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Form I-356: Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond filed on an alien’s behalf. The alien, their attorney, executor, obligor or authorized agent may file. USCIS rejects any unsigned or incomplete Form I‑356.
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USCIS Form I-356 - Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond filed on an alien’s behalf. The alien, their attorney, executor, obligor or authorized agent may file. USCIS rejects any unsigned or incomplete Form I‑356.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form I‑356 without a handwritten signature leads to automatic rejection.
- 2Submitting the form without any signature.
- 3Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 4Leaving the alien’s legal name fields blank or misspelled.
- 5Omitting the alien’s A‑Number on additional information sheets.
Plain English
Form I-356 lets you ask USCIS to cancel a public charge bond that was posted for an immigrant. You fill it out if you are the immigrant, their lawyer, estate executor, the bond obligor, or an authorized agent. The form must be signed by the filer.
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 are requesting cancellation of a public charge bond that was posted on Form I-945.
- Do not use it when you are seeking to file a new public charge bond or any other immigration benefit.
- Check Form I-945 instead when you need to submit a new public charge bond.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to post a public charge bond for an alien
Required to establish the bond before any cancellation request
✓ Verify the bond amount and receipt number
Alien has become a U.S. citizen and seeks bond cancellation
Indicates eligibility for cancellation after citizenship
✓ Confirm citizenship proof is attached
Obligor wants to cancel bond on behalf of a deceased alien
Allows obligor or authorized agent to request cancellation
✓ Ensure executor documentation is included
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Current Legal Name
Legal name as on birth certificate or name change document · Birth certificate or court order
Other Names You May Have Used Since Birth
List of any alternate names · Prior documents such as marriage certificate
Mailing Address
Valid mailing address · Personal records or utility bill
Physical Address
Current residence address if different · Lease or utility bill
Became a U.S. Citizen (Reason question)
Proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate, passport) · Citizenship documents
Permanently Departed the United States (Reason question)
Evidence of permanent departure (e.g., exit record) · Travel records
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form revision date is 01/20/25.
- 2Complete all name fields (Item 4 and Item 5) with printed text.
- 3Enter a valid mailing address in Item 10.
- 4Enter a physical address in Item 11 if it differs from the mailing address.
- 5Answer all Reason for Cancellation questions in Part 4.
- 6Attach required supporting documents such as citizenship proof or departure evidence.
- 7Sign the form with a handwritten signature.
- 8Include legible photocopies of all documents unless originals are specifically requested.
- 9Attach a translator’s signed certification for any foreign‑language documents.
- 10Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to view and print the form.
- 11Mail the package to the address listed on the USCIS I-356 webpage.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form I-356 from the USCIS website.
- 2Fill in all required fields and attach supporting evidence.
- 3Sign the request with a handwritten signature.
- 4Assemble legible photocopies of documents and any required translations.
- 5Mail the completed package to the filing address indicated on the USCIS I-356 webpage.
- 6Retain the mailing receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Not for filing a new public charge bond; use Form I-945 for that purpose.
- 2Not applicable if the public charge bond was not posted on Form I-945.
- 3Not usable for individuals under 14 years old unless a parent or legal guardian signs.
- 4Invalid when the request is unsigned or incomplete.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-356 is dated 01/20/25; the instructions direct filers to the USCIS website for the most current filing address.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form revision reads 01/20/25
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — verify the filing address on www.uscis.gov/I-356 as directed in the instructions
- Signature — confirm the request includes a handwritten signature; stamped or typed names are rejected
- Copies — ensure you submit legible photocopies unless originals are specifically requested
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the signed Form I-356 and all attachments.
- 2Store the mailing receipt and tracking number for at least six months.
- 3Monitor USCIS case status online using the receipt number.
- 4Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence or interview notices.
- 5If USCIS rejects the filing for being unsigned or incomplete, correct the issue and resubmit.
- 6Expect a written decision on the bond cancellation within USCIS processing times.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-356 is to request cancellation of the public charge bond submitted on Form I-945.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — eligible filers include the alien, the alien’s attorney or accredited representative, the executor of a deceased alien’s estate, the obligor, or the obligor’s authorized agent.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — signatures must be handwritten; stamped or typewritten names are rejected.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — legible photocopies are required unless originals are specifically requested.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — translator must provide a signed certification with name, date, and contact information.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — filing address information is available at www.uscis.gov/I-356.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — USCIS will reject any Form I-356 that is not signed or is incomplete.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Reason for Cancellation includes questions about becoming a U.S. citizen and permanently departing the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — OAN information is explained but not required for filing.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — fee information.
Common confusion points
Do I need to submit the original bond document?
Instructions say copies are sufficient unless USCIS requests originals.
→ Submit legible photocopies and await any original request.
Can I type my name instead of signing?
Signature rule rejects stamped or typewritten names.
→ Provide a handwritten signature.
Who can sign for a mentally incompetent alien?
Only a legal guardian may sign for a mentally incompetent person.
→ Ensure a guardian’s signature is present.
Is a translator’s certification required for all foreign documents?
Translations must include a signed certification with name, date, and contact info.
→ Attach the translator’s signed certification.
Where do I send the form?
Filing address is listed on the USCIS I-356 webpage.
→ Check www.uscis.gov/I-356 for the current address.
Do I need an Online Account Number?
OAN information is explained but not required for this form.
→ Proceed without an OAN if you lack one.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-356
What is USCIS Form I-356 used for?
Form I-356 lets you ask USCIS to cancel a public charge bond that was posted for an immigrant. You fill it out if you are the immigrant, their lawyer, estate executor, the bond obligor, or an authorized agent. The form must be signed by the filer.
Who must file USCIS Form I-356?
The alien, the alien’s attorney or accredited representative, the alien’s estate executor (if deceased), the obligor who posted the bond, or the obligor’s authorized agent must file Form I-356.
What information does USCIS Form I-356 require?
The form collects the alien’s current legal name, any other names used, mailing and physical addresses, and answers in Part 4 about U.S. citizenship and permanent departure. Part 7 requires the preparer’s signature, and Part 8 allows additional information.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-356?
File Form I-356 to the address listed on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-356, which provides the most current filing location.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-356?
Gather the alien’s legal name, other names, mailing and physical addresses, then complete Part 4 by answering the citizenship and departure questions. Include any required proof of citizenship. If someone other than the alien prepares the form, that person must sign in Part 7. Ensure the signature is handwritten; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable. Submit the completed form to the filing address indicated on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-356 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject any Form I-356 that is not signed or is incomplete, preventing the cancellation request from being considered.
Do I need to submit the original bond document?
Instructions say copies are sufficient unless USCIS requests originals. Submit legible photocopies and await any original request.
Can I type my name instead of signing?
Signature rule rejects stamped or typewritten names. Provide a handwritten signature.
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