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Official form guide
Form I-854: Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record
USCIS Form I-854 is the Inter‑Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record used to request S nonimmigrant classification or adjustment of status for alien witnesses and informants. Law‑enforcement agencies file it; there are no filing fees for processing Forms I‑854A or I‑854B.
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USCIS Form I-854 - Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record
USCIS Form I-854 is the Inter‑Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record used to request S nonimmigrant classification or adjustment of status for alien witnesses and informants. Law‑enforcement agencies file it; there are no filing fees for processing Forms I‑854A or I‑854B.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without the required Criminal Division certification will cause denial.
- 2Filing one form for multiple alien witnesses or informants instead of a separate form per alien.
- 3Omitting documentation that the alien fulfilled S classification terms.
- 4Using a stamped or typewritten name in place of a handwritten signature.
- 5Failing to include derivative beneficiary information at the time of filing.
Plain English
This form lets a law‑enforcement agency ask USCIS to grant S status to a witness or informant and, if eligible, to adjust status for their listed derivatives. Each alien needs its own form, which must be signed by an authorized official. Required supporting documents must be attached.
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 a law enforcement agency requests S nonimmigrant classification (Form I-854A) or adjustment of status for an alien already in S status (Form I-854B).
- Do not use it when the alien is not a witness or informant or when the request is not submitted by a law enforcement agency.
- Check Form I-102 instead when a replacement or initial Form I-94 is needed.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Alien lacks a valid Form I-94
Provides a replacement arrival‑departure record needed for the I‑854 request
✓ Confirm the alien truly needs a replacement I‑94
Uncertainty about filing fee amount
Lists current USCIS fee schedules, confirming I‑854 has no fee
✓ Verify the fee schedule includes I‑854
Requesting S classification for a derivative beneficiary only
Only the primary alien can be classified; derivatives adjust via I‑854B
✓ Ensure you are using the correct part (A vs B) for the beneficiary type
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Passport or travel document number
Passport or travel document (even if expired) · Alien's passport
Country of citizenship or nationality
Citizenship statement or "stateless" explanation · Alien's passport or personal statement
S classification documentation (for I-854B)
Evidence of fulfilled S classification terms · LEA records, DOJ recommendation
Translator certification (if translation provided)
Signed translator certification with name, date, contact · Translator's statement
Signature of authorized LEA official
Handwritten signature (no stamp) · LEA signing authority
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form revision date is 01/20/25.
- 2Ensure a separate Form I-854A or I-854B is used for each alien.
- 3Attach all required S classification documentation for I-854B.
- 4Include passport or travel document information, even if expired.
- 5Provide citizenship or stateless explanation as required.
- 6Obtain and attach translator certification if any translation is submitted.
- 7Obtain handwritten signature of the authorized LEA official (or legal guardian if applicable).
- 8Confirm no filing fee is attached.
- 9Use the correct mailing address: 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor, Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
- 10Include a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original handwritten signature if filing electronically.
- 11Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete each required field on Form I-854A or I-854B for the alien witness/informant.
- 2Gather and attach supporting S classification documentation (for I-854B) and any required translations.
- 3Obtain the handwritten signature of the authorized LEA official (or legal guardian).
- 4Assemble the form, attachments, and cover letter.
- 5Mail the packet to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit at the specified address.
- 6Retain a scanned copy of the entire submission as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not apply to aliens who are not witnesses or informants.
- 2Only law enforcement agencies may submit the form; individuals cannot file it themselves.
- 3Derivative beneficiaries cannot be classified directly; they are only eligible to adjust status after a primary S classification request.
- 4USCIS will not adjudicate the request without certification from the DOJ Criminal Division.
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 form shows revision date 01/20/25 and expires 12/31/2027; the source does not reference a "latest information" webpage.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows revision date 01/20/25 (Instructions p.1).
- Fee — confirm no filing fee applies to Forms I-854A or I-854B (Instructions p.5).
- Mailing address — confirm submission address is 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001 (Instructions p.5).
- Signature — confirm each form includes a handwritten signature of an authorized LEA official (Instructions p.2).
- Document attachment — confirm sponsoring LEA attaches proof of S‑classification compliance for I-854B (Instructions p.2).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the original submitted packet and a digital copy for at least 5 years.
- 2Monitor USCIS or DOJ communications for receipt confirmation.
- 3If a rejection notice is received, review the cited reason and correct the deficiency.
- 4Resubmit the corrected Form I-854 with updated signature or documentation as instructed.
- 5Update any change of address with the USCIS Contact Center promptly.
- 6Store the receipt notice (if any) as proof of filing.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-854A and I-854B.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — sponsoring LEA must attach documentation for I-854B.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — signature must be handwritten; photocopy/fax/scan acceptable.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — no filing fee; see Form G-1055 reference.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — passport or travel document information required, even if expired.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — stateless entry guidance.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — filing fee: none for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — mailing address: U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit, 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a filing fee?
The instructions reference a fee form but also state there is no fee for I-854.
→ Check the fee statement in Instructions p.5 confirming no fee.
Which form, I-854A or I-854B, should I use?
Two parts serve different purposes: classification vs. adjustment.
→ Verify the request purpose: classification vs. adjustment (Instructions p.1).
Can I submit a scanned signature?
Signature rules allow photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signatures.
→ Confirm photocopy/fax/scan of handwritten signature is acceptable (Instructions p.2).
What if the alien has no passport?
Passport information is still required on the form.
→ Enter passport info if available; if none, explain on a separate sheet (Instructions p.3).
Do derivative beneficiaries need their own form?
Only the primary alien receives S classification; derivatives adjust via I-854B.
→ Check that only primary is on I-854A and derivatives are mentioned for adjustment (Instructions p.2).
Where do I send the form?
The mailing address may be confused with USCIS locations.
→ Confirm mailing address to DOJ Criminal Division (Instructions p.5).
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form I-854
What is USCIS Form I-854 used for?
This form lets a law‑enforcement agency ask USCIS to grant S status to a witness or informant and, if eligible, to adjust status for their listed derivatives. Each alien needs its own form, which must be signed by an authorized official. Required supporting documents must be attached.
Who must file USCIS Form I-854?
The sponsoring law‑enforcement agency (LEA) must file USCIS Form I-854 on behalf of the alien witness or informant.
What information does USCIS Form I-854 require?
The form collects all required information for the alien witness or informant and any derivative beneficiaries, and must include documentation that the alien has fulfilled the terms of the S classification.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-854?
Submit the completed form to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations, Special Operations Unit, 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor, Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-854?
Prepare a separate Form I-854 for each alien witness or informant. Attach documentation proving S classification compliance and any derivative beneficiary details. Ensure a handwritten signature (or a valid photocopy, fax, or scan) from the authorized LEA official; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted. If a translation is used, include the translator’s certification, then send the packet to the DOJ Criminal Division address.
What happens if USCIS Form I-854 is filed incorrectly?
Providing false information can lead to criminal penalties under Title 18 U.S.C. 1546(a) and civil penalties under 8 U.S.C. 1324c, including possible removal and fines.
Do I need to pay a filing fee?
The instructions reference a fee form but also state there is no fee for I-854. Check the fee statement in Instructions p.5 confirming no fee.
Which form, I-854A or I-854B, should I use?
Two parts serve different purposes: classification vs. adjustment. Verify the request purpose: classification vs. adjustment (Instructions p.1).
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