Form I-824: How To Request Follow-Up On Approved Petitions

Have you received approval for an application or petition but lost the notice or need to inform a U.S. Embassy about the decision?

Form I-824 is just right for these situations.

We will show you how to request follow-up actions and share details on the cost and processing time for this application.

Plus, discover how the knowledgeable team at Spar & Bernstein can help you with Form I-824 and the entire immigration process.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

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Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is Form I-824?

Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is used to request action on an approved application or petition.

Form I-824 is not used for appeals or motions — it is used on applications or petitions that have already been approved.

Depending on your case, you can file Form I-824 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

When Can You Use Form I-824?

You can use Form I-824 to:

• Request CBP information, if you were approved to enter the U.S. but lost or damaged the original document — for example, copies of:
  – Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
  – Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
  – Form I-185, Canadian border crossing card. This document is no longer issued but you can get a duplicate of a previously issued indefinite waiver if it hasn’t been revoked or voided.
• Notify a U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Inform a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you were approved to enter the U.S. or became a permanent resident, so your dependents can apply for their immigrant visas.
• Notify the National Visa Center (NVC): Inform the NVC of USCIS decisions that affect your immigration status.
• Notify the State Department: Ask USCIS to inform the State Department that you obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
• Request a duplicate notice: Get a replacement for a lost, damaged, or stolen Form I-797, Notice of Action.

Form I-824: The Process

Here are the step-by-step instructions for filing Form I-824.

1. Download The Latest Version & Filing Instructions

Visit the official USCIS website and download the most recent version of Form I-824 — you will see the form’s validity in the top-right corner.

2. Review Instructions

Read Form I-824 instructions to understand the process, required documents, and submission guidelines. Review the information about your request type so you do not miss anything important.

3. Complete Form I-824

• Fill out Form I-824 using black ink.
• Sign and date the form — unsigned forms may be rejected.

USCIS requires a signature and will not accept a stamped or typed name.

4. Collect Supporting Documents

Supporting documents include:

• A copy of the original approval notice (Form I-797)
• Proof of identity — passport or driver’s license
• Additional documents as specified in the instructions, depending on your request

5. Pay The Fee

Pay the correct fee via:

• Credit card — if you choose this method, use Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
• Money order
• Check

Ensure you verify the payment details to avoid delays.

6. File Form I-824

Assemble your completed form, fee, and supporting documents.

Depending on your request type and original application or petition, you can file Form I-824 with USCIS or CBP.

• For filing with USCIS, mail Form I-824 to:
  USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
  U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
  USCIS
  Attn: NFB
  P.O. Box 21281
  Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281
  FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
  USCIS
  Attn: NFB (Box 21281)
  2108 E. Elliot Rd.
  Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

• For filing with CBP, mail Form I-824 to:
  CBP Admissibility Review Office
  22685 Holiday Park Drive, Suite 10
  Sterling, VA 20598-1234

7. Wait For Your Receipt Notice

Upon receiving Form I-824, USCIS will send you Form I-797 with a number to check your case status online.

8. Receive A Decision

USCIS will review your application and may ask you for more information. They might also request you come in for an interview and biometrics to verify your identity and perform security checks.

If your Form I-824 is approved, USCIS will send you a decision or a duplicate approval notice.

This process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Call The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, we will review your case and help with Form I-824.

Form I-824: Cost

You must pay $590 to file Form I-824.

In some cases, Form I-824 is free — for example, if you are:

• A special immigrant visa applicant or recipient, such as an Afghan or Iraqi translator/interpreter, an Iraqi national employed by the U.S. Government, an Afghan national employed by the U.S. Government or ISAF. The no-fee filing refers to your derivative beneficiaries as well.
• A Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner
• A special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) applicant or recipient
• A T visa nonimmigrant applicant or recipient
• U visa nonimmigrant applicant or recipient

Form I-824: Processing Time

It may take between 4 and 16 months for USCIS to process your I-824, depending on the service center working on your case and your request type.

Form I-824: Things To Remember

When filing Form I-824, remember these important points to avoid delays or mistakes.

• Use the latest version of Form I-824
• Fill out all sections clearly, accurately and legibly, then sign and date the form
• Pay the correct fee
• Use the correct mailing address
• Respond to requests for additional information by the deadline to avoid delays
• Consider legal assistance from a trusted immigration attorney

Need Help With Form I-824? Schedule A Consultation

With 60+ years of experience in immigration forms, including Form I-824, our compassionate team will:

• Determine if filing Form I-824 is the right option for your situation
• Ensure the form is completed and filed with the correct service center or agency
• Help collect documents supporting your Form I-824
• Update you on the progress of your case
• Help respond to requests for additional documents or information
• Provide professional advice in line with your immigration goals
• Act as your representative to address concerns

Form I-824: FAQs

We are here to make things easier. Discover answers to common questions about Form I-824.

Can someone else file Form I-824 on my behalf?

Yes, Form I-824 can be filed on your behalf by an authorized representative or attorney along with a completed Form G-28.

Can Form I-824 processing be expedited?

USCIS may expedite Form I-824 in urgent situations, but you need to show evidence of the reasons for your request.

What if I made a mistake on my Form I-824?

If you have made a mistake, contact USCIS immediately by phone or by submitting a written request.

Can I use Form I-824 to appeal a denial?

No, Form I-824 cannot be used for appeals or to contest a denied petition or application. It is used for requests related to an approved petition or application.

Can I file Form I-824 if my original application is pending?

No, you cannot file Form I-824 for pending applications or petitions.

Can I request a refund if my Form I-824 is denied?

No, USCIS does not refund filing fees, even if Form I-824 is denied.

Can I request premium processing for Form I-824?

No, there is no option for premium processing for Form I-824.

What if I forget to sign Form I-824?

If you did not sign Form I-824, USCIS will reject your application.

Can I file Form I-824 from outside the United States?

Yes, you can file Form I-824 from abroad. Make sure to use the correct mailing address. If you sent Form I-824 to the wrong address, USCIS may reject your application. In this case, you will need to refile with the correct office.

Does filing Form I-824 affect my current immigration status?

No, filing Form I-824 does not affect your immigration status.

What is the difference between a rejection and a denial of Form I-824?

Rejection of Form I-824 means USCIS didn’t process the form due to an error. Denial of Form I-824 means USCIS processed the form but did not approve your request.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to file Form I-824?

Working with an immigration lawyer ensures your form is completed correctly and the process is clear. The experienced lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will help you avoid mistakes and submit all necessary documents.