Form I-360 Guide

USCIS evaluates criteria such as the beneficiary's birth and parentage, the relationship to the petitioner, and the eligibility under special immigrant categories. A common mismatch occurs when the evidence of parentage does not clearly establish the U.S. citizenship of the biological father.

• Submit birth or baptismal records to establish the beneficiary's age and parentage.
• Include affidavits from knowledgeable witnesses if primary documents are unavailable.
• Provide financial support evidence if required by the specific category of filing.
• Ensure all documents are current and relevant to the petition.

• Missing required documents or evidence, such as marriage certificates or death certificates.
• Inconsistent information between the petition and supporting documents, like names or dates.
• Failure to provide translations for foreign language documents, which can lead to processing delays.
• Lack of evidence establishing the beneficiary's eligibility, such as proof of parentage or citizenship.
• Not submitting the required IRS determination letter for religious worker petitions.

• The petition must be filed with all required evidence and supporting documents.
• Evidence of the beneficiary's birth and parentage is crucial.
• A photograph of the beneficiary must be included.
• If applicable, include marriage and death certificates.
• The sponsor must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

• Special Immigrant Juvenile

  Prepare documentation showing the beneficiary's dependency on a juvenile court and evidence of age.

• Special Immigrant Religious Worker

  Gather evidence of employment by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization and proof of continuous membership.

• Special Immigrant Physician

  Collect letters from employers detailing the beneficiary's employment history and qualifications.

• Family Member

  Include evidence of the familial relationship and any necessary supporting documents.

• Armed Forces Member

  Provide evidence of service and any related documentation required for this classification.

• Public Service Information

  Document any relevant public service contributions or affiliations.

• Petitioner’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature (Individual)
• Beneficiary's Name
• Beneficiary's Date of Birth
• Beneficiary's Country of Birth
• Beneficiary's Current Address
• Petitioner's Relationship to Beneficiary
• Evidence of Beneficiary's Birth
• Evidence of Parentage
• Photograph of the Beneficiary
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Death Certificate of U.S. Citizen Spouse (if applicable)
• Evidence of Financial Support (if applicable)
• or Special Immigrant
• What Is the Purpose of Form I-360?
• 1. An Amerasian;
• A. Special Immigrant Juvenile;
• B. Religious Worker;
• Employee;
• D. Physician;
• F. U.S. Armed Forces Member;
• Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan;
• K. Broadcasters; or
• Who May File Form I-360?
• Amerasian
• affidavit explaining why it is not available;

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.

• Missing signatures on the petition.
• Submitting documents that are not legible.
• Not providing required translations for foreign language documents.
• Failing to include all necessary evidence with the petition.
• Using outdated versions of the form.
• Not following the specific instructions for each category of filing.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-360 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-360. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-360 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• Some believe that any document can be submitted without translation; however, all foreign documents must be translated to English.
• It is a misconception that a stamped signature is acceptable; only handwritten signatures are valid on the petition.
• Many think that filing without all required evidence is acceptable, but this can lead to delays or denials of the petition.
• Some applicants believe that they can file Form I-360 at any time without considering their eligibility; however, timely filing is important to maintain status.
• There is a common belief that a marriage certificate alone is sufficient proof of a spouse's citizenship; additional documents may be required.

This guide is built from official USCIS instructions and current editions of the form. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the filing process effectively.

• Browse all forms
• Find My Visa