USCIS Form I-824 2025 – Full Guidance

Form I-824, officially titled “Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition,” is used by applicants to request further action on applications or petitions that have already been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It is not a form for initiating a new immigration benefit but instead facilitates actions such as notifying a U.S. consulate, obtaining duplicate approval notices, or updating an agency on your immigration status.

When to Use Form I-824:

You should file Form I-824 only after your application or petition has been approved by USCIS. Common reasons to file include:

• Notify a U.S. Consulate or Embassy
  Inform a consulate abroad of your USCIS approval so that eligible family members can begin visa processing.
  (Typically used for dependents when a principal applicant adjusts status inside the U.S.)
• Notify the National Visa Center (NVC)
  Alert the NVC to take further steps, such as initiating consular processing for family members.
• Request a Duplicate Approval Notice
  If your original Form I-797 (Notice of Action) has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a duplicate.
• Notify the U.S. Department of State
  For example, if you’ve recently naturalized as a U.S. citizen and need the State Department to be informed.
• Request CBP Notification
  Some nonimmigrants may use Form I-824 to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of decisions related to specific forms like I-192, I-212, etc.

Check Also: U.S. Sponsor Support for Migrants to Form I-134A – Complete Guide

When NOT to Use Form I-824:

Avoid filing Form I-824 if:

• You are applying for an immigration benefit for the first time
• You want to appeal or reopen a denied petition
• Your application is still pending (you must wait for a decision)
• The original application or benefit has become invalid or expired

Filing Fee:

• Standard Fee: $590
• Payment Method: Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security via check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450) if filed by mail.

Exemption: Afghan nationals applying for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) status may qualify for a fee waiver, provided Part 2, Item 1.c. is checked on the form. Always refer to the USCIS Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date information.

Processing Time:

Processing time varies by the USCIS service center and the nature of the original application. On average:

• 6 to 12 months is typical, though delays may occur.
• Check USCIS Processing Times using your receipt number and service center.

How to File USCIS Form I-824 2025?

• Download the form from the official USCIS website.
• Complete all required fields accurately.
• Include supporting documents, such as:
  • Copy of the approval notice of the original petition.
  • Proof of identity (passport, green card, etc.).
  • Explanation letter (if applicable).
• Submit by mail to the address listed on the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-824.

Additional Information:

• No Premium Processing: Form I-824 is not eligible for expedited service via Form I-907.
• No automatic updates: You will not be automatically updated on progress unless you opt-in for case status updates or use the USCIS case tracking tool.
• Dependent visas: This form is essential for those who adjusted status in the U.S. and now want family members abroad to apply for immigrant visas through consular processing.

Conclusion:

Form I-824 is a crucial but narrowly applicable tool in U.S. immigration. It ensures that your approved petition leads to the correct follow-up actions with U.S. consulates, the NVC, or the State Department. Filing it correctly and only when needed will help avoid unnecessary delays in your or your family’s immigration process.

Frequently Asked Questions: