Overview (What is I-905 used for?)
#The I-905, Application for Authorization to Issue Certification for Health Care Workers, is a USCIS form that allows organizations to apply for the authority to issue certificates to health care workers. Organizations must demonstrate their eligibility under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The application requires detailed information about the organization, including its resources, evaluation mechanisms, and responsibilities to applicants. After submission, USCIS reviews the application for completeness and forwards it to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for an opinion.
If approved, the authorization lasts for five years, after which reauthorization is necessary. Organizations must maintain compliance with established standards and provide evidence of certificate holders' performance.
For more details, refer to the official instructions available in the PDF linked below.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-905)
#USCIS evaluates criteria such as the organization's resources, candidate evaluation mechanisms, and compliance with certification standards. A common evidence mismatch occurs when organizations fail to provide a clear statement on how they meet these standards.
Context & workflow (How does I-905 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-905?)
#- Provide a detailed statement on how the organization meets certification standards.
- Include evidence of the organization's resources and evaluation mechanisms.
- Document the process for issuing certificates and verifying their validity.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure all required signatures are included, as missing signatures can lead to application denial.
- Use the correct edition of the form, as outdated forms may not be accepted.
- Submit all required documents in the specified format, including original signatures and exact photocopies.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies between the application and supporting documents, as discrepancies can trigger RFEs.
- Provide comprehensive evidence to support eligibility claims, including detailed statements on how standards are met.
- Maintain accurate records of certificate holders' performance to comply with ongoing review requirements.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-905?)
#- Incomplete applications lacking required signatures, which can delay processing.
- Insufficient evidence of the organization's ability to meet certification standards, leading to requests for additional documentation.
- Failure to provide a statement addressing how the organization meets the standards outlined in the instructions.
- Missing original signatures from the applicant or preparer, which is a requirement for the application to be valid.
Eligibility signals
#- Submission of a statement on how the organization meets certification standards.
- Details on the organization's resources and evaluation mechanisms.
- Original signatures where required.
- Compliance with the standards set by USCIS and HHS.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-905?)
#General Instructions
This section outlines the overall requirements and process for completing the form.
Privacy Act Notice
This section explains how your information will be used and protected.
Address Change
If your address changes, you must update this information promptly.
Processing Information
Details on how USCIS will process your application and what to expect.
DHS/USCIS
Information regarding the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS's role.
Where to File?
Instructions on where to send your completed application.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-905?)
#- Form I-905 Instructions 04/01/24
- What Is the Purpose of This Application?
- Who May File This Form?
- 1. Which Occupations Require Certification?
- How Will USCIS Process This Application?
- What Are the Standards to Obtain Authorization to Issue Certificates?
- Resources of the Organization
- Candidate Evaluation and Testing Mechanisms
- Responsibilities to Applicants Applying for an Initial Certificate or Renewal
- Criteria for Awarding and Governing Certificate Holders
- Ability to Conduct Examinations Fairly and Impartially
- Criteria for Maintaining Accreditation
- Maintenance of Comprehensive and Current Information
- What Is Our Authority for Collecting This Information?
- Are There Any Limitations If This Application Is Approved?
- Contact Information, Certification, and Signature of Interpreter
- Penalties
- Where to File?
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-905?)
#- Provide A statement addressing how your organization meets the standards provided in the instructions
- Provide Details about the organization's resources and candidate evaluation mechanisms
- Provide Information on the occupations for which you seek authorization
- Provide The original signature of the person completing the form, if different from the applicant
- Provide If applicable, a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative
- 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-905?)
#- 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-905?)
#- Review the declarations before signing.
- Include the original signature of the applicant.
- Ensure all required fields are completed.
- Submit photocopies of unaltered original documents.
- Provide contact information for the interpreter if one was used.
- Download the current I-905 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-905 petitions?)
#- Missing original signatures where required.
- Inconsistent information between the application and supporting documents.
- Failure to submit Form G-28 if represented by an attorney.
- Not addressing how the organization meets the certification standards.
- Omitting required contact information.
Examples (What does a strong I-905 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-905 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-905. 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-905 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-905?)
#- All signatures must be original; photocopies are not acceptable, as USCIS requires original signatures for processing.
- The organization must demonstrate its ability to conduct examinations fairly and impartially, which is a key requirement for certification.
- Failure to maintain records on certificate holders' performance can lead to termination of authorization, as USCIS reviews these records periodically.
- Submitting incomplete applications lacking required signatures will likely result in delays or denials, as USCIS checks for completeness before processing.
- Organizations may think they can submit any documents; however, they must provide exact photocopies of unaltered original documents as specified.
How this guide is built (Where this I-905 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-905, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information. It is designed to help you navigate the application process effectively.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Form I-905?
Form I-905 is used by organizations to apply for authorization to issue certificates to health care workers. It ensures that the organization meets specific standards set by USCIS and HHS.
How long is the authorization valid?
If approved, the authorization is valid for five years. Organizations must apply for reauthorization before the expiration of this period to continue issuing certificates.
What happens if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, USCIS will provide information on how to appeal the decision. It is important to address any issues identified in the denial to improve the chances of a successful appeal.
What must be included in the application?
The application must include a statement addressing how the organization meets the standards provided in the instructions. Additionally, all required signatures must be original, and any supporting documents must be exact photocopies of unaltered originals.
What are the consequences of submitting false information?
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with this form, USCIS will deny the application. You may also face severe penalties and could be subject to criminal prosecution.
How does USCIS process the application?
After the application is filed, USCIS will review it for completeness. If complete, it will be forwarded to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for an opinion before USCIS makes a final decision.
What is required for reauthorization?
To apply for reauthorization, organizations must submit a new application before the current authorization expires. They must also provide updated evidence demonstrating continued compliance with the standards.
What should I do if I change my address?
If you change your address after submitting Form I-905, you must notify USCIS of your new address. This can help avoid delays in receiving important correspondence regarding your application.
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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