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Official form guide
Form I-817: Application for Family Unity Benefits
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-817 is the Application for Family Unity Benefits used by individuals residing in the United States to request an initial benefit or an extension under the Family Unity Program, including an Employment Authorization Document. New address must be reported within 10 days of moving.
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USCIS Form I-817 - Application for Family Unity Benefits
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-817 is the Application for Family Unity Benefits used by individuals residing in the United States to request an initial benefit or an extension under the Family Unity Program, including an Employment Authorization Document. New address must be reported within 10 days of moving.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing or invalid signature will cause USCIS to reject the Form I-817.
- 2Submitting the form without a handwritten signature or with a stamped/typewritten name, which leads to rejection.
- 3Leaving the U.S. mailing or physical address blank, even though a U.S. address is required for filing.
- 4Entering height in centimeters or meters instead of feet and inches as required.
- 5Providing a weight outside 30–699 pounds without using “000” as instructed.
Plain English
Form I-817 lets you ask for the first Family Unity benefit or extend an existing one, and also to get or renew your work permit. You must fill it out, sign it, and send it while you live in the U.S.
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 an initial benefit or an extension under the Family Unity Program, including an Employment Authorization Document, and you reside in the United States.
- Do not use it when you are applying for a benefit outside the Family Unity Program or you do not reside in the United States.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need to determine the specific filing fee for Form I-817.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for initial Family Unity benefit
Required to request benefit or extension under Family Unity Program
✓ Verify you reside in the U.S.
Need to know filing fee amount
Fee schedule provides correct payment amount
✓ Confirm fee listed matches your category
Requesting an Employment Authorization Document
EAD is issued based on approved Family Unity benefit
✓ Ensure you have approved I-817 before filing I-766
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
What Evidence Must You Submit section
All primary and secondary supporting documents listed in instructions · Applicant’s personal records
Affidavits (if primary evidence unavailable)
Two sworn affidavits with full name, address, DOB, signature, relationship, event details · Affidavit writers (non‑U.S. citizens acceptable)
Signature field
Handwritten signature (or scanned copy) · Applicant
Physical address field
U.S. physical address · Applicant’s residence
Biometric Services Appointment notice
Appointment confirmation letter · USCIS biometric notice
Before you submit
- 1Verify you have a U.S. mailing address entered on the form
- 2Confirm each applicant has a separate Form I-817
- 3Ensure the purpose box reflects an initial benefit or an extension
- 4Attach all required evidence listed in the instructions
- 5Include two affidavits if primary evidence is unavailable
- 6Provide the correct filing fee as indicated in Form G-1055
- 7Sign the form by hand or attach a scanned copy of the handwritten signature
- 8If the applicant is under 14, have a parent or legal guardian sign
- 9Scan the completed form and supporting documents clearly
How to file this form
- 1Complete a separate Form I-817 for each applicant
- 2Gather all required evidence and any affidavits
- 3Pay the filing fee according to Form G-1055 and attach the receipt
- 4Sign the form (handwritten or attach scanned signature)
- 5Submit the package to the USCIS filing address and retain the mailing receipt as proof of filing
- 6Schedule and attend the biometric services appointment if notified
- 7Keep a copy of the entire submission for your records
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used by applicants residing outside the United States
- 2The form does not apply to requests unrelated to the Family Unity Program
- 3The form is not for merely updating an address without a benefit request
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 instructions are dated 04/01/24 and reflect the current edition; the source does not indicate a separate latest‑information webpage.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions are dated 04/01/24
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for the specific amount
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm a handwritten signature (or a valid scanned copy) is included
- U.S. address requirement — confirm you have a United States address on the form
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a complete copy of the submitted Form I-817 and all attachments
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number provided by USCIS
- 3Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence or additional information notice
- 4Keep the filing receipt for at least six months
- 5If an error is discovered, file a corrected Form I-817 with an explanation of the correction
- 6Expect a biometric appointment notice if USCIS requires it
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-817 is to request initial benefit or extension under the Family Unity Program and an Employment Authorization Document.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — must reside in and file Form I-817 in the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — a separate Form I-817 must be filed for each person who needs to apply for Family Unity benefits.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — filing fee information is in Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original handwritten signature is valid for filing purposes.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — if primary evidence is unavailable, submit at least two sworn affidavits with required details.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — non‑U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days of moving.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — must have a United States address to file this application.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — USCIS may request more information or reject incomplete applications.
Common confusion points
Do I need to file a separate form for each family member?
The source states a separate Form I-817 must be filed for each person.
→ Verify each applicant has their own Form I-817.
Can I type my signature?
Instructions require a handwritten signature; typewritten names are not accepted.
→ Ensure the signature is handwritten or a scanned copy of the handwritten signature.
Do I need to submit a fee with the form?
Filing fee details are provided in Form G-1055.
→ Look up the correct fee on Form G-1055 and include payment.
What if I don’t have primary evidence?
The source allows affidavits when primary evidence is unavailable.
→ Include at least two sworn affidavits with all required details.
Do I need to report a new address if I’m a U.S. citizen?
Only non‑U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days.
→ Confirm citizenship status before filing an address change.
Is a photocopy of my signature acceptable?
A photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original handwritten signature is valid.
→ Attach a clear scanned copy of the original handwritten signature.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-817
What is USCIS Form I-817 used for?
Form I-817 lets you ask for the first Family Unity benefit or extend an existing one, and also to get or renew your work permit. You must fill it out, sign it, and send it while you live in the U.S.
Who must file USCIS Form I-817?
Individuals who reside in the United States and are seeking an initial or extended Family Unity benefit must file USCIS Form I-817.
What information does USCIS Form I-817 require?
The form collects personal data such as sex, country of birth and citizenship, mailing and physical addresses, physical characteristics, the reason for the benefit request, and details about the spouse or parent.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-817?
Type or print legibly in black ink and fill each item, including sex, birth country, citizenship, mailing and physical addresses, height, weight, eye and hair color. In Part 3 select the box that explains why you are applying and what you are requesting, and in Part 4 provide information about your spouse or parent. Sign inside the box on the signature page; the signature will be scanned for placement on your Employment Authorization Document. Submit the completed form to the filing address listed on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-817 is filed incorrectly?
An incomplete or improperly signed Form I-817 can be rejected or denied by USCIS.
Do I need to file a separate form for each family member?
The source states a separate Form I-817 must be filed for each person. Verify each applicant has their own Form I-817.
Can I type my signature?
Instructions require a handwritten signature; typewritten names are not accepted. Ensure the signature is handwritten or a scanned copy of the handwritten signature.
Do I need to submit a fee with the form?
Filing fee details are provided in Form G-1055. Look up the correct fee on Form G-1055 and include payment.
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