Overview (What is I-407 used for?)
#Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, is a USCIS form that allows individuals to formally abandon their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. This form is intended for lawful permanent residents who are outside the United States or at a port of entry and wish to record their abandonment of LPR status. It also serves to inform individuals of their right to a hearing before an immigration judge, which they waive by signing the form.
The form collects important details such as identity, eligibility, and declarations necessary for processing. It is crucial to provide accurate information and supporting documents to avoid delays or issues with your application. The form must be signed and submitted in its entirety, including all pages.
For more detailed instructions, you can access the full form and guidelines through the provided PDF link. Make sure to follow the specific instructions outlined in the form to ensure a smooth filing process.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-407)
#USCIS evaluates the completeness of the form, the accuracy of personal information, and the inclusion of required documents. A common mismatch occurs when the Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is incorrectly formatted or omitted, leading to processing delays.
Context & workflow (How does I-407 fit into the case?)
#Use the official form page to confirm the edition date, required evidence, and filing method. 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
Applicants or petitioners who are required to submit this form for their case.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-407?)
#- Provide a copy of your Permanent Resident Card.
- Include a birth certificate if filing for a minor.
- Attach any reentry permits or refugee travel documents.
- Ensure all documents are current and accurately reflect your identity.
- Submit evidence of guardianship if applicable.
- Include any correspondence related to your LPR status.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is the correct edition, as specified in the instructions.
- Check that all required signatures are present before submission.
- Submit all pages of the form to avoid processing delays.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in personal information, such as names and dates.
- Provide sufficient evidence to support claims, especially for minors.
- Ensure that all required documents are included, such as Permanent Resident Cards.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-407?)
#- Missing required fields such as A-Number or mailing address.
- Incomplete documentation for minors, such as lack of evidence of parental relationship.
- Failure to sign the form, which is necessary for acceptance.
- Submitting the form without all required documents, like Permanent Resident Cards.
- Inconsistencies in personal information that do not match existing records.
Eligibility signals
#- Complete Form I-407 in black ink.
- Provide your A-Number and USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable).
- Include your current legal name and date of birth.
- List your country of birth and citizenship.
- Enter your mailing address outside the U.S.
- Submit all relevant documents.
- Sign the form before submission.
- Include evidence of parental relationship if filing for a minor.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-407?)
#Lawful Permanent Resident Status
Prepare to provide details about your current status and the abandonment process.
General Instructions
Review the filing fee and general guidelines for completing the form.
Specific Instructions
Follow detailed instructions for each part of the form to ensure accuracy.
DHS Privacy Notice
Understand how your information will be used and shared.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Be aware of the estimated time for completing the form and submitting it.
Other Information
Gather any additional information that may be relevant to your application.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-407?)
#- Part 4. For Government Use Only
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
- Your Name Exactly As It Appears On Your Permanent Resident Card
- Your Current Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Country of Citizenship or Nationality
- Date of Last Departure from the United States
- Mailing Address Outside of the United States
- Email Address (if any)
- Documents Returned and Location of Submission
- Certification
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-407?
- Who May File Form I-407?
- How to Complete Form I-407
- 3. To present evidence in your favor;
- permanent resident status; and
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-407?)
#- Provide Your current legal name as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card
- Provide Date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format
- Provide Country of birth and citizenship
- Provide Mailing address outside the United States
- Provide All Permanent Resident Cards, reentry permits, and/or refugee travel documents in your possession
- Evidence to establish parental relationship if filing for a minor
- Provide Signature of the applicant or legal guardian
- 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 I-407 on behalf of a minor child, the parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian must submit evidence to establish the parental
- Provide 4. Your form must be properly completed, signed, and submitted. You must include all pages when you submit Form
- Provide country of citizenship or nationality. The name of the country should be its current official name
- Provide Item Numbers 19. - 20. Certification. You must sign Form I-407 before DHS or DOS accepts it
- Provide you, such as a birth certificate or a custodial parental agreement. Your legal guardian must submit letters of guardianship
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-407?)
#- 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.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-407?)
#- Review the declarations before signing the form.
- Type or print legibly in black ink.
- Answer all questions fully and accurately.
- Include your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on each page.
- Submit all pages of Form I-407.
- Select the corresponding boxes for all documents surrendered.
- Provide an email address to avoid processing delays.
- Ensure the form is signed before submission.
- If applicable, include evidence of guardianship for minors.
- Check for completeness before filing.
- Download the current I-407 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in a compatible PDF viewer (PDFs often work best in Adobe Reader).
- 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)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-407 petitions?)
#- Not signing the form before submission.
- Failing to include all pages of the form.
- Providing an incomplete mailing address.
- Not selecting the correct boxes for documents surrendered.
- Using incorrect formatting for dates.
- Omitting required evidence for minors.
Examples (What does a strong I-407 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-407 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-407. 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-407 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-407?)
#- The form does not require a signature if filed for a minor; however, a parent or guardian must sign it.
- You can submit the form without providing an email address, but this may delay processing.
- All documents must be originals; copies are acceptable if originals are not available.
- Filing Form I-407 does not require evidence of parental relationship for minors, but it is necessary.
- You can file Form I-407 without including your A-Number, but this may lead to processing issues.
How this guide is built (Where this I-407 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the latest official instructions for Form I-407. It provides practical advice to help you navigate the filing process effectively. Always refer to the most current edition of the form and its instructions.
FAQs
What is I-407 used for?
I-407 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.
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.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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