admitted or authorized to remain in the United States.

Q: How much does it cost to file Form I-817?
A: There is no fee associated with filing Form I-817.