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Overview (What is I-363 used for?)

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Form I-363, titled Request to Enforce Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody for Public Law 97-359 Amerasian, is used to enforce financial support guarantees made by a sponsor. This form allows beneficiaries to seek enforcement if they require support after admission to the United States. If the beneficiary is under 18 years old, a legal custodian may file this form on their behalf.

The form must be completed accurately and submitted to USCIS. It is important to provide all required information and supporting documents to avoid delays or denials. The filing fee details can be found on Form G-1055, which is available on the USCIS website.

Make sure to include a valid signature, as USCIS will not accept stamped or typewritten names. If the request is not signed or the signature is deemed invalid, it may be rejected. For additional assistance, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center for guidance on filing and any questions you may have.

What USCIS is really evaluating (I-363)

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USCIS evaluates the completeness of the application, the validity of the signatures, and the accuracy of the supporting documents. A common mismatch occurs when the signature is not valid, leading to potential denial of the request.

Context & workflow (How does I-363 fit into the case?)

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The form is usually filed alongside supporting evidence listed in the instructions. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.

Who uses it

Sponsors or household members providing financial support details.

When it is used

  • When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
  • When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.

Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-363?)

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  • Provide legible photocopies of all required documents.
  • Include a valid signature to avoid rejection.
  • Submit translations for any documents not in English.
  • Ensure that all contact information is accurate and complete.
  • Attach proof of legal custody if applicable.
  • Check for completeness before submission to avoid delays.

Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)

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Technical rejections

  • Missing signature on the form, which will lead to rejection.
  • Submitting the wrong edition of the form, which can cause processing delays.
  • Not including all required pages, which may result in a request for more information.

Substantive weaknesses

  • Inconsistencies in the information provided, which can lead to confusion during processing.
  • Thin evidence supporting the claims made in the form, which may not establish eligibility.
  • Failure to provide proof of legal custody when applicable, which is necessary for the request.

RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-363?)

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  • Missing required fields in the application, which can lead to rejection.
  • Invalid or missing signatures, as USCIS will not accept forms without valid signatures.
  • Incomplete supporting documentation, which may result in a request for additional evidence.
  • Failure to provide certified translations for documents in a foreign language.
  • Not including the filing fee, which is necessary for processing the request.

Eligibility signals

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  • Valid handwritten signature on the form.
  • Filing fee as specified on Form G-1055.
  • Legible photocopies of all supporting documents.
  • Full English translations for any foreign language documents.
  • Contact information for any interpreter used.
  • Contact information for the preparer if different from the applicant.
  • Proof of legal custody if the beneficiary is under 18.

Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-363?)

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  • General Instructions

    Follow the guidelines for completing the form and submitting required documents.

  • Address Change

    Notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days if you are not a U.S. citizen.

  • Processing Information

    Understand that incomplete forms may be rejected, and you may need to provide additional information.

  • USCIS Privacy Act Statement

    Be aware of how your information may be used and shared by USCIS.

  • For USCIS Use Only

    This section is reserved for USCIS processing and should not be filled out by the applicant.

  • Action Block

    This section is for internal USCIS use regarding the status of your request.

What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-363?)

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  • Part 1. Information About You (Beneficiary)
    • Middle Name
    • Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
    • Mailing Address
    • City or Town
    • ZIP Code
    • Street Number and Name
    • U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
    • USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
    • Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
    • Beneficiary's Relationship to Sponsor
    • In Care of
    • This applicant was interviewed by me
    • in person
    • by phone
    • On (Date)
    • At (Location)
    • What is the Purpose of Form I-363?
    • applicant may file Form I-363
    • How to Complete Form I-363
    • Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
    • Where To File?
    • Penalties
    • Received

What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-363?)

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  • Provide Legible photocopies of all required documents
  • Provide A valid handwritten signature
  • Provide Full English translations for any foreign language documents
  • Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
  • Provide Documents that support the information you enter
  • Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
  • Provide We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
  • Provide as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
  • Provide NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
  • Provide Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
  • Provide translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that

Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-363?)

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  • 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.
  • Evidence of sponsor income and household size.

Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-363?)

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  • Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to complete the form.
  • Review the declarations before signing.
  • Include a valid handwritten signature; no stamped or typewritten names.
  • Submit legible photocopies unless original documents are specifically requested.
  • Ensure all questions are answered fully and accurately.
  • Check that the form is signed by the applicant or legal guardian if applicable.
  • Verify that the filing fee is included as per Form G-1055.
  • Confirm that translations are certified and signed by the translator.
  • Download the current I-363 from the official form page.
  • Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
  • Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
  • Complete every required section and review for consistency.
  • Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit.

Fees (verify before filing)

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Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.

USCIS filing fees

Common mistakes (What errors delay I-363 petitions?)

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  • Not signing the form, leading to rejection.
  • Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a valid signature.
  • Failing to provide legible photocopies of documents.
  • Submitting original documents when not required.
  • Omitting required contact information for interpreters or preparers.
  • Not including translations for foreign language documents.

Examples (What does a strong I-363 submission look like?)

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  • Situation: An applicant is preparing I-363 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-363. 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-363 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-363?)

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  • A photocopy of a signature is not valid; it must be an original handwritten signature as specified in the instructions.
  • All documents must be submitted in English, including translations, as USCIS requires certified translations for any foreign language documents.
  • The filing fee must be included; otherwise, the request may be rejected, as indicated in Form G-1055.
  • If the form is not signed, it will be rejected, which is a common misunderstanding about the signature requirement.
  • You cannot submit original documents unless specifically requested; otherwise, they may be destroyed by USCIS.

How this guide is built (Where this I-363 guidance comes from)

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This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-363, ensuring you have the most current and accurate information. It is not legal advice but aims to assist you in the filing process.

FAQs

What is I-363 used for?

I-363 is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.

What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?

USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.

Do I need to submit original documents?

Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.

How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?

Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.

Do I need translations for non-English documents?

Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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