Overview (What is I-687 used for?)
#I-687 (Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act) is an official USCIS form used in a U.S. immigration or travel process.
It collects applicant details, eligibility answers, and required declarations.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-687)
#USCIS evaluates whether applicants are admissible under section 212(a) of the INA and if they have provided sufficient proof of identity. A common mismatch occurs when applicants fail to submit adequate documentation to establish their continuous residence.
Context & workflow (How does I-687 fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. 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-687?)
#- Submit clear proof of identity, such as a passport or driver's license.
- Provide letters from landlords that include their address and dates of residence.
- Use official stationery for letters from employers or organizations.
- Include affidavits with verifiable contact information.
- Document employment history with accurate dates and roles.
- Gather evidence of nonimmigrant status prior to January 1, 1982.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Check for missing signatures on the form, as this can lead to delays.
- Ensure you are using the current edition of the form to avoid rejection.
- Verify that all pages of the form are included, as incomplete submissions can be denied.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in the proof of residence; all documents should align with your claims.
- Make sure all documents support your claims of continuous residence.
- Provide sufficient evidence to establish eligibility, including proof of identity and residence.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-687?)
#- Missing proof of identity, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
- Incomplete letters from landlords or employers that do not include necessary details.
- Omitted Alien Registration Number if applicable, which can delay processing.
- Inconsistencies in the proof of residence that do not match the application details.
Eligibility signals
#- Must be admissible under section 212(a) of the INA.
- Proof of identity is required.
- Continuity of residence must be established.
- Letters from landlords must include specific details.
- Affidavits should include contact information for verification.
- Employment history must be documented accurately.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-687?)
#General Instructions
Read these instructions carefully to complete the form correctly. Use a separate sheet for additional answers, including your name and A-Number at the top.
Employment Authorization
List your work history, including employer names, dates, and roles. If seeking employment authorization, complete Form I-765.
Address Change
Provide updated address information if applicable. Ensure all addresses are complete and accurate.
Travel Authorization
Include any travel plans or authorizations relevant to your application.
DHS Privacy Notice
Understand how your information will be used and shared. This section outlines your privacy rights.
Middle Name
Include your middle name if applicable. This helps in accurately identifying your records.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-687?)
#- Full Name of Employer
- Occupation
- Annual Wage
- Hourly Wage
- Immigration Status
- Middle Name
- In Care Of
- Zip Code
- U.S. Social Security No
- Address Change
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
- Admissibility
- Documents
- How To Complete Form I-687
- Interview
- Where to File?
- Penalties
- C:\Documents and Settings\barobbs.IRMNET\Desktop\FFlow documents\I-687_v4.xft
- I-687_v4
- {CF3222A7-20FA-11D4-ABC1-00D0B71D6ABB}
- Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the INA
- 03/30/2015 Y
- Home
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-687?)
#- Proof of identity with your application
- Provide Documents to establish continuity of residence
- Provide Letters from landlords with their address and dates of residence
- Provide Official letters from employers or organizations on stationery
- Provide Affidavits or declarations from third parties with contact information
- Provide Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if applicable
- Completed Form I-765 if seeking employment authorization
- Provide A complete copy of the current form edition
- Valid identification documents that match the form biographic data
- Provide Supporting evidence for the eligibility category you select
- Provide Payment method or fee waiver evidence if applicable
- Provide Translations for any non-English documents
- Provide Copies of prior USCIS notices or receipts tied to the case
- Provide A clear mailing address and contact information that match your records
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-687?)
#- 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-687?)
#- Review the eligibility requirements outlined in the instructions.
- Gather proof of identity documents.
- Collect letters from landlords or employers as needed.
- Complete all sections of Form I-687 accurately.
- Use a separate sheet for additional information if necessary.
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Check for any missing signatures or required fields.
- Ensure all documents are current and relevant.
- Download the current I-687 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-687 petitions?)
#- Failing to provide proof of identity.
- Not including required letters from landlords or employers.
- Omitting the Alien Registration Number if applicable.
- Using unofficial stationery for letters.
- Not providing complete addresses for residence.
- Submitting incomplete or unclear affidavits.
Examples (What does a strong I-687 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-687 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-687. 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-687 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-687?)
#- All applicants must submit letters from landlords, regardless of their living situation. This is not true; other documents can also establish residence.
- Affidavits are not necessary if other documents are provided. In fact, affidavits can support your case if formal documentation is lacking.
- The Alien Registration Number is optional for all applicants. It is important to include this number if you have one, as it aids in processing your application.
- You must provide proof of residence for every year you lived in the U.S. While continuous residence is important, USCIS considers the overall evidence rather than requiring documentation for each individual year.
How this guide is built (Where this I-687 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-687, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information. It is designed to help you navigate the application process effectively.
FAQs
What documents are required to prove identity?
You must submit proof of identity with your application. Acceptable documents include a passport, driver's license, or any government-issued ID. These documents help establish your identity as part of the application process.
What if I cannot provide a landlord's letter?
If you cannot provide a landlord's letter, consider submitting other documents that can establish your residence, such as utility bills or bank statements. These alternatives can help demonstrate your continuous residence.
Is there a filing period for Form I-687?
Currently, there is no open filing period for submission of this application. USCIS may accept Form I-687 under certain circumstances, and they will provide applicants with an address when appropriate.
What happens if I miss my interview?
Failure to appear for a scheduled interview will result in your application being denied for abandonment. There is no option for appeal in this case, so it is important to attend your interview.
What types of documents can prove continuity of residence?
Documents that may be submitted to prove continuity of residence include utility bills, lease agreements, and letters from employers or organizations. Make sure these documents include relevant dates and details to support your claims.
Can I submit affidavits instead of formal documentation?
Yes, affidavits or declarations from third parties can be submitted, but they should include the affiant's name, address, and phone number. This helps verify the credibility of the affidavit or declaration.
What should I do if I have an Alien Registration Number?
If you have an Alien Registration Number, make sure to include it on Form I-687. This number is important for tracking your application and verifying your immigration history.
What are the penalties for submitting false information?
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-687, your application will be denied. You may also face severe penalties provided by law, including potential criminal prosecution.
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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