If you’ve lost or misplaced your USCIS approval notice, don’t panic. You can still take steps to stay compliant with your immigration process by filing Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition. This important immigration form allows you to request “further action on a previously approved application or petition” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Keep in mind that Form I-824 is not for cases where an approval has been revoked or expired, nor should it be used to check the status of a pending application. Instead, it serves those who need duplicate approval notices, consular notifications, or corrections on previously approved cases.
If you’re unsure whether this form applies to your situation, you can schedule a consultation with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for personalized guidance on your immigration documents and case strategy.
What Is Form I-824?
Form I-824 is used to request follow-up action on a previously approved petition or application. Common reasons for filing include:
- Requesting a duplicate approval notice or other documentation;
- Notifying USCIS of a change of address;
- Asking USCIS to forward an approval notice to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad;
- Reporting an error or clerical mistake on an already approved application.
It is essential to read the form instructions carefully and follow all filing procedures precisely so that USCIS can process your request efficiently. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can ensure your Form I-824 submission is accurate and complete.
Form I-824 Filing Fee
The filing fee for Form I-824 is $590, payable by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. However, some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver, including:
- Afghan special immigrants with lawful permanent resident status;
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and their derivatives;
- Special Immigrant Juveniles;
- Individuals with T or U nonimmigrant status;
- Abused spouses or children filing under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA), or Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA);
- Applicants seeking cancellation of removal under INA §240A(b)(2).
To receive electronic confirmation once USCIS accepts your application, attach Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) to the first page of your submission.
Form I-824 Processing Time
Processing times vary, but generally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends allowing at least 90 days from the date of submission. In some cases, processing may take six months or longer.
To track your case, you can contact CBP at aro.inquiry.waiver@cbp.dhs.gov. For added convenience, completing Form G-1145 allows you to receive email or text notifications once USCIS accepts your application.
How to File Form I-824 with USCIS or CBP
If your approved application or petition (such as Form I-192 or I-212) has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, Form I-824 lets you request a replacement copy from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
USCIS Filing Addresses
- For USPS mail:
USCIS
Attn: NFB
P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281 - For FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB (Box 21281)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
Filing with CBP
If filing through CBP, submit Form I-824 at a designated land border port of entry, CBP preclearance office, or mail it to:
Admissibility Review Office
22685 Holiday Park Drive, Suite 10
Sterling, VA 20166-1234
Filing with Another USCIS Form
If Form I-824 accompanies another USCIS form, mail both together to the address listed in the filing instructions of the other form, not the I-824 address.
For example, if you’re filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) along with Form I-824 for a duplicate approval notice, both forms should be sent to the I-485 filing address.
When Not to File Form I-824
Do not file Form I-824 if your original application is still pending or has been denied. USCIS only processes this form for previously approved petitions. Additionally, it cannot be used to check case status updates — for that, you should use USCIS’s online case tracking tools
Reasons to File Form I-824
Here are the most common scenarios where Form I-824 is appropriate:
- To obtain a duplicate approval notice;
- To have USCIS notify a new consulate or embassy (different from the one originally requested);
- To request that USCIS notify the National Visa Center (NVC) about your adjustment of status to permanent residency, allowing your spouse or children to follow to join;
- To direct USCIS to send your approved immigrant visa petition to the NVC or notify the Department of State that you have naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
If you need guidance on preparing or filing Form I-824, contact the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for trusted, results-driven assistance.
Get Professional Help with Form I-824
Filing immigration forms correctly is essential to avoid delays or denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience assisting clients with Form I-824 applications, family-based petitions, and other immigration matters. Whether you’re requesting a duplicate approval, consular notification, or correction, our team ensures every detail is handled with precision.
Schedule a consultation today to get started on your Form I-824 and secure your immigration benefits with confidence.
When You Should Not File Form I-824
Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is designed for very specific immigration purposes. It is not the correct form to use if you are asking U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to take action on a petition or application that has been denied, withdrawn, or revoked. Using Form I-824 incorrectly can lead to wasted time, added costs, and unnecessary processing delays.
Do not file Form I-824 in the following cases:
- When requesting a correction of an error made on a previously approved application or petition.
- When seeking follow-to-join benefits for your spouse or children, and your situation involves one of the following:
- You were granted refugee or asylee status in the United States.
- You received an immigrant visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (via consular processing) and entered the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- You were approved for lawful permanent residency under a T or U visa.
- When requesting a copy of your approved Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) or Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
- When requesting a duplicate approval notice for an approved visa petition that already lists your dependents.
- When asking USCIS to forward information to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) regarding an expired nonimmigrant petition or an employment-based petition tied to an employer with whom you are no longer employed.
- When asking USCIS to notify the DOS of approvals for orphan or adoption-related applications (Forms I-600A, I-600, or I-800A).
- When seeking additional action on an application approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or when requesting replacement documents such as:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): File Form I-765 instead.
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): File Form I-102.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): File Form I-90.
- Advance Parole/Travel Document (Form I-512 or I-512L): File Form I-131.
All required immigration forms can be accessed directly through the official USCIS website.
If you need a correction for a CBP-issued approval notice or wish to obtain a duplicate of a revoked or expired notice, do not file Form I-824. Instead, visit the CBP website for detailed instructions on how to request corrections or replacements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form I-824
Form I-824 contains seven sections. To prevent costly errors or rejections, it’s highly recommended to work with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link who can guide you through the process accurately and efficiently.
Section 1 – Applicant Information
Leave the “For USCIS Use Only” area blank. If an attorney or accredited representative assists you, they will complete the designated section under this heading.
In black ink or type, provide your:
- Full name
- Company or organization (if applicable)
- Immigration status
- Certificate of citizenship or naturalization number (if applicable)
- Date and country of birth
- IRS tax number, Social Security number, and USCIS online account number (if applicable)
- Mailing address and physical address (if different)
Section 2 – Reason for Filing Form I-824
Select your reason for filing, which may include:
- Requesting a duplicate approval notice
- Asking USCIS to notify a different U.S. Consulate than originally listed
- Requesting USCIS to inform the National Visa Center (NVC) of your adjustment of status so your family can join you
- Asking USCIS to send your approved visa petition to the NVC
- Notifying the Department of State that you have become a U.S. citizen through naturalization
Section 3 – Information About the Original Petition or Beneficiary
If you are not the principal beneficiary of the previously approved petition, include:
- Form number and receipt number of the approved petition (from Form I-797)
- Filing and approval dates
- Beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, and country of birth
- Alien registration number, phone number, and mailing address
If you are requesting USCIS to notify a U.S. Consulate through the NVC that your dependents will accompany or follow you, list each dependent’s:
- Full name
- Date and country of birth
- Citizenship or nationality
- Relationship to the principal applicant
- Contact information
You may include up to four dependents, and if you need more space, use Part 7 – Additional Information.
Section 4 – Applicant’s Statement and Signature
Before signing, review the Penalties section carefully. Confirm that you can read and understand English, or note the interpreter’s assistance in Part 5. Include your phone number, email, and signature to certify the form’s accuracy.
Section 5 – Interpreter’s Information
If an interpreter assisted you, provide their name, address, and contact details. The interpreter must also certify—under penalty of perjury—that they are fluent in both English and your language, and sign accordingly.
Section 6 – Preparer’s Information
If someone other than you completed the form (such as a preparer or representative), include their full name, mailing address, and contact details. The preparer must certify that they completed the form at your request and sign under penalty of perjury.
Section 7 – Additional Information
Use this section if you need extra space to provide further explanations or add dependents.
Completing the Form I-824 Process
Form I-824 can be a critical part of your immigration process, especially when requesting USCIS to notify a U.S. Consulate, issue a duplicate approval notice, or process follow-to-join benefits. Understanding the required documentation, filing fees, and submission steps is essential to avoid delays or denials.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility or how to file correctly, it is highly advisable to consult with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link. Their experience and attention to detail can ensure that your application is accurate, compliant, and processed as smoothly as possible. Taking expert guidance now can help you avoid complications and move forward confidently with your immigration journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-824: Application for Action on an Approved Petition
What Happens After Form I-824 Is Approved?
Once your Form I-824 is approved, the next steps depend on what you requested from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If you are applying for follow-to-join benefits for your spouse or children, USCIS will notify the U.S. Consulate abroad that you are now a lawful permanent resident. This allows your family members to apply for immigrant visas and join you in the United States.
Form I-824 can be used to request several specific actions, including:
- Issuing a duplicate approval notice.
- Asking USCIS to notify a new U.S. Consulate (different from the one originally requested) through the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) or Kentucky Consular Center.
- Requesting that USCIS inform a U.S. Consulate—through the NVC—about your adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, so that your spouse or children may accompany or follow to join you.
- Instructing USCIS to send your approved immigrant visa petition to the NVC or notify the Department of State that you have become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
How Long Does It Take to Get Form I-824 Approved?
Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload and your case details. Generally, approval may take anywhere from 90 days to six months or longer. You can check your case status or inquire directly with CBP by emailing aro.inquiry.waiver@cbp.dhs.gov.
How Much Does Form I-824 Cost?
As of the latest update, the filing fee for Form I-824 is $590. Be sure to review whether you qualify for any fee exemptions before filing.
What Is the Follow-to-Join Process?
The follow-to-join process allows eligible family members of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to immigrate to the United States and reunite with their loved ones without filing a separate immigrant petition. Instead, they may use Form I-824 to initiate the process.
Who Is Eligible for Follow-to-Join Benefits?
Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible for follow-to-join immigration benefits. However, certain conditions must be met:
- The marriage must have taken place before the principal applicant was admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
- The children must have been born before the principal applicant’s admission.
- Children who are married or 21 years or older do not qualify for follow-to-join benefits.
Additionally, the principal applicant must have received an immigrant visa or adjusted status under one of the following categories:
- Employment-based preference
- Family-preference category
- Religious worker category
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitioner
- Diversity Visa program recipient
When filing Form I-824 for follow-to-join, include a copy of your marriage certificate and birth certificates for all children or dependents.
How Much Is the Fee for Green Card Renewal?
The filing fee for Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) varies depending on how you file:
- $415 for online filing
- $465 for paper filing
How Long Does the Follow-to-Join Process Take?
The total processing time for a follow-to-join case can range from six months to one year or longer. Once USCIS approves your Form I-824, you will receive an approval notice (Form I-797).
USCIS will then send your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will contact you by mail within several weeks—typically up to six weeks—with instructions for the next steps.
After receiving the NVC letter, your spouse or children must complete Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) and submit supporting documentation. Finally, they will schedule their visa interview at the designated U.S. Consulate.
Should I Hire an Attorney to File Form I-824?
It is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link before filing any USCIS form. Incorrectly completing or submitting the wrong form can cause delays, additional fees, or case denials.
If your situation falls under a category listed in “Situations Where You Should Not File Form I-824,” it is especially important to seek professional legal guidance from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to ensure your application is handled correctly.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys have assisted countless clients in securing green cards for themselves and their loved ones. We guide you through every step—from determining eligibility to filing all required forms and compiling supporting evidence.
To begin your process or to receive personalized legal advice, you can schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today.