Form I-865 Guide

USCIS evaluates the completeness of the submitted Form I-865, ensuring that all required fields are filled accurately. Common mismatches include missing signatures and incorrect address details. It is crucial to provide accurate information to avoid delays or rejections.

• Keep a copy of the completed Form I-865 for your records.
• Retain proof of submission, such as certified mail receipts.
• Include any required supporting documents as specified in the instructions.
• Ensure translations are certified and complete if submitting foreign documents.
• Document the effective date of your address change accurately.

• Incomplete address information.
• Missing signatures or certifications.
• Failure to submit required supporting documents.
• Omitting the effective date of the address change.
• Providing a PO Box instead of a physical address.

• Submit Form I-865 within 30 days of your address change.
• Provide your full name and date of birth.
• Include your new physical and mailing addresses.
• Sign the form; no stamped signatures allowed.
• Provide information for each sponsored immigrant.

• General Instructions

  This section provides guidance on how to fill out the form and the importance of using the latest version of Adobe Reader.

• Specific Instructions

  Details on how to complete each part of the form, including what information is required.

• Processing Information

  Information on what happens after you submit the form and how USCIS processes it.

• Your New Physical Address

  Provide your new physical address without using a PO Box.

• Your Full Name

  Include your full name as it appears on official documents.

• Sponsor's Certification

  You must certify that the information provided is true and complete.

• Your Full Name
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Your New Physical Address
• Effective Date of Change of Address (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Your New Mailing Address
• Is your new physical address the same as your new mailing address?
• Information on the Sponsored Immigrants
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
• Sponsor's Certification
• Sponsor's Signature
• Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
• What Is The Purpose of Form I-865?
• When Should I Use Form I-865?
• 1. Becomes a U.S. citizen;
• 2. Receives credit for 40 quarters of work;
• have abandoned that status;
• your Form I-864; or
• How To Fill Out Form I-865
• Where To File?

• 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.

• Failing to sign the form properly.
• Not providing a complete new physical address.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Omitting the effective date of the address change.
• Not indicating if the new physical address is the same as the mailing address.
• Using a PO Box instead of a physical address.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-865 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-865. 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-865 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• You can use a PO Box for your new address; you must provide a physical address.
• A typewritten name is acceptable as a signature; it must be a handwritten signature.
• You do not need to submit a separate form for each sponsored immigrant; each sponsor must submit their own form.
• You can submit the form at any time; it must be submitted within 30 days of your address change.
• If you forget to include your phone number, it won't matter; providing contact information is important for USCIS.

This guide is built from the official instructions and current editions of Form I-865. It provides non-legal advice based on the latest available information from USCIS.

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