Form I-821 Guide

USCIS evaluates several criteria for Form I-821, including the applicant's identity, eligibility based on nationality, and supporting evidence of presence in the U.S. A common mismatch occurs when applicants fail to provide sufficient documentation to support their claims, which can lead to delays or denials.

• Use identification documents to verify personal details
• Provide evidence of your presence in the U.S.
• Include any relevant immigration documents
• Gather supporting letters or affidavits if applicable
• Ensure all evidence is current and relevant
• Cross-check evidence against your application responses

• Incomplete personal information
• Missing supporting documents
• Inconsistent eligibility responses
• Failure to provide proof of presence in the U.S.
• Incorrect demographic information

• Complete personal details
• Accurate demographic information
• Eligibility responses
• Supporting evidence for claims
• Signatures where required
• Current edition of the form

• Personal Information

  Prepare to provide your full name, date of birth, and contact details. Make sure all information matches your identification documents.

• Demographic Information

  Fill out your demographic details accurately, including ethnicity and race. This information is important for statistical purposes.

• Eligibility Criteria

  Answer all questions regarding your eligibility for Temporary Protected Status. Be honest and thorough in your responses.

• Supporting Evidence

  Gather all necessary documents that support your application. This may include proof of identity and evidence of your presence in the U.S.

• Declarations

  Review and understand all declarations before signing. This section confirms the truthfulness of your application.

• Signature

  Make sure to sign the form where indicated. An unsigned form may be rejected.

• Female
• Other
• Not Hispanic or Latino
• White
• Asian
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• Present
• Unknown/Other
• I do not know the dates
• I Do Not Know

• 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.

• Leaving required fields blank
• Providing inconsistent information
• Failing to include supporting evidence
• Not signing the form
• Using outdated form editions
• Incorrectly filling out demographic sections

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-821 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-821. 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-821 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• All fields must be filled even if not applicable.
• You can submit the form without supporting evidence.
• Demographic information is optional and can be skipped.
• You do not need to provide proof of presence in the U.S.
• The filing fee can be waived without justification.

This guide is built from official USCIS instructions and the current edition of Form I-821. It provides non-legal advice to help applicants navigate the process effectively.

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