Form I-824 Action on an Approved USCIS Application: Edit Online Free & Download PDF
Action on an Approved USCIS Application: Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition
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Form I-824 in short
Form I-824 asks USCIS or CBP to take further action on an application or petition that is already approved. Common uses are a duplicate approval notice, notifying a different consulate or port of entry, or notifying a consulate so a spouse or child can follow to join after your adjustment of status. It cannot be used for pending or denied cases.
| Issued by | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Edition 04/01/24 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | The applicant or petitioner on the approved application or petition. CBP filers use it for duplicate Form I-192 or I-212 approval notices. |
| Who receives it | USCIS or CBP. |
| Where to send it | USCIS filings go to the Phoenix lockbox (Attn: NFB), or with the other form if filed together. VAWA, T, or U related filings use their own address page. CBP filings go to the CBP Admissibility Review Office or a CBP port of entry. USCIS changed the filing location for this form on Oct. 7, 2026. It accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026 that are sent to a prior filing location. |
| Deadline | No deadline. File any time the approval is valid. The instructions allow filing it with the original application or petition. |
| Fee | $590 (Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, edition 10/16/26, checked 2026-10-25). $0 for certain humanitarian categories, such as Afghan or Iraqi special immigrants, VAWA, T, U, and SIJ. Mailed filings are paid by card (Form G-1450) or bank ACH (Form G-1650) unless you qualify for the paper payment exemption (Form G-1651). |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The edition is still 04/01/24. USCIS changed the filing location for this form on Oct. 7, 2026. It accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026 that are sent to a prior filing location.
How to fill out Form I-824, line by line
| Part 1 | Information about you Name, A-Number, date of birth, and mailing address of the person filing. |
| Part 2 | Reason for request Select only one: duplicate approval notice, notify a new consulate or port of entry, or notify a consulate of your adjustment so family can follow to join, among others. |
| Part 3 | Other information Form number, receipt number from Form I-797, filing date, and approval date of the earlier case, plus details of the principal beneficiary if not you. The receipt number is required. |
| Part 4 | Applicant's signature Sign and date. USCIS rejects unsigned forms. |
| Parts 5 to 7 | Interpreter, preparer, additional information Only if someone helped you. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing for a case that is still pending or was denied. USCIS will not process it.
- Leaving out the receipt number of the approved case. USCIS rejects the form.
- Using I-824 to replace a work permit, Green Card, I-94, or travel document. Those use Forms I-765, I-90, I-102, and I-131.
- Using I-824 for follow-to-join after you immigrated on a visa abroad, or as a refugee or asylee. The instructions list these as cases not to file.
- Selecting more than one reason. File a separate I-824 for each action.
- Expecting a copy of the approved application. A duplicate notice is only the Form I-797.
Questions about Form I-824
How do I get a duplicate approval notice?
File Form I-824 and select the duplicate approval notice option in Part 2. You get a new Form I-797, not a copy of the petition.
How much does Form I-824 cost?
$590 under the current fee schedule, with $0 for certain humanitarian categories.
Can I use I-824 for my spouse to follow to join?
Yes, if you adjusted status in the U.S. based on a family, employment, religious worker, VAWA, or diversity case. Not if you immigrated on a visa abroad.
Can I use I-824 to check on a pending case?
No. It is only for approved cases.
Can I file it with the original petition?
Yes. The instructions say it may be filed with the original application or petition.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.