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USCISHumanitarian & Relief

Official form guide

Form I-881: Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA))

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-881 is used by any alien eligible to apply for suspension of deportation or special‑rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105‑100 (NACARA 203). The form gathers biographic details, contact info, and requires a handwritten signature; unsigned or stamped signatures cause rejection.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-881 - Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA))

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-881 is used by any alien eligible to apply for suspension of deportation or special‑rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105‑100 (NACARA 203). The form gathers biographic details, contact info, and requires a handwritten signature; unsigned or stamped signatures cause rejection.

The form collects biographic information (ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color) and the applicant’s contact details, plus a certification and signature.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Submitting I-881 without a valid handwritten signature results in rejection.
  • 2Leaving the signature line blank or using a typed/stamped name, which leads to immediate rejection.
  • 3Failing to attach a full English translation for any foreign‑language document.
  • 4Omitting the translator’s signed certification with name, date, and contact information.
  • 5Entering weight outside 30‑699 pounds without using “000” as instructed.

Plain English

Form I-881 lets eligible immigrants ask the government to stop their deportation or cancel their removal under NACARA 203. You fill out personal details, sign it by hand, and send it to USCIS.

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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Glossary Terms

eligiblecontact

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when you are an alien eligible for suspension of deportation or special‑rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105‑100 (NACARA 203).
  • Do not use it when you are in EOIR immigration proceedings and are not eligible for NACARA 203 relief; you must use the EOIR forms instead.
  • Check Form EOIR-40 instead when you need to apply for suspension of deportation in EOIR proceedings.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

In EOIR deportation proceedings and not eligible for NACARA 203

Only EOIR-40 is accepted for suspension of deportation in those cases

✓ Confirm you are not eligible for NACARA 203 relief

Form EOIR-40

In EOIR removal proceedings and not eligible for NACARA 203

EOIR-42B is required for cancellation of removal for certain non‑permanent residents

✓ Verify you meet EOIR-42B eligibility criteria

Form EOIR-42B

Seeking employment authorization while applying for NACARA 203 relief

Separate filing and separate fee are required for employment authorization

✓ Ensure you have a completed Form I-765 and a separate payment

Form I-765

Deadline or filing window

Not stated in the official source.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Signature

Handwritten ink signature on the form · On the completed Form I-881

⚠ Using a printed stamp instead of a signature✕ High
2

Fee payment

Check or money order for Form I-881 fee · Included with the filing packet

⚠ Forgetting to separate the I-881 fee from any I-765 fee✕ Medium
3

Biographic Information (Part 8)

Selected ethnicity and race boxes · Within Form I-881 fields

⚠ Leaving ethnicity or race boxes unchecked✕ Low
4

Employment Authorization (if filing I-765)

Completed Form I-765 · Separate form submitted with I-881

⚠ Not attaching a separate fee payment for Form I-765✕ Medium
5

Address change notification

Updated address notice to USCIS within 10 days · USCIS address change system

⚠ Failing to notify USCIS of a new address✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify you are using the latest edition dated 01/20/25
  2. 2Confirm you have a handwritten ink signature on Part 11
  3. 3Include a separate check or money order for the Form I-881 fee
  4. 4If filing Form I-765, include a separate check for the I-765 fee
  5. 5Attach all required supporting evidence listed in the instructions
  6. 6Check the USCIS website for the current filing address
  7. 7Ensure ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color fields are completed

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete every required section of Form I-881
  2. 2Gather all supporting documents and evidence
  3. 3Prepare a separate check for the Form I-881 filing fee
  4. 4If applying for employment authorization, prepare a separate check for Form I-765 and attach the completed Form I-765
  5. 5Mail the complete packet to the filing address listed on the USCIS I-881 webpage
  6. 6Keep a copy of the entire submission and any receipt notices as proof of filing

Known limitations

  1. 1The form cannot be used by applicants in EOIR proceedings who are not eligible for NACARA 203 relief
  2. 2If you filed Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999, you do not need to file Form I-881
  3. 3Applicants present in the United States illegally risk removal if the relief is not granted

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name as in your passport.

Requiredtext
Date and Place of Birth

Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.

Requiredtext
Country of Nationality

Country where you hold citizenship.

Requiredtext

Basis

2 items

Basis for Protection

Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.

Requiredtext
Date of Last Arrival in U.S.

Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).

Requireddate

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Evidence

List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.

Requiredtext

Signatures

1 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
USCIS

The instructions are dated 01/20/25 and the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov/I-881) is referenced for the most current filing information.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date — confirm the instruction date reads 01/20/25
  • Fee — see Form G-1055 for specific fee information as referenced
  • Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
  • Signature — confirm a handwritten ink signature is included; photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies are acceptable

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Quick Facts

Any alien who meets the eligibility criteria for suspension of deportation or special‑rule cancellation of removal under NACARA 203 must file Form I-881.
The form collects biographic information (ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color) and the applicant’s contact details, plus a certification and signature.
Not stated in the official source.
Not stated in the official source.
USCIS rejects any I-881 that lacks a valid handwritten signature, and applicants without a granted relief remain subject to deportation or removal.
Complete Part 8 to provide biographic data such as ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color. Fill Part 11 with contact information, certify the statements, and sign the form by hand; stamped or typed names are not accepted. Include full English translations for any foreign‑language documents with a signed translator certification. If you also request employment authorization, attach a separate Form I-765 and pay its filing fee with a separate check.

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After you file

  1. 1Retain a complete copy of the submitted packet for your records
  2. 2Monitor USCIS communications for a receipt notice or biometric services appointment
  3. 3If you requested a fee waiver, await the Immigration Court's decision on the waiver request
  4. 4Notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving
  5. 5If you discover an error, file a corrected Form I-881 with an explanatory letter

Sources

  • SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-881 is for any alien eligible for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation under NACARA 203
  • SRCInstructions p.1 — applicants not eligible in EOIR proceedings must use Form EOIR-40 or Form EOIR-42B
  • SRCInstructions p.4 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are valid; deficient signature may be denied
  • SRCInstructions p.4 — fee details are on Form G-1055
  • SRCInstructions p.5 — OAN is not the same as an A‑Number and is absent if receipt number does not begin with IOE
  • SRCInstructions p.6 — Part 8 requires ethnicity and race selections
  • SRCInstructions p.10 — employment authorization requires a separate Form I-765 and separate fee
  • SRCInstructions p.10 — filing address must be checked on the USCIS website; do not mail to the Office of Policy address
  • SRCInstructions p.12 — mailing address listed is not for filing Form I-881

Common confusion points

Do I still need to file I-881 if I filed EOIR-40 before 6/21/1999?

The instructions state that filing I-881 is not required for EOIR-40 filed before that date.

→ Verify the filing date of your EOIR-40 on the receipt

Can I use a scanned signature instead of a handwritten one?

Photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten ink signature are accepted.

→ Ensure the scanned image is clear and includes the original ink signature

Do I have to mail the form to the Office of Policy and Strategy address?

The source explicitly says not to mail the completed form to that address.

→ Check the USCIS website for the correct filing address

Is the fee amount listed in the instructions?

The instructions refer to Form G-1055 for specific fee details and do not list an amount.

→ Consult Form G-1055 for the current fee amount

Do I need to include an OAN if I have a receipt number that does not start with IOE?

The source notes that lacking an IOE receipt number means you do not have an OAN, and the OAN is not the same as an A‑Number.

→ Confirm you do not include an OAN on the form

Must I submit biometric services appointment proof with the application?

The instructions mention a biometric services appointment but do not require proof with the initial filing.

→ Attend the biometric appointment when scheduled after filing

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

5 signals

Before

Form EOIR-40 — used for suspension of deportation in EOIR proceedings when not eligible for NACARA 203Form EOIR-42B — used for cancellation of removal in EOIR proceedings when not eligible for NACARA 203

Current

I-881

After

Form G-1055 — provides the specific fee amounts for Form I-881

Often used with

Form I-765 — applies for employment authorization alongside NACARA 203 relief

⚠ If something goes wrong

Questions about USCIS Form I-881

What is USCIS Form I-881 used for?

Form I-881 lets eligible immigrants ask the government to stop their deportation or cancel their removal under NACARA 203. You fill out personal details, sign it by hand, and send it to USCIS.

Who must file USCIS Form I-881?

Any alien who meets the eligibility criteria for suspension of deportation or special‑rule cancellation of removal under NACARA 203 must file Form I-881.

What information does USCIS Form I-881 require?

The form collects biographic information (ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color) and the applicant’s contact details, plus a certification and signature.

How do I complete USCIS Form I-881?

Complete Part 8 to provide biographic data such as ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color. Fill Part 11 with contact information, certify the statements, and sign the form by hand; stamped or typed names are not accepted. Include full English translations for any foreign‑language documents with a signed translator certification. If you also request employment authorization, attach a separate Form I-765 and pay its filing fee with a separate check.

What happens if USCIS Form I-881 is filed incorrectly?

USCIS rejects any I-881 that lacks a valid handwritten signature, and applicants without a granted relief remain subject to deportation or removal.

Do I still need to file I-881 if I filed EOIR-40 before 6/21/1999?

The instructions state that filing I-881 is not required for EOIR-40 filed before that date. Verify the filing date of your EOIR-40 on the receipt

Can I use a scanned signature instead of a handwritten one?

Photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten ink signature are accepted. Ensure the scanned image is clear and includes the original ink signature

Do I have to mail the form to the Office of Policy and Strategy address?

The source explicitly says not to mail the completed form to that address. Check the USCIS website for the correct filing address

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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