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Form G-884: Request for the Return of Original Documents
USCIS Form G-884 is used to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit. A specific requirement is that a non-U.S. citizen must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving.
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USCIS Form G-884 - Request for the Return of Original Documents
USCIS Form G-884 is used to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit. A specific requirement is that a non-U.S. citizen must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use a stamped or typewritten name in place of a proper signature on any part of Form G-884.
- 2Filing without providing a United States mailing address (if different from home).
- 3Submitting a stamped or typewritten name instead of an actual signature on any part.
- 4Not including the Alien Registration Number (A-Number) when one exists.
- 5Failing to sign and date Part 5 before being before the certifying official.
Plain English
This form allows you to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to send back important original documents you previously submitted for an immigration or citizenship case. If you filed another form that asked for originals, you do not need to file this one; instead, you must provide a completed Form G-884 along with supporting paperwork.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You should use Form G-884 when you have submitted original documents that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has on file pertaining to your case.
- 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 requesting the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit.
- Do not use Form G-884 if you filed a form that requested original documents, as USCIS will automatically return those originals without needing this request.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when seeking specific information about the fees applicable to Form G-884.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting mother's birth certificate
Submit one form with mother’s details if documents are in her USCIS file.
✓ Check that you list the correct subject information.
Requesting parent's marriage certificate
Use this form to request a specific document from an existing USCIS file.
✓ Ensure the relationship between you and the subject is documented if filing for someone else.
General Document Return Request
This form serves as the primary vehicle for requesting original documents back from USCIS.
✓ Verify that the purpose listed matches the documents you need returned.
Deadline or filing window
The requirement to file is triggered when an original document has been submitted for eligibility. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, the deadline to notify USCIS of a new address is within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. There is no stated extension period mentioned.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Supporting Documents
Legible photocopies of all documents listed in Specific Instructions · Submitted with Form G-884
Proof of Relationship
Required if requesting documents from a file not relating to the requestor · Submitted with Form G-884
Identification Copies (2 forms)
Examples include I-551, Driver’s license, or Passport · Must be submitted before processing begins
Translation
Required for any document with information in a foreign language · Submitted with Form G-884
Requestor Signature/Date
The handwritten signature and date of the requestor (or guardian) · Part 5 of the form
Before you submit
- 1Complete all fields on Form G-884.
- 2Ensure the request is properly signed by the requestor (or parent/guardian if under age 14).
- 3Verify that you have included legible photocopies of all required supporting documents.
- 4Confirm two forms of acceptable identification are submitted with the request.
- 5If applicable, submit proof of relationship to the subject whose documents are being requested.
- 6If requesting for a deceased or incapacitated person, include evidence of power of attorney or executor status.
- 7If submitting in-person at an appointment, note that notarization is not required.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form G-884 (Parts 5 and 6) using the latest version.
- 2Sign and date Part 5 of the form before being before the certifying official, if possible.
- 3Attach legible photocopies of the required supporting documents, including two forms of identification.
- 4Mail or submit Form G-884 to USCIS by visiting www.uscis.gov/G-884 or calling 1-800-375-5283 for current filing locations.
- 5Receive confirmation that USCIS has accepted the request and begin tracking its completeness check.
Known limitations
- 1If a form already requested original documents, filing Form G-884 is unnecessary because USCIS will automatically return the originals.
- 2A requestor who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
- 3The USCIS Lockbox facilities do not process change of address requests submitted via Form G-884.
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 current edition of Form G-884 is dated 11/09/23, and the form's OMB number expires on 11/30/2026; the instructions direct users to check the USCIS website for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm it reads 11/09/23.
- Fee information — check Form G-1055 for specific fee details.
- Mailing address — verify current addresses on the USCIS website or by calling the Contact Center.
- Signature — ensure the request is properly signed, as a stamped or typewritten name alone is not accepted.
- Form Number — confirm the form number reads G-884.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed and signed Form G-884 after filing it with USCIS.
- 2Submit two forms of identification along with Form G-884 for USCIS to consider the request.
- 3If requesting documents from another person's file, submit proof of relationship between the filer and the subject.
- 4If the subject is deceased or incapacitated, provide evidence of a power of attorney or that the filer is the executor of the subject’s estate.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form G-884 is to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A completed and signed Form G-884 plus supporting documentation must be provided when requesting document return.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Item Number 3 (Alien Registration Number) is your Alien Registration Number, which should be left blank if unknown.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item Number 4 (Date of Birth) requires the subject's date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Two forms of identification must be submitted; examples include Form I-551, Driver’s license, or U.S./foreign passport.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — The OMB Number for Form G-884 is 1615-0100.
Common confusion points
What if I don't have an A-Number?
Leave Item Number 3 (Alien Registration Number) blank on Form G-884.
→ Check Instructions p.2 and p.3.
Do I need to notarize Form G-884?
No, a notary is not required if submitting the form in person at a scheduled appointment.
→ Check Instructions p.4.
What is the difference between my home address and mailing address?
Provide your mailing address separately on Item Number 2 if it differs from your home address.
→ Check Instructions p.2.
When must I file Form G-884?
Use it when original documents have been submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit.
→ Check Instructions p.1.
What happens if my form is incomplete?
USCIS may reject or deny the request because a basis for eligibility will not be established.
→ Check Instructions p.6.
Can I use a typed name instead of signing?
No, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature on any part of Form G-884.
→ Check Instructions p.1.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form G-884
What is USCIS Form G-884 used for?
This form allows you to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to send back important original documents you previously submitted for an immigration or citizenship case. If you filed another form that asked for originals, you do not need to file this one; instead, you must provide a completed Form G-884 along with supporting paperwork.
Who must file USCIS Form G-884?
Any individual who submitted original documents to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit may use USCIS Form G-884.
What information does USCIS Form G-884 require?
The form collects details such as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), contact information, and requires signatures in Part 3 (if prepared by someone else) and Part 5. The requestor must specify which documents they are seeking to return.
When is USCIS Form G-884 due?
You should use Form G-884 when you have submitted original documents that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has on file pertaining to your case.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-884?
The form can be sent via mail, but a requestor who is not a U.S. citizen must ensure they provide a United States address for filing. Note that the USCIS Lockbox facilities do not process change of address requests submitted with this form.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-884?
First, complete all necessary items, including providing contact information. If someone else prepares the request, they must sign Part 3. The requestor must then sign and date Part 5 before being before the certifying official.
What happens if USCIS Form G-884 is filed incorrectly?
If you do not completely fill out Form G-884, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility, and USCIS may reject or deny your request.
What if I don't have an A-Number?
Leave Item Number 3 (Alien Registration Number) blank on Form G-884. Check Instructions p.2 and p.3.
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