Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form DS-260 guide.
To request an extension of stay before your current authorized stay expires
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-566?)
#Overall, Form I-566 is an essential step for A, G, or NATO nonimmigrants and their dependents seeking to navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration benefits, ensuring they can work legally or adjust their status in the United States. For related guidance, see the U.S. Family Immigration Overview page.
First page of I-566 form
Source: I-566 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-566 varies by case type and current workload — typically check the official USCIS processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside I-566 (or between I-566 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiates the process for changing or adjusting status.
- May lead to receiving a Receipt Notice (a related form).
- Can result in attending a biometrics appointment if required.
- Part of the process for obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- I-566 is commonly filed alongside Form I-508.
Who uses it
This form is not intended for general public self-filing.
When it is used
- To request an extension of stay before your current authorized stay expires
- To request a change to a different eligible nonimmigrant status
- Requirements depend on the status you are requesting—review the official instructions for your category
- Refugee — A/G/NATO status form
- When filing I-566 alongside I-508 (Waiver of privileges if pursuing other immigration benefits)
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-566 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Not attending a required biometrics appointment.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide necessary evidence and supporting documents.
What it asks for (What does Form I-566 ask for?)
#- Full legal name, mailing address, and physical address.
- Current immigration status and details of last arrival into the United States.
- Details of your request for employment authorization or status change
- Information about the principal alien, if applicable
- Your biographical and identity details
- The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature
- Requestor’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature You must sign and date your request and, if applicable, provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address
- Adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the request.
- Documentation related to: Provide all required evidence and supporting documents as listed in the instructions
- Documentation related to: Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form I-566?)
#- Provide all required evidence and supporting documents as listed in the instructions.
- The current edition of I-566
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved I-508 (Waiver of privileges if pursuing other immigration benefits)
Sources for this section
Checklist (What is the Form I-566 checklist?)
#- To ensure you have the most recent version of Form I-566 and its accompanying instructions, please visit the official USCIS website.
- Review the official I-566 instructions before filing
- Collect all necessary supporting documents as outlined in the instructions.
- Complete all required sections of I-566
- Sign, date, and submit I-566 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-566. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeNot attending a required biometric services appointment. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-566 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Request for Waiver of Certain Rights,.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-566 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Refugee Admission.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-566 have?)
#Part 1. Information About You
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide required evidence and supporting documents.
- Not including a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies eligibility category.
Part 2. Information About Principal Alien
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Your biographical and identity details
- Your current immigration status and arrival history
- Information about your relationship to the principal alien
- Details of your request for employment authorization or status change
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- USCIS verifies identity documents.
Part 3. Type of Request Item Number
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide required evidence and supporting documents.
- Not including a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies this section.
Part 7. Additional Information
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide required evidence and supporting documents.
- Not including a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies this section.
Part 10. USCIS Information
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide required evidence and supporting documents.
- Not including a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies this section.
Key terms
#- Dependent Employment Authorization
- Permission for dependents of certain nonimmigrants to work in the U.S.In this form: Applies to eligible dependents of A, G, or NATO nonimmigrants.
Strategy tips
#Common mistakes (What mistakes are common with Form I-566?)
#- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Neglecting to include all necessary evidence and supporting documents.
- Failing to provide a complete English translation for any document written in a foreign language.
- Submitting original documents when they are not required can result in their destruction.
- Missing a scheduled biometric services appointment.
Sources for this section
Examples (What are examples for Form I-566?)
#- Complete all certifications: Ensure all required official certifications are properly signed and dated.
- Verify documentation: All supporting documents must be current and properly formatted.
- Cross-reference information: Information must be consistent across all sections and supporting documents.
- An applicant in the Refugee category files I-566 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-566?)
#- I-566 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for I-566 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- I-566 cannot always be filed in any way — the correct filing method depends on the applicant's category, and using the wrong channel can result in rejection.
- I-566 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Submitting the form without a valid signature.”
- A complete I-566 can still be denied on the merits — issues like “Failing to provide necessary evidence and supporting documents” are evaluated by the reviewer even when paperwork is clean.
- Submitting I-566 is the start of the process — applicants should expect follow-up steps such as “Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the form was received.”
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-566, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents
The case was approved within the standard timeline
Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-765: Form I-566 is specifically for A, G, or NATO nonimmigrants and their dependents, while Form I-765 is a general application for employment authorization.
- Unlike Form I-508: Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions: Filed together: Waiver of privileges if pursuing other immigration benefits (General application pathway)
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the form was received.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if notified by USCIS.
- Await card production and delivery by mail if applying for employment authorization.
- Receive notice of action regarding the status change or adjustment request.
- Proceed with any next stage forms if further action is required.
Verification
#This guide is based on official USCIS instructions for Form I-566 and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official USCIS website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form I-566.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form I-566.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form I-566.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.