Form I-945 Guide — United States | VisaMind

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Overview (What is I-945 used for?)

Form I-945, known as the Public Charge Bond, is a document required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for certain aliens deemed inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This form serves as security for the financial obligations of a bonded alien to the U.S. government. It is crucial to fill out this form accurately to avoid delays or rejections in the application process.

When completing Form I-945, applicants must provide detailed information about the obligor and the alien for whom the bond is being posted. This includes personal details such as the alien's date of birth, mailing address, and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if applicable. The form must be signed by the obligor or agent/co-obligor, as a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable.

There is no filing fee associated with Form I-945, and applicants must include a copy of the communication from USCIS that instructs them to file this form. Failure to include this document will result in rejection of the application.

For further details, you can access the complete instructions and form at the USCIS website: [Form I-945 PDF](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-945.pdf).

What USCIS is really evaluating (I-945)

USCIS evaluates the completeness of Form I-945, including the obligor's signature and the inclusion of the USCIS communication. A common mismatch occurs when the form is submitted without the required signature, leading to potential rejection.

Context & workflow (How does I-945 fit into the case?)

Use the official form page to confirm the edition date, required evidence, and filing method. 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-945?)

Include the USCIS communication that prompted the filing of Form I-945.
Provide accurate biographical information for the alien.
Ensure the obligor's signature is present to validate the form.
Use the correct format for dates and addresses as specified in the instructions.

Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)

Technical rejections

Missing signature on the form.
Using an outdated version of Form I-945.
Not including all required pages.

Substantive weaknesses

Inconsistencies in the information provided.
Failure to provide supporting documents as required.
Not including the USCIS communication that instructs you to file Form I-945.

RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-945?)

Incomplete form submissions.
Missing required signatures.
Failure to include the USCIS communication.
Incorrect or missing A-Number.
Omitting the Form G-28 when applicable.

Eligibility signals

Complete Form I-945 with accurate information.
Include a copy of the USCIS communication.
Sign the form as the obligor or agent/co-obligor.
Provide the alien's date of birth in the specified format.
Include the alien's A-Number if available.
Provide the mailing and physical addresses.
Ensure no fields are left blank.

Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-945?)

General Instructions
Read these instructions carefully to understand how to fill out the form correctly.
Processing Information
This section outlines how USCIS will handle your application and what to expect.
DHS Privacy Notice
Understand how your information will be used and protected by DHS.
Bonded Alien
Provide detailed information about the alien for whom the bond is being posted.
Alien Registration Number
If applicable, include the alien's A-Number to help identify their immigration records.
Part 5. Additional Information
Use this section for any extra information needed that does not fit in the main sections.

What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-945?)

Name of Obligor
Name of the Agent/Co-Obligor
Obligor's Daytime Telephone Number
Obligor's Email Address (if any)
Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
USCIS Online Account Number
Form I-485 Receipt Number
Mailing Address of Obligor
Physical Address of Obligor
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Place of Birth
Country of Citizenship or Nationality
Alien’s Daytime Telephone Number
Information About the Alien’s Attorney or Accredited Representative
What Is the Purpose of Form I-945?
How to Fill Out Form I-945
What Is the Filing Fee?
Where to File?
Penalties
USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring

What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-945?)

Provide Obligor's signature on the form
Provide Alien's date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format
Provide Mailing address where you want to receive correspondence
Provide Physical address of the alien if different from mailing address
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 2. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If you do not completely fill out this application or fail to submit required
Provide by an attorney or accredited representative, the alien’s attorney or accredited representative must submit a new Form
Provide What Evidence Must You Submit with Form I-945?
Provide information we obtain to assess compliance with the laws and to determine whether the bond should be cancelled
Provide checks, your deposit must equal the face amount of the bond and your TIN is necessary to pay interest through the U.S

Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-945?)

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-945?)

Review the instructions for Form I-945 carefully.
Type or print legibly in black ink.
Answer all questions fully and accurately.
Include the required communication from USCIS.
Ensure the form is signed by the obligor or agent/co-obligor.
Check that all required fields are completed.
Make copies of any additional information provided in Part 5.
Confirm that the form is the latest version available.
Download the current I-945 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 fees

Common mistakes (What errors delay I-945 petitions?)

Not signing the form, which will lead to rejection.
Failing to include the required USCIS communication.
Leaving fields blank or providing incomplete information.
Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a signature.
Not providing the alien's date of birth in the correct format.
Submitting the form without the necessary supporting documents.

Examples (What does a strong I-945 submission look like?)

Situation: An applicant is preparing I-945 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-945. 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-945 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-945?)

The form can be submitted without a signature, which is incorrect.
The A-Number is optional, but it is important for identification.
The USCIS communication is not necessary, but it is required for acceptance.
You can file Form I-945 without including the required documents, which is not allowed.
There is a filing fee associated with Form I-945, but there is none.

How this guide is built (Where this I-945 guidance comes from)

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-945, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information. It is designed to help you navigate the filing process effectively, providing non-legal advice to assist you in your application.

Resources

FAQs

What is I-945 used for?

I-945 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.

Important

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.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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