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Official form guide
Form I-356: Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
USCIS Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond that was previously posted. This form is filed when the conditions that required the bond no longer exist or the bond was posted in error.
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USCIS Form I-356 - Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
USCIS Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond that was previously posted. This form is filed when the conditions that required the bond no longer exist or the bond was posted in error.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting an incomplete or outdated form may result in continued financial liability for the bond.
- 2Incorrect bond information leading to processing delays
- 3Missing supporting documentation for cancellation reasons
- 4Outdated form version causing rejection
- 5Failure to include proper fees
Plain English
Form I-356 helps you cancel a financial guarantee you provided to the government when someone was coming to the U.S. You might use this if the person is no longer in the U.S., has become a citizen, or if you posted the bond by mistake.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File Form I-356 when the conditions requiring the bond no longer exist, such as when the person becomes a U.S. citizen, departs the U.S. permanently, or if the bond was posted in error.
- 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 want to cancel a public charge bond that is no longer needed
- Do not use this form to request a new bond or to appeal a bond denial
- Check Form I-945 for bond information before completing this form
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bond was posted for a visa applicant
Contains bond details needed for cancellation
✓ Verify bond number and amount match
Person became a U.S. citizen
Citizenship status is a valid reason for bond cancellation
✓ Include naturalization certificate as evidence
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific deadline for filing Form I-356, but it should be submitted as soon as the conditions requiring the bond no longer exist. Delays may result in continued financial liability for the bond.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Bond information section
Immigration Bond Receipt (Form I-945) · Original bond documentation
Reason for cancellation
Citizenship certificate, departure records, or proof of error · Personal documents
Petitioner information
Government-issued identification · Personal records
Supporting evidence
Documents proving bond is no longer needed · Personal records
Before you submit
- 1Verify you have the correct edition of Form I-356
- 2Complete all sections of the form
- 3Include the correct bond number and amount
- 4Provide clear explanation for cancellation request
- 5Attach all supporting documentation
- 6Include proper payment if a fee is required
- 7Sign and date the form
- 8Make a copy of the completed form before submission
- 9Use the current mailing address
How to file this form
- 1Obtain Form I-356 from the USCIS website or request by mail
- 2Complete the form with bond details and cancellation reasons
- 3Gather supporting evidence like citizenship certificates or departure records
- 4Submit the form with any required fees to the appropriate USCIS office
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
- 6Follow up with USCIS if you don't receive acknowledgment within 30 days
Known limitations
- 1USCIS may deny cancellation requests if they determine the bond should remain in effect
- 2Processing times can vary significantly and may take several months
- 3The form does not guarantee cancellation of the bond
- 4Bond cancellation does not affect any immigration status decisions
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->Form I-356 is an active form, but verify the current edition on the USCIS website as immigration forms are regularly updated.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Check USCIS website for current version
- Fee: Verify current fee amount as it may change periodically
- Mailing address: Confirm correct address as it varies by location
- Signature requirements: Ensure proper signature and notarization if required
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the submitted form and all supporting documents
- 2Note the date of submission and method used
- 3Monitor USCIS processing times online
- 4Follow up with USCIS if you haven't received a response within the typical processing time
- 5Keep records of any communication with USCIS about your request
- 6Notify the bond co-signer of the cancellation request
Sources
- SRCForm purpose: Request cancellation of public charge bond
- SRCForm filer: Person who posted the bond
- SRCRequired documentation: Bond receipt, evidence of cancellation reason
- SRCSubmission method: Mail to appropriate USCIS office
- SRCProcessing time: Not specified in provided source
- SRCFee information: Not found in provided source
Common confusion points
Bond number vs. case number
The bond number is specific to the financial guarantee, while case number relates to immigration proceedings
→ Check Form I-945 for the correct bond number
Who can file the form
Only the person who posted the bond can request its cancellation
→ Verify your name matches the bond records
What constitutes valid cancellation reasons
Citizenship, permanent departure, or posting error are generally accepted
→ Provide clear documentation for your reason
Fee requirements
Some versions of the form require a fee while others may not
→ Check the current form instructions for fee requirements
Processing timeline
There is no standard processing time for bond cancellation requests
→ Be prepared for delays and maintain records
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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