Taking Charge with Form I-824: Your Path to Post-Approval Progress
Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is typically filed by individuals who want to request further action on a previously approved application or petition. Here are some common scenarios where Form I-824 may be used:
Consular Processing: If you have an approved immigrant petition (such as an I-130 or I-140) and you wish to have the case transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing, you can file Form I-824.
Following-to-Join Dependents: If you are the principal beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition, and you want to request that your eligible dependents join you in the United States, you can file Form I-824 on their behalf.
Change of Address: If you’ve changed your address since the approval of your petition or application and want to ensure that USCIS sends the relevant documents to the correct address, you can use Form I-824 to notify them of the change.
It’s important to note that the specific eligibility criteria and instructions for filing Form I-824 may vary depending on the type of application or petition that was previously approved. Before filing, it’s advisable to carefully review the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the particular situation.
Additionally, individuals should submit Form I-824 to the USCIS service center that approved the original petition or application. The form and its instructions can be found on the official USCIS website. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your case, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.
Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document, is used by nonimmigrants in the United States to apply for a replacement of their Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, or to request an initial Form I-94 if they did not receive one upon entry into the U.S. Here are the general steps on how to file Form I-102:
Download the Form: Obtain the latest version of Form I-102 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Make sure you are using the most recent edition of the form.
Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions that accompany Form I-102. This will provide you with important information on eligibility, required documentation, and filing fees.
Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents, including evidence of your nonimmigrant status, a copy of the police report if your documents were lost or stolen, and any other documents specified in the instructions.
Complete the Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely. Provide all required information, including personal details, information about your nonimmigrant status, and details regarding the loss, theft, or failure to receive the Form I-94.
Fees: Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the current filing fee for Form I-102. Include the appropriate fee payment with your application. Payment can typically be made by check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Mail the Application: Mail the completed Form I-102 along with all supporting documents and the filing fee to the address specified in the form instructions. Make sure to use the correct mailing address based on your location and the type of delivery service you choose.
Await USCIS Processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for USCIS to process it. You may receive a receipt notice with a case number, which you can use to check the status of your application online.
Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is typically filed by individuals who want to request further action on a previously approved application or petition. Here are some common scenarios where Form I-824 may be used:
- Consular Processing: If you have an approved immigrant petition (such as an I-130 or I-140) and you wish to have the case transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing, you can file Form I-824.
- Following-to-Join Dependents: If you are the principal beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition, and you want to request that your eligible dependents join you in the United States, you can file Form I-824 on their behalf.
- Change of Address: If you’ve changed your address since the approval of your petition or application and want to ensure that USCIS sends the relevant documents to the correct address, you can use Form I-824 to notify them of the change.
It’s important to note that the specific eligibility criteria and instructions for filing Form I-824 may vary depending on the type of application or petition that was previously approved. Before filing, it’s advisable to carefully review the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the particular situation.
Additionally, individuals should submit Form I-824 to the USCIS service center that approved the original petition or application. The form and its instructions can be found on the official USCIS website. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your case, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.
Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document, is used by nonimmigrants in the United States to apply for a replacement of their Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, or to request an initial Form I-94 if they did not receive one upon entry into the U.S. Here are the general steps on how to file Form I-102:
- Download the Form: Obtain the latest version of Form I-102 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Make sure you are using the most recent edition of the form.
- Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions that accompany Form I-102. This will provide you with important information on eligibility, required documentation, and filing fees.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents, including evidence of your nonimmigrant status, a copy of the police report if your documents were lost or stolen, and any other documents specified in the instructions.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely. Provide all required information, including personal details, information about your nonimmigrant status, and details regarding the loss, theft, or failure to receive the Form I-94.
- Fees: Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the current filing fee for Form I-102. Include the appropriate fee payment with your application. Payment can typically be made by check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
- Mail the Application: Mail the completed Form I-102 along with all supporting documents and the filing fee to the address specified in the form instructions. Make sure to use the correct mailing address based on your location and the type of delivery service you choose.
- Await USCIS Processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for USCIS to process it. You may receive a receipt notice with a case number, which you can use to check the status of your application online.

Arman Ali, respects both business and technology. He enjoys writing about new business and technical developments. He has previously written content for numerous SaaS and IT organizations. He also enjoys reading about emerging technical trends and advances.