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Official form guide
Form I-945: Public Charge Bond
USCIS Form I-945 is used to submit a public charge bond for an alien deemed inadmissible under INA 212(a)(4). The obligor or an authorized agent/co-obligor files it, and there is no filing fee.
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USCIS Form I-945 - Public Charge Bond
USCIS Form I-945 is used to submit a public charge bond for an alien deemed inadmissible under INA 212(a)(4). The obligor or an authorized agent/co-obligor files it, and there is no filing fee.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the obligor’s handwritten signature will cause USCIS to reject the bond.
- 2Failing to attach the USCIS notice that instructed filing the Form I‑945.
- 3Leaving the obligor or agent/co‑obligor signature blank or using a typed name.
- 4Omitting required alien data such as A‑Number, OAN, or mailing address.
- 5Altering the text of Parts 3 or 4 in Part 5, which leads to rejection.
Plain English
Form I-945 lets a person or organization post a bond so an immigrant who is otherwise barred can be admitted to the United States. The bond guarantees the government that the immigrant will not become a public charge. Complete the form, sign it, and send it with the required USCIS notice.
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 to post a public charge bond for an alien inadmissible under INA 212(a)(4) but otherwise admissible.
- Do not use it when the alien is admissible without a bond or when a filing fee is required for another purpose.
- Check Form I-485 instead when you are filing to adjust status rather than posting a bond.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Alien seeks adjustment of status without bond requirement
I-485 processes adjustment, not bond posting
✓ Verify inadmissibility under 212(a)(4) before proceeding
Bond is required for inadmissible alien under 212(a)(4)
I-945 is the designated bond submission form
✓ Confirm you have the USCIS notice instructing filing
Alien needs to provide proof of bond payment
I-945 includes payment instructions and requires evidence of payment
✓ Ensure payment method follows website guidance
Deadline or filing window
The instructions do not specify a filing deadline or extension; filing must follow the USCIS notice that triggers the bond.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Obligor signature
Signature of obligor or agent/co-obligor · Form I-945 itself
Copy of USCIS communication
USCIS notice instructing you to file Form I-945 · USCIS correspondence
Alien A-Number
A-Number (or N/A) as printed on USCIS records · Alien’s immigration file
Bond payment method
Proof of payment method per website or call center · USCIS website or Contact Center record
Mailing address
Address where correspondence should be sent · Applicant’s records or USCIS website
Before you submit
- 1Print the completed Form I-945 on white paper
- 2Verify all required fields are filled in legibly
- 3Attach the USCIS notice that instructed you to file Form I-945
- 4Include the alien’s A-Number or write N/A
- 5Obtain the obligor’s handwritten signature and date
- 6Check the edition date reads 12/23/22
- 7Confirm no filing fee is required
- 8Visit www.uscis.gov/I-945 to obtain the current filing address
- 9Make a copy of the entire packet for your records
- 10Mail the package using a traceable method
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form I-945
- 2Attach the USCIS instruction notice
- 3Obtain the obligor’s handwritten signature and date
- 4Arrange payment of the bond amount following website guidance
- 5Mail the completed packet to the address listed on the USCIS website
- 6Retain the mailing receipt as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Form I-945 does not apply to aliens who are not inadmissible under INA 212(a)(4)
- 2Form I-945 cannot be filed without the USCIS notice directing you to submit the bond
- 3Altering the text of Parts 3 or 4 in Part 5 will cause USCIS to reject the bond
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 is Edition 12/23/22; the instructions direct users to the USCIS website for the latest filing address and payment information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the edition reads 12/23/22
- Fee — confirm there is no filing fee
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm the obligor or agent/co-obligor signs the form
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the filed Form I-945 and all supporting documents
- 2Retain the mailing receipt and any payment confirmation for at least five years
- 3Monitor USCIS communications for confirmation that the bond was accepted
- 4If the form is rejected, correct the identified errors and refile promptly
- 5Notify the bonded alien that the bond filing has been completed
- 6Store the filing receipt in your permanent records
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose is to submit a public charge bond for aliens inadmissible under INA 212(a)(4)
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A-Number field instructions and N/A option
- SRCInstructions p.2 — obligor or agent/co-obligor signature is mandatory
- SRCInstructions p.2 — include USCIS communication when filing or the form will be rejected
- SRCInstructions p.3 — there is no filing fee for Form I-945
- SRCInstructions p.3 — filing address must be checked on www.uscis.gov/I-945
- SRCForm p.11 — repeat of signature and additional sheet instructions
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a filing fee?
The instructions state there is no filing fee for Form I-945.
→ Verify the fee section reads “no filing fee”.
Can I type my name instead of signing?
The form requires a handwritten signature; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable.
→ Check the signature requirement in Part 5.
Where do I mail the form?
The instructions direct users to the USCIS website for the current filing address.
→ Visit www.uscis.gov/I-945 for the address.
Do I need to include the bond amount on the form?
Payment instructions are provided on the website or via the Contact Center.
→ Follow the payment guidance on www.uscis.gov/I-945.
Can I amend Parts 3 or 4 in Part 5?
Adding terms or conditions in Part 5 that alter Parts 3 or 4 will cause rejection.
→ Review Part 5 instructions about not amending other parts.
What if I don’t have an A-Number?
The form allows you to write “N/A” if no A-Number exists.
→ Enter “N/A” in the A-Number field when applicable.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-945
What is USCIS Form I-945 used for?
Form I-945 lets a person or organization post a bond so an immigrant who is otherwise barred can be admitted to the United States. The bond guarantees the government that the immigrant will not become a public charge. Complete the form, sign it, and send it with the required USCIS notice.
Who must file USCIS Form I-945?
The obligor or an authorized agent/co‑obligor of the alien must file USCIS Form I‑945.
What information does USCIS Form I-945 require?
The form collects the alien’s biographic details—A‑Number, USCIS Online Account Number, I‑485 receipt number, mailing and physical addresses—and requires the obligor’s signature.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-945?
USCIS directs filers to consult its website at www.uscis.gov/I-945 for the current filing address.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-945?
Complete Part 2 with the alien’s biographic information, attach the USCIS notice that instructed filing the bond, and ensure the obligor or agent/co‑obligor signs in Part 5. Do not use a stamped or typed name. Keep a copy for your records and submit the form to the address listed on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-945 is filed incorrectly?
If the form is incomplete or lacks a proper signature, USCIS will reject the bond and may impose severe penalties for falsifying information.
Do I need to pay a filing fee?
The instructions state there is no filing fee for Form I-945. Verify the fee section reads “no filing fee”. Confirm the fee column shows none
Can I type my name instead of signing?
The form requires a handwritten signature; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable. Check the signature requirement in Part 5. Ensure a real signature is present
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