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Official form guide
Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
USCIS Form I-360 is Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant and is used to petition for classification as a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you are filing an EB-4 special immigrant petition, your employer must file Form I-360.
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USCIS Form I-360 - Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
USCIS Form I-360 is Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant and is used to petition for classification as a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you are filing an EB-4 special immigrant petition, your employer must file Form I-360.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to provide an alternate/safe address in Part 1., Item Number 7 may cause USCIS to use the preparer's address instead.
- 2Filing without providing an alternate/safe address in Part 1., Item Number 7.
- 3Not signing the petition or failing to have a proper signing authority complete it.
- 4Submitting original documents when photocopies are specifically requested by instructions.
- 5Failing to include a full English translation for foreign language documents.
Plain English
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to recognize a person's status as Amerasian, or to classify them as a Special Immigrant. It is used when the petitioner is petitioning for themselves or another individual who qualifies under specific criteria.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source. However, if applying as a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicant after July 20, 2022, certain filing rules apply regarding Form DS-157.
- 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 petitioning an alien to be classified as an Amerasian, a Widow or Widower of a U.S. citizen, or one of the listed Special Immigrants (e.g., Special Immigrant Juvenile, Religious Worker).
- Do not use it when filing for other classifications if the beneficiary does not meet the criteria for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when determining specific applicable fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing for an Amerasian
This is used to classify an alien as an Amerasian, which is one of the primary purposes of the petition.
✓ Verify that the beneficiary meets the criteria for Amerasian status.
Filing for a Widow or Widower
This form classifies the applicant as a Widow or Widower of a U.S. citizen.
✓ Ensure you include proof that the deceased was a U.S. citizen.
Filing an EB-4 Special Immigrant Petition
The special immigrant category can be used for EB-4 Fourth Preference, requiring this form to classify the applicant as one of several defined special immigrants (e.g., Religious Worker).
✓ Confirm which specific type of special immigrant applies to the beneficiary.
Filing for a Special Immigrant Juvenile
This is one of the specific categories under which special immigrants may use this form for EB-4 Fourth Preference.
✓ Ensure you have evidence supporting the juvenile status as defined by immigration law.
Deadline or filing window
The official source does not list a specific deadline date for all petitioners. However, if filing as an SIV applicant after July 20, 2022, and receiving a Chief of Mission Approval without a specific sentence in the letter, the form must be filed with USCIS.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Parentage Evidence (for Amerasian/Widow(er))
Birth or baptismal records, local civil records, affidavit, correspondence, financial support proof, photographs of the father, or affidavits from knowledgeable witnesses. · Varies; often submitted with the petition.
Beneficiary Photograph
A current photograph of the beneficiary. · Form I-360 (Field 3, implied).
Marriage/Divorce Proof (if married)
Copy of the marriage certificate and proof of termination of any prior marriages. · Submitted with the petition.
Abuse Evidence (for Special Immigrants)
Reports/affidavits from police, judges, medical personnel, school officials, clergy, social workers, or other social service agency personnel; copies of protection orders or legal steps taken to end abuse. · Submitted with the petition.
Cohabitation Evidence (for Special Immigrants)
Employment records, utility receipts, school/hospital/medical records, birth certificates of children, mortgages, rental records, insurance policies, or affidavits showing joint residency with the abuser. · Submitted with the petition.
Broadcasting Expertise (if applicable)
Documentation detailing how long the beneficiary performed duties related to the prospective position OR a statement confirming necessary skills for the role at BBG/grantee. · Form I-360 (Implied section regarding broadcasting).
Before you submit
- 1The petitioner signs the USCIS Form I-360 in ink, as a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted.
- 2If the beneficiary is under 14 years of age, confirm that their parent or legal guardian signed on their behalf.
- 3For any foreign language document submitted with the petition, verify that a full English translation is included and certified by a competent translator (including signature, printed name, date, and contact info).
- 4If applicable, include the Form I-94 number AND the expiration/departure date from the CBP or USCIS issued Form I-94.
- 5Confirm all required sponsorship documents are filed with the petition, rather than waiting until requested by USCIS.
- 6Ensure that if filing for a Special Immigrant, you have provided evidence demonstrating both abuse AND cohabitation (or other qualifying criteria).
- 7If applicable, verify that any supporting documentation regarding broadcasting expertise is clearly attached and addresses the required scope/duration.
- 8Check that all signatures on Form I-360 are handwritten ink signatures (even if photocopied or scanned from originals).
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required sections of USCIS Form I-360 using the current edition (01/20/25).
- 2Attach full English translations for any documents submitted in a foreign language, ensuring the translator certifies accuracy.
- 3Sign the petition according to rules: if under 14, have a parent or legal guardian sign; ensure signatures are handwritten ink originals (or valid copies).
- 4Include supporting documentation such as proof of Amerasian status, VAWA evidence, and Form I-94 details.
- 5Determine applicable fees using the information provided on Form G-1055.
- 6Mail or submit the completed package to USCIS according to instructions found on the form (check www.uscis.gov/i-360 for specific filing locations).
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-360 is used to classify an alien as an Amerasian, a Widow or Widower of a U.S. citizen, or one of several defined Special Immigrants.
- 2If the beneficiary is applying for EB-4 Fourth Preference, the employer must file Form I-360, but the employee may self-petition under certain circumstances.
- 3If an applicant's U.S. citizen spouse filed Form I-130 before death and it was approved or pending, filing this Form I-360 is not necessary (unless converted to a widow(er)'s Form I-360).
- 4For Special Immigrants applying after July 20, 2022, if the Chief of Mission Approval letter lacks a specific sentence, the applicant may file Form DS-157 with DOS instead of USCIS.
- 5If filing for a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) and receiving a Chief of Mission Approval letter without the required sentence, the form must still be filed with USCIS.
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 USCIS Form I-360 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions booklet indicates that users should check www.uscis.gov/i-360 for updates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — refer to Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — The source does not list a specific mailing address, but directs users to check www.uscis.gov/i-360 for filing instructions.
- Signature — confirm that the signature is handwritten ink (a photocopy, fax, or scan of an original handwriting is valid).
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1The filer (or their signing authority) must properly complete the petition.
- 2At biometrics appointment, the applicant must sign an oath affirming they provided/authorized all information and that it was true and correct at filing.
- 3Legible photocopies of requested documents should be submitted unless instructions specify originals are needed; USCIS may request originals later.
- 4If original documents are submitted but not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after receipt.
- 5The filer must retain a copy of the filed Form I-360.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-360 is to classify an alien as an Amerasian, a Widow or Widower of a U.S. citizen, or Special Immigrants.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — When filing for a widow(er), you must include a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of prior termination of marriages.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If the spouse's I-130 was approved or pending before death, this Form I-360 is not needed (unless converted to a widow(er)'s Form I-360).
- SRCInstructions p.9 — If Chief of Mission Approval letter lacks specific sentence, you should file Form I-360 with USCIS.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — For EB-4 special immigrant petition, the employer must file Form I-360, but the employee may self-petition if eligible.
- SRCForm p.5 — The form is identified as USCIS Form I-360, Edition 01/20/25.
Common confusion points
What is my OAN if I mailed the form?
The Online Account Number (OAN) can be found at the top of the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS.
→ Check the Account Access Notice.
When should I file Form I-360 instead of just filing DS-157 with DOS for Special Immigrants?
File Form I-360 with USCIS if you received a Chief of Mission Approval letter that does NOT contain the sentence: 'A signed DS-157 submitted by the principal applicant named above is hereby approved as a petition for classification as a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act'.
→ Verify the wording on your approval letter.
Do I need to file Form I-360 if my U.S. citizen spouse already filed an I-130?
You do not need to file this petition unless the I-130 was converted to a widow(er)'s Form I-360 upon the spouse's death.
→ Check your existing I-130 status.
What should I write if a question requires a number but the answer is 'none'?
Type or print 'None', unless otherwise directed by the instructions.
→ Review the specific question on Form I-360.
Is my A-Number the same as my OAN?
No, the OAN (USCIS Online Account Number) is not the same as an A-Number.
→ Compare the numbers listed on your documents.
What if I started the SIV application process after July 20, 2022?
Do NOT file a Form I-360 with USCIS; instead, file Form DS-157 with required documents and email them to [email protected].
→ Confirm the start date of your SIV process.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-360
What is USCIS Form I-360 used for?
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to recognize a person's status as Amerasian, or to classify them as a Special Immigrant. It is used when the petitioner is petitioning for themselves or another individual who qualifies under specific criteria.
Who must file USCIS Form I-360?
The filer categories include the spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, the parent of a U.S. Citizen Son or Daughter (VAWA Self-Petitioning), or an employer filing on behalf of an employee seeking EB-4 status.
What information does USCIS Form I-360 require?
The form collects details regarding the relationship and qualifying circumstances in various parts; specifically, Part 1 requires providing an alternate/safe address if one is needed for correspondence.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-360?
The instructions direct filers to follow specific guidance on where to file; generally, the USCIS Contact Center can be reached at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or by phone.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-360?
The petitioner or authorized signatory must properly complete the form and sign it. If filing at a biometrics appointment, the signer must affirm they provided/authorized all information and that it was true and correct upon filing.
What happens if USCIS Form I-360 is filed incorrectly?
If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition. Furthermore, if an alternate address is omitted in Part 1., Item Number 7, USCIS may use the preparer's address.
What is my OAN if I mailed the form?
The Online Account Number (OAN) can be found at the top of the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS. Check the Account Access Notice.
When should I file Form I-360 instead of just filing DS-157 with DOS for Special Immigrants?
File Form I-360 with USCIS if you received a Chief of Mission Approval letter that does NOT contain the sentence: 'A signed DS-157 submitted by the principal applicant named above is hereby approved as a petition for classification as a special immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act'. Verify the wording on your approval letter.
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