Form Filing Tips

Please read and follow the form filing instructions. Form fees, eligibility requirements, fee waiver eligibility, required documents and mailing addresses vary depending on the form you are filing and why you are filing. These tips will help ensure we accept your application, petition, or request package for processing.

Complete Your Form Accurately

  • Don’t forget to sign your form! We will reject and return any unsigned form.
  • Use the most current form version. We prefer that you download forms from our website, complete them electronically, and then print your forms to submit.
  • Complete the entire form.
  • If you hand write your answers, use black ink. Make sure your entries are neat, legible and within the space provided.
  • Do not use highlighters or correction fluid or tape. The scanners we use will not properly read information that is greyed out, highlighted or corrected using correction fluid or tape.
  • If you make an error, start over with a clean form.
  • If filing multiple forms, write your name, date of birth, and A-Number (if any) exactly the same way on each form.
  • Pay the correct fee. We will reject forms submitted with incorrect or incomplete fees. Use the Fee Calculator to help you determine the correct fee.
  • Send single-sided copies of the application(s).

Assemble Your Application, Petition, or Request

  • We recommend assembling your package in the following order:
    • Check or money order or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you are paying by check or money order, write the form you are filing and your A-Number or other applicable identification on the check or money order. If you are paying with a credit card, see our Pay with a Credit Card webpage.
    • Form G-1145, Request for e-Notification (if applicable)
    • Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative (if applicable)
    • Form being filed
    • Supporting documentation:
      • Submit the documents or evidence listed in the form instructions.
      • Supporting documents must be in English or accompanied by a complete English translation.
      • Submit copies unless we request original documents. If you send an original document with your form, it may become part of the record and we will not return it to you automatically. 
      • If you have any attachments, make sure each attached page has your name and A-Number (if any). You may also number the pages and include the total amount of pages being attached (for example, “page 1 of 11”).
      • Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.
  • Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the nature of the submission. For example, Original Submission, Brief for an Appeal, or Response to Request for Additional Information.
  • Mark the envelope and the cover letter with the form number. For example, I-129, I-130, I-690 or I-698.
  • In preparing your packet, remember:
    • Do not use binders or folders that we cannot easily disassemble.
    • Use fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.
    • Sticky tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. For easy filing, place the tabs on the bottom of the page, not the side.
    • Do not use heavy-duty staples; instead use fasteners or heavy clips.
    • Do not submit originals unless specifically required. 
    • Do not submit oversized documentation unless it is necessary.
    • Send single-sided copies of your supporting documentation.
  • If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or fasteners.
  • If you are resubmitting the packet in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.
  • If you are submitting evidence in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, place a cover letter with “Brief for (Appeal/Motion)” on top of the packet.

Mail Your Application, Petition, or Request 

  • Mail your forms to the address listed on that form’s webpage. You may submit your forms through USPS, FedEx, DHL, or UPS.
  • If you mail your applications, petitions, or requests to the wrong filing location, we may reject it as improperly filed and return it to you to re-file.
  • Forms are available by mail, by calling the Contact Center, or by downloading or printing forms from the All Forms page.
Last Reviewed/Updated: