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Form I-824 is generally used to request a copy of a prior decision by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can obtain Form I-824 on the USCIS website.
Who Should File Form I-824?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection explains that you may file Form I-824 if:
- You need a copy of an approved Form I-192 or Form I-212: Both of these forms relate to one’s eligibility to enter the United States. If you have been approved to enter the U.S. but have lost or suffered damage to a notice of approval, then you may seek a new copy of your approval using Form I-824.
- You need a copy of a decision related to Form I-185: Though USCIS no longer issues Form I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card (BCC), you may receive a copy of a prior indefinite decision related to this form. You may use Form I-824 to apply for that copy.
Other reasons that you may file Form I-824 include:
You’ve Lost a Notice of Action
If you’ve received Form I-797 Notice of Action from USCIS, but the form has been either lost, damaged, or stolen, then you may receive another copy by filing Form I-824.
You Need to Notify a U.S. Embassy or Consulate of a USCIS Decision
Under certain circumstances, you may file Form I-824 to notify a U.S. embassy or consulate of a decision by USCIS. You may generally alert the embassy or consulate that someone has been approved for entry into the United States. You may also use Form I-824 to show that you or a loved one has obtained permanent resident status.
Notify the National Visa Center (NVC) of a USCIS Decision
You may use Form I-824 to inform the National Visa Center (NVC) of certain USCIS decisions that affect your immigration status.
Make Requests of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Certain requests, like those for copies of an approved form I-192 or I-112, should go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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Benefits of Filing Form I-824 for Family Members
Filing Form I-824 allows individuals to request to bring their family members to the United States as derivative beneficiaries of an approved immigration petition. By submitting this form, petitioners can ensure that their loved ones can maintain their immigration status and stay connected with their family members in the U.S. This form provides an opportunity for family reunification and can help streamline the process of securing visas for dependents.
How Do You File Form I-824?
After obtaining Form I-824 (which you can do by downloading the form digitally), you may then:
- Fill out the form with all required information, answering all questions as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
- Determine the USCIS lockbox location to which you should file your Form I-824—the proper location will depend on which USCIS office dealt with your original application.
- File your Form I-824 either in-person or through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The process for filing Form I-824 with U.S. Customs and Border Protection may differ. You will likely have questions when filing Form I-824. An immigration attorney can answer any such questions and help you file your form properly.
Who Cannot File Form I-824?
You may be ineligible to file Form I-824 (or may have your application denied) if you’re requesting a copy of a decision that is no longer valid. If your original application is pending, then filing Form I-824 may also be fruitless.
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What Should I Do Before Filing Form I-824?
Whether or not you are certain that Form I-824 is something you need to file, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney. Speaking with an immigration lawyer may be particularly useful if you’re unclear about any aspect of Form I-824.
They will answer any question that you have, including:
Should I File Form I-824?
There is no reason to file Form I-824 if it’s not appropriate for your circumstances. An attorney will help you ensure that:
- Form I-824 is the proper form for what you hope to achieve.
- You are eligible to file Form I-824.
- You will not be wasting time, effort, or money by completing and filing Form I-824.
The U.S. immigration process involves many different forms with similar markings. Your attorney will make sure that you’re filing the right form, whether it is Form I-824 or another type of document.
What Can I Accomplish by Filing Form I-824?
Whenever you file an immigration-related form, you should have a clear goal in mind. We’ll help you realize what you aim to accomplish by filing Form I-824.
When Can I Expect a Response to My Form I-824?
Several factors can affect a response time to Form I-824. The precise nature of your circumstances, which office you file Form I-824 with, and other considerations may affect your expected response time. Our firm will consider all factors and explain when you can anticipate a response to your Form I-824.
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Call New Frontier Immigration Law for Help
Our firm handles a wide variety of immigration issues. Whether you have questions about Form I-824, want help filing Form I-824, or have immigration-related issues of any other kind, New Frontier Immigration Law can help. We will work to make your immigration dream a reality.
Call New Frontier Immigration Law today for a strategic session. Don’t wait, as immigration issues are often time-sensitive.
