Action on an Approved Petition (I-824)

Who qualifies

You have an approved USCIS application or petition (for example an I-130 or I-485) and need USCIS to take a further action on it.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Confirm what you need

   Decide which action you need: a duplicate approval notice, notification to a consulate or NVC, or follow-to-join processing for a spouse or child.

   Watch out: A copy of the approval notice is often enough; ask NVC first if your case moved abroad.

   Common rejection reason: Requesting an action USCIS does not perform with I-824.
2. 2

   Gather proof of approval

   Get a copy of the original approval notice (I-797) or receipt notice, and identification for the applicant.

   Watch out: If you lost the notice, include the receipt number if you know it.

   Common rejection reason: No copy or receipt number of the approved case.
3. 3

   Complete Form I-824

   Fill in your details and the details of the approved case and any beneficiary.

   Watch out: Each beneficiary listed must match the original petition.

   Common rejection reason: Mismatched names or dates of birth.
4. 4

   File and pay

   File by mail or online with the current fee.

   Watch out: Check the fee schedule on the day you file.

   Common rejection reason: Wrong fee amount.

Documents you'll need

• Copy of approval notice

  Form I-797 approval notice for the original case.

  Note: Or the receipt number if lost.

• Government-issued ID

  Copy of the applicant's ID.

  Note: Passport or green card.

• Proof of relationship (follow-to-join)

  Marriage or birth certificate for the spouse or child.

  Note: Only for follow-to-join requests.