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Official form guide
Form G-884: Request for the Return of Original Documents
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-884 is used to request the return of original documents submitted for an immigration or citizenship benefit; the request must be signed and USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
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USCIS Form G-884 - Request for the Return of Original Documents
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-884 is used to request the return of original documents submitted for an immigration or citizenship benefit; the request must be signed and USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without a handwritten signature will cause USCIS to reject it.
- 2Leaving the required requestor signature blank or using a stamped name.
- 3Failing to sign the form before the certifying official as instructed.
- 4Omitting the requestor’s daytime telephone number or email address.
- 5Not providing a U.S. mailing address when required.
Plain English
Form G-884 asks USCIS to send back any original papers you gave them for a visa or citizenship case. You fill it out, sign it, and include any needed proof. It’s a simple way to get your documents back.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need USCIS to return original documents you submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit.
- Do not use it when you have already filed a form that requested original documents, because USCIS will automatically return them.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need information about the filing fee for this request.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting fee details
Provides specific fee amounts for Form G-884
✓ Verify fee before filing
Submitting proof of permanent residency as ID
Acceptable identification for the request
✓ Include legible copy
Submitting employment authorization as ID
Acceptable identification for the request
✓ Include legible copy
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
A-Number if you have one · Found on immigration documents such as a green card
USCIS Online Account Number
USCIS Online Account Number if assigned · Found on USCIS Online Account Access Notice
Description of desired documents
Specific list of original documents you want returned · Your personal records
Two forms of identification
Legible photocopies of two acceptable IDs (e.g., Form I-551, driver’s license) · Your personal ID documents
Proof of relationship or power of attorney (if requesting for another)
Relationship evidence or POA document · Legal documents such as birth certificates or POA letters
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form is the latest edition (revision 11/09/23).
- 2Complete all required fields, including A-Number if known.
- 3Attach legible photocopies of two acceptable identification documents.
- 4Include a clear description of the original documents you are requesting.
- 5Provide full English translations for any foreign‑language documents.
- 6Sign the form with a handwritten signature; do not use a stamp or typed name.
- 7Ensure you have a United States mailing address listed on the form.
- 8Include proof of relationship or power of attorney if requesting for another person.
- 9Do not submit original documents unless USCIS specifically requests them.
- 10Review fee information on Form G-1055 before filing.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form G-884 from the USCIS website.
- 2Fill in all required information and attach required identification copies.
- 3Sign the completed form by hand.
- 4Mail the signed form and supporting documents to the USCIS filing address indicated in the instructions or submit in person at a scheduled appointment.
- 5Retain a copy of the entire packet for your records as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form is not needed when you have already filed a form that requested the original documents; USCIS will return them automatically.
- 2The requestor must have a United States mailing address; requests without a U.S. address cannot be filed.
- 3The form cannot be used to request documents that were never submitted to USCIS in the first place.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions show a revision date of 11/09/23 and the form expires 11/30/2026; the source does not mention a separate latest‑information page.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show revision date 11/09/23
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for specific fee information
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — confirm each request is signed by hand; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the signed form and all attachments for your records.
- 2Wait for USCIS to acknowledge receipt, which may be sent as a notice.
- 3Monitor your mail for the returned original documents.
- 4If USCIS rejects the request for incompleteness, correct the deficiencies and resubmit promptly.
- 5Retain any correspondence for at least five years.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form G-884 is to request return of original documents.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not file if you already submitted a form that requested originals.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — each request must be signed; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — submit legible photocopies of supporting documents; originals may be destroyed.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — include full English translation for foreign‑language documents.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — must submit copies of two forms of identification (e.g., Form I-551, driver’s license, Form I-765).
- SRCInstructions p.4 — if requesting for another person, provide proof of relationship or power of attorney.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — requestor must have a U.S. address; change of address must be reported within 10 days.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — do not mail completed Form G-884 to the address shown on the form.
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a fee?
Fee information is not on the form itself; it refers to another form.
→ Check Form G-1055 for the current fee.
Can I stamp my signature?
Instructions state USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name.
→ Sign with a handwritten signature.
Do I mail the form to the address printed on the form?
Source says do not mail to the address shown on the form.
→ Use the filing address provided in the instructions or submit in person.
What if I don’t have an A-Number?
The field is optional; source says leave blank if unknown.
→ Leave the A-Number field blank.
Do I need to include original IDs?
Source requires copies of IDs, not originals.
→ Submit legible photocopies and keep the originals.
Can I request documents for a deceased relative?
Requires proof of relationship and possibly a power of attorney.
→ Provide relationship proof and, if applicable, POA documentation.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form G-884
What is USCIS Form G-884 used for?
Form G-884 asks USCIS to send back any original papers you gave them for a visa or citizenship case. You fill it out, sign it, and include any needed proof. It’s a simple way to get your documents back.
Who must file USCIS Form G-884?
Anyone who submitted original documents to USCIS to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit must file Form G-884 if those documents are not returned automatically.
What information does USCIS Form G-884 require?
The form collects the requestor’s Alien Registration Number (Item 3), USCIS Online Account Number (Item 4), mailing address if different, daytime and mobile phone numbers, email address, and required signatures in Part 3 (preparer) and Part 5 (requestor).
How do I complete USCIS Form G-884?
Gather the original documents you want returned and any supporting paperwork. Complete all required fields, including A-Number and contact information. Have the requestor sign Part 5 and, if applicable, the preparer sign Part 3. Do not sign until before the certifying official, then submit the signed form with supporting documents to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form G-884 is filed incorrectly?
If the request is incomplete, USCIS may reject or deny it, and may also request additional information or evidence before returning any documents.
Do I need to pay a fee?
Fee information is not on the form itself; it refers to another form. Check Form G-1055 for the current fee.
Can I stamp my signature?
Instructions state USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name. Sign with a handwritten signature.
Do I mail the form to the address printed on the form?
Source says do not mail to the address shown on the form. Use the filing address provided in the instructions or submit in person.
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