Understanding Form I-824

You have already completed the mountain of paperwork, fingerprint appointments, interviews, and waiting, and finally, you have received an approved immigration application.

But then you lost the approval notice, or maybe you need the U.S. government to send that approval to a different U.S. consulate or a specific Port of Entry to notify them. In all these cases, Form I-824 helps. 

This isn’t your “starting line” form. It’s like the “follow-up request” form.

If you have already received an immigration benefit and your document is lost or damaged, you can use this form to request a duplicate document that gave you the approval, among other things.

What is Form I-824?

Form I-824 is an Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition. It is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request action on a previously approved application or petition.

Form I-824 is the “resend” or “notify” form in the immigration process used for actions that have already been approved. It can be used for the following things mentioned below:

Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, can be used for the following purposes:

1. To request a duplicate of an approval notice previously approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This includes copies of petitions already approved and associated with CBP-related entries or actions.
2. To obtain a duplicate copy of Form I-797, Notice of Action, in cases where the original approval notice was lost, stolen, or damaged.
3. To notify a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad of an approved petition or application. This is typically done to initiate consular processing after USCIS has approved your immigration benefit, such as an immigrant visa or permanent resident status.
4. To inform the National Visa Center of an approved petition so they can begin processing the case for immigrant visa issuance.
5. To notify the U.S. Department of State that you have acquired U.S. citizenship through naturalization. This enables your spouse or children to apply for follow-to-join benefits without unnecessary complications.

When Should Form I-824 Not Be Used?

Using Form I-824 is required only in certain circumstances, as mentioned above. You must refrain from using it in the following circumstances:

1. You cannot use this form if your original petition was denied, revoked, withdrawn, or terminated.
2. This form cannot be used to correct any mistake you made in the petition; it is only a way to obtain a document of an already approved decision.
3. Do not file this form if you request a copy of Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Form N-400 (Naturalization) from USCIS.
4. It cannot be used if you request USCIS to send information to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) regarding the approval of your expired nonimmigrant application or petition, or about an employment-based application if your employment for the original petitioner has ended.
5. If you’re seeking follow-to-join benefits but came as a refugee, asylee, or via a T or U visa, use Form I-730, not Form I-824.
6. If you are filing the form at USCIS, but that was initially approved by CBP, not USCIS, and vice versa.

What Evidence Must You Submit With Form I-824?

You are required to submit the following evidence:

1. Completed and signed Form I-824
2. Correct filing fee
3. Copy of the original petition or application
4. Copy of Form I-797, Notice of Action (approval notice of the original petition)
5. Copy of Form N-550 (Certificate of Naturalization), if applicable
6. Cover letter explaining the reason for filing and the specific action requested

What Is the Cost of Filing Form I-824?

The current filing fee for Form I-824 is $590. This is the general filing fee, which must be paid when filing.

What Happens if Your Form I-824 Is Approved?

If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, the outcome will depend on the specific action you requested:

1. Duplicate Approval Notice: If you requested a duplicate approval notice, USCIS will issue and mail you a new copy of the original approval.
2. Transfer of Petition: If you requested USCIS to transfer your approved petition to another U.S. consulate, embassy, or USCIS office, they will process the transfer accordingly.
3. Other Actions: For any other actions requested (e.g., notifying a U.S. consulate about an approved immigrant petition), USCIS will proceed with the action and provide instructions for the next steps you must follow in your immigration process.

How Can FileRight Help You?

If you’re applying for a duplicate approval notice, the process can feel repetitive and frustrating. FileRight starts with a short, free quiz to check if you’re eligible, so you know you’re on the right track from the beginning.

It then guides you through each section of the form by asking simple, easy-to-follow questions based on your situation. Your answers are used to complete Form I-824 accurately, with built-in checks to help you avoid common mistakes.

When everything is ready, you’ll receive a print-ready packet with your completed application, clear instructions on where to send it, what documents to include, and what to expect next.