Overview (What is I-929 used for?)
#I-929 (Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant) is an official USCIS form used in a U.S. immigration or travel process.
It captures details about the petitioner, beneficiary, and the basis for the request.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-929)
#USCIS evaluates the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, the completeness of the submitted evidence, and whether the petitioner can demonstrate extreme hardship. A common mismatch occurs when the proof of relationship is insufficient or not properly documented.
Context & workflow (How does I-929 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
Petitioners filing on behalf of a beneficiary.
When it is used
- When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
- When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-929?)
#- Include a signed statement from your alien relative.
- Provide documentation that establishes the family relationship.
- Submit evidence demonstrating extreme hardship if applicable.
- Ensure all non-English documents are accompanied by certified translations.
- Gather supporting documentation that establishes mitigating factors for discretion.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Missing signatures on Form I-929.
- Submitting the wrong edition of the form.
- Not including all required pages.
Substantive weaknesses
- Inconsistencies in the information provided.
- Thin evidence for the claimed relationship.
- Failure to demonstrate extreme hardship when required.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-929?)
#- Incomplete or missing proof of relationship.
- Lack of evidence to establish discretion.
- Failure to provide a beneficiary photo.
Eligibility signals
#- Complete Form I-929 with accurate information.
- Include a filing fee or fee waiver.
- Provide proof of relationship to the beneficiary.
- Submit a photo of the beneficiary.
- Include translations for any non-English documents.
- Demonstrate extreme hardship if applicable.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-929?)
#General Instructions
Follow these instructions carefully to prepare your petition package.
What Is the Purpose of This Form?
This section explains the intent behind Form I-929 and the benefits it seeks to provide.
For Whom May You File?
Clarifies who is eligible for the petition and the necessary relationships.
What Initial Evidence Is Required to Support This Petition?
Lists the essential documents and evidence needed to support your petition.
Where Should You File This Form?
Details the mailing address for submitting your completed petition package.
Checklist
A checklist to ensure all required items are included before submission.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-929?)
#- Last Name (Family Name)
- First Name (Given Name)
- Middle Name
- Current Address
- Safe Mailing Address If Other Than Above
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Country of Birth
- Country of Citizenship/Nationality
- Biological Child
- Adopted Child
- Biological Parent
- Receipt Number
- Who May File?
- What Is the Purpose of This Form?
- For Whom May You File?
- What Initial Evidence Is Required to Support This Petition?
- What Documents Do You Need to Demonstrate a Family Relationship?
- Copies
- What Documents Do You Need to Demonstrate Your Status?
- What Documents Do You Need to Demonstrate Extreme Hardship?
- What Documents Do You Need to Establish That Discretion Should be Exercised?
- Where Should You File This Form?
- Penalties
- What If a Document Is Not Available?
- Did you provide the beneficiary's address where he or she is residing now?
- Checklist
- Did you sign and date Form I-929?
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-929?)
#- Proof of your lawful permanent resident status or pending Form I-485 based on U-1 nonimmigrant status
- Proof of relationship to the beneficiary
- Provide Beneficiary's photo
- Evidence to establish that discretion should be exercised
- Provide Translations of any non-English documents
- Evidence of extreme hardship if applicable
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide file a separate petition for each eligible relative
- Provide What Initial Evidence Is Required to Support This Petition?
- Provide What Documents Do You Need to Establish That Discretion Should be Exercised?
- Provide Where Should You File This Form?
- Provide Did you submit evidence to establish that discretion should be exercised?
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-929?)
#- 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-929?)
#- Review your checklist for completeness.
- Did you answer each question on the Form I-929 according to the instructions?
- Did you sign and date Form I-929?
- Did you submit proof of your lawful permanent resident status or pending Form I-485?
- Did you submit proof of relationship, including documents needing copies and/or translations?
- Did you submit the beneficiary's photo?
- Did you submit evidence to establish that discretion should be exercised?
- If applicable, did you submit proof of extreme hardship?
- If documents are not available, did you include a statement from the civil authority?
- Make sure to use black ink and print legibly.
- Download the current I-929 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in a compatible PDF viewer (PDFs often work best in Adobe Reader).
- If the form includes validation or barcode pages, complete the validation steps and include all barcode pages in your submission.
- 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-929 petitions?)
#- Not signing and dating Form I-929.
- Failing to provide translations for non-English documents.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect proof of relationship.
- Not including the filing fee or fee waiver.
- Omitting the beneficiary's photo.
- Not providing a complete address for the beneficiary.
Examples (What does a strong I-929 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-929 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-929. 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-929 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-929?)
#- You do not need to submit proof of relationship if you are a U.S. citizen.
- All documents must be in English; translations are necessary for any foreign documents.
- You must file a separate petition for each family member, even if they are siblings.
How this guide is built (Where this I-929 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-929, ensuring that the information is accurate and up-to-date. It provides practical advice for completing the form and gathering necessary evidence.
FAQs
What is I-929 used for?
I-929 is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.
What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?
USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.
How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?
Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.
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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