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Official form guide
Form I-356: Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
DHS Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond submitted on behalf of an alien via Form I-945. The form instructions are dated 01/20/25.
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USCIS Form I-356 - Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
DHS Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond submitted on behalf of an alien via Form I-945. The form instructions are dated 01/20/25.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature on Form I-356.
- 2Filing without the proper signature from the alien or their executor/preparer.
- 3Submitting a stamped name instead of an actual handwritten signature on Form I-356.
- 4Not providing proof when indicating the alien became a U.S. Citizen in Part 4.
- 5Using an incorrect mailing address in Item Number 10 (Part 3).
Plain English
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to cancel the financial guarantee (public charge bond) that was posted for another person. This is done after certain circumstances change, such as the alien becoming a citizen or leaving the country permanently. Filing this correctly helps ensure the bond obligation ends.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific due date, but it must be filed when the circumstance necessitating cancellation occurs (e.g., becoming a citizen).
- 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 cancellation of a public charge bond that was submitted on behalf of an alien using Form I-945.
- Do not use it if you are submitting a substitute bond to release an obligor from the current liability of a public charge bond posted with USCIS.
- Check Form I-945 instead when posting the original public charge bond.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Alien is deceased
The executor of the alien’s estate must file this request.
✓ Check that the executor submits a certified document proving authority.
Obligor posted the bond
The obligor or their authorized agent (co-obligor, for surety companies) can submit this form.
✓ Check if you are filing as the obligated party or an agent.
Alien is naturalized
Cancellation occurs once the alien becomes a U.S. Citizen; provide proof of citizenship in Part 4.
✓ Check that Item 2 in Part 4 indicates 'Yes' and includes supporting proof.
Deadline or filing window
The form does not list a specific filing deadline date; however, it should be filed when the qualifying event occurs. If USCIS requires more information later, they may request originals of submitted copies for determination.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part 4: Reason for Cancellation
Proof of citizenship (if applicable) · Provided with Form I-356
General Request
All evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Instructions · Submitted along with Form I-356
Translator Certification (if needed)
Translator's signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information · Part 2/Instructions
Deceased Alien Request
Certified copy of legal authority document (e.g., small estate affidavit, will, court order) · Submitted with Form I-356
Stateless Applicant
Type or print 'stateless' and provide an explanation in Part 8 · Part 8
Before you submit
- 1Complete all required fields on Form I-356.
- 2Ensure the request is properly signed by the filer or signing authority.
- 3If filing for a deceased alien, include the certified document establishing legal authority.
- 4If using a translator, confirm their certification includes all four required elements (signature, name, date, contact).
- 5Provide a valid mailing address in Item Number 10 of Part 8.
- 6Include all other evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Instructions.
- 7Confirm that any photocopies or scans submitted are of an original, handwritten ink signature.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-356 by filling out all required information, including providing a valid mailing address (Item Number 10).
- 2Sign the request properly; if under age 14, have your parent or legal guardian sign.
- 3Gather and attach all supporting evidence listed in the Instructions, ensuring any foreign document has a certified English translation.
- 4Mail the completed Form I-356 and evidence to USCIS using the address specified on www.uscis.gov/I-356 for current location confirmation.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not specify a hard deadline for filing, but it notes that if the filer does not attend their biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny the request.
- 2It is not stated in the official source whether Form I-356 applies to cancellations requested after the bond has been fully satisfied or only before other actions are taken.
- 3The form itself does not list a requirement for filing within a specific time frame relative to another event, but it requires submission to request cancellation of a bond previously posted on Form I-945.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-356 is dated 01/20/25; instructions direct filers to check www.uscis.gov for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm it reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site).
- Mailing address — Provide a valid mailing address in Item Number 10 of Part 8.
- Signature — Ensure the request is signed by you or your signing authority, as USCIS will reject unsigned requests.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct the filer to submit an original document.
- 2Keep a copy of the completed and signed Form I-356 for personal records.
- 3If USCIS requests an original document, it will be returned after USCIS determines it no longer needs that specific original.
- 4The request must be properly signed; if unsigned or invalidly signed, USCIS will reject it (See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A)).
- 5If the initial submission is incomplete or unsigned, the filer may resubmit Form I-356.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-356 is to request cancellation of the public charge bond submitted on behalf of an alien on Form I-945.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-356 can be filed by the alien, their attorney/accredited representative, or the executor if the alien is deceased.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The filer (or signing authority) must properly complete the request; a stamped or typewritten name will not be accepted as a signature.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item 1 requires the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), which appears on Form I-551.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — USCIS may reject any Form I-356 that is unsigned or incomplete, and it can be resubmitted once fixed.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If a document is submitted in a foreign language, a full English translation must also be provided and certified by the translator.
Common confusion points
Who should file this form?
The alien whose bond is being canceled, their attorney/accredited representative, the obligor (who posted the bond), or the obligor's authorized agent.
→ Check Part 1 of the instructions to see who qualifies as a filer.
What do I need to submit with Form I-356?
Legible photocopies of requested documents are standard, but if foreign language is used, a complete English translation must also be submitted.
→ Ensure all attached documents meet these requirements.
Does the signature have to be original ink?
Yes; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature on this request.
→ Sign the form yourself or have your signing authority sign it.
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
It is a unique USCIS Online Account Number, found if you previously filed online (in your profile) or by mail (on the Account Access Notice).
→ If you don't have a receipt starting with IOE, you likely do not have an OAN.
What happens if I submit originals when copies are fine?
USCIS may destroy them after receiving them.
→ Submit originals only if specifically instructed to do so by the Instructions.
What is the difference between A-Number and OAN?
The A-Number is typically from Form I-551, while the OAN relates to online/mailed filings; they are not the same thing.
→ Verify that you place both numbers in their correct corresponding fields on Form I-356.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- USCIS may request additional evidence or require an interview before making a cancellation determination.
Questions about USCIS Form I-356
What is USCIS Form I-356 used for?
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to cancel the financial guarantee (public charge bond) that was posted for another person. This is done after certain circumstances change, such as the alien becoming a citizen or leaving the country permanently. Filing this correctly helps ensure the bond obligation ends.
Who must file USCIS Form I-356?
Form I-356 can be filed by the alien on whose behalf the public charge bond was posted, the alien’s attorney or accredited representative, or if deceased, the executor of the alien’s estate. It can also be filed by the obligor (the person who posted the bond) or the obligor’s authorized agent.
What information does USCIS Form I-356 require?
The form collects details such as the current legal name and mailing/physical addresses in Parts 3 and 4. Part 4 specifically asks about circumstances like whether the alien became a U.S. Citizen or permanently departed the United States since adjusting status.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-356?
For current filing locations, users should visit www.uscis.gov/I-356. The USCIS Contact Center can also provide information about where to file.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-356?
The filer must complete all relevant parts, including providing identification details in Part 3 and the reason for cancellation in Part 4. The request must be properly completed by the filer (or their signing authority) and signed before submission. If a translator is used, they must also sign a certification.
What happens if USCIS Form I-356 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject any Form I-356 that is not signed or is incomplete; this requires resubmission once the errors are corrected.
Who should file this form?
The alien whose bond is being canceled, their attorney/accredited representative, the obligor (who posted the bond), or the obligor's authorized agent. Check Part 1 of the instructions to see who qualifies as a filer.
What do I need to submit with Form I-356?
Legible photocopies of requested documents are standard, but if foreign language is used, a complete English translation must also be submitted. Ensure all attached documents meet these requirements.
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