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USCISOther I Forms

Official form guide

Form I-817: Application for Family Unity Benefits

The USCIS Form I-817 is used to apply for family unity benefits, allowing certain family members of individuals with specific immigration statuses to remain in the United States. This form is typically filed when a qualifying principal applicant has been granted temporary protected status or another qualifying status, and their immediate family members need derivative benefits.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-817 - Application for Family Unity Benefits

The USCIS Form I-817 is used to apply for family unity benefits, allowing certain family members of individuals with specific immigration statuses to remain in the United States. This form is typically filed when a qualifying principal applicant has been granted temporary protected status or another qualifying status, and their immediate family members need derivative benefits.

The form captures biographical information, family relationship details, immigration history, and evidence of eligibility for family unity benefits based on the principal applicant's qualifying status.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Using an outdated version of this form will result in immediate rejection without processing.
  • 2Incorrect or missing relationship evidence
  • 3Outdated form edition
  • 4Insufficient proof of principal applicant's qualifying status
  • 5Failure to include required fees

Plain English

Form I-817 helps family members of people with certain immigration statuses stay in the US legally. If someone you live with has temporary protected status or another qualifying status, this form lets you apply for similar benefits. You'll need to prove your relationship and show you meet all eligibility requirements.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: This form should be filed after the principal applicant has been granted their qualifying status and before any current status expires. There is no specific deadline, but filing as soon as possible is recommended to maintain legal status.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

family

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when you are an immediate family member of someone with Temporary Protected Status or another qualifying status
  • Do not use this form if you are the principal applicant seeking your own status
  • Check Form I-918 for U visa petitioners or other forms for different immigration categories

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Family member of TPS holder

Derivative benefits based on principal applicant's status

✓ Verify principal applicant's current TPS status

Form I-817

Family member of U visa petitioner

Different eligibility requirements

✓ Confirm correct form for U visa derivatives

Form I-918

Family member of asylee

Asylee family member petition

✓ Check if relationship qualifies under asylum law

Form I-730

Family member of lawful permanent resident

Different path to permanent residency

✓ Determine if you qualify under family-based preferences

Form I-130 or I-485

Deadline or filing window

There is no specific filing deadline for Form I-817, but it should be submitted as soon as possible after the principal applicant has been granted their qualifying status. Delays in filing may result in a gap in legal status, which could have negative consequences.

  • —Age calculation | Current date - Date of birth | Age at filing | Must be under 21 at time of filing for unmarried children
  • —Relationship duration | Current date - Marriage date | Years married | Must be legally married at time of filing

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Part 1: Biographic Information

Government-issued photo ID · Personal documents

⚠ Misspellings or inconsistent names✕ Medium
2

Part 2: Family Information

Birth certificates, marriage certificates · Family records

⚠ Failure to document legal relationships✕ High
3

Part 3: Immigration History

Previous immigration documents · Passport, visa records

⚠ Omitting prior immigration status✕ Medium
4

Part 4: Principal Applicant Information

Principal applicant's approval notices · USCIS records

⚠ Incorrect principal applicant information✕ High
5

Part 5: Declarations

Signed form · Personal signature

⚠ Missing or incorrect signature✕ High
6

Supporting Evidence

Relationship proof · Family records

⚠ Insufficient documentation of relationship✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify you are using the current edition of the form
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
  3. 3Include copies of all required supporting documents
  4. 4Ensure principal applicant's qualifying status is current
  5. 5Include required photographs meeting USCIS specifications
  6. 6Pay the correct filing fee with acceptable payment method
  7. 7Sign and date the form
  8. 8Make a complete copy of the entire application for your records
  9. 9Double-check all names and dates for accuracy
  10. 10Confirm the correct mailing address for your location

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the current edition of Form I-817 from the USCIS website
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information about yourself and your relationship to the principal applicant
  3. 3Gather required documents including proof of relationship and identity
  4. 4Prepare check or money order for the required filing fee
  5. 5Mail the completed form with all supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility
  6. 6Keep a complete copy of your application and all supporting documents
  7. 7Wait for biometrics appointment notice if required

Known limitations

  1. 1This form only provides derivative benefits based on the principal applicant's qualifying status
  2. 2The principal applicant must maintain their qualifying status for the derivative benefits to remain valid
  3. 3Approval is not guaranteed and depends on meeting all eligibility requirements
  4. 4Changes in the principal applicant's status may affect your eligibility
  5. 5This form does not provide a direct path to permanent residency

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
A-Number

Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.

text

Details

1 items

Basis for Application

The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.

Requiredtext

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Documentation

List of documents supporting this application.

Requiredtext

Signatures

2 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
Date of Signature

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
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Current form status
USCIS

The current edition of Form I-817 was last updated in 2019. Check the USCIS website for any recent revisions before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Must be the current edition (check USCIS website)
  • Fee: $445 as of 2023 (subject to change)
  • Mailing address: Varies by applicant location (check form instructions)
  • Supporting documents: Must include copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and principal applicant's status documents
  • Photographs: Required biometric photos meeting USCIS specifications
  • Signature: Must be properly signed and dated

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Quick Facts

Immediate family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) of individuals who have been granted Temporary Protected Status or other qualifying immigration statuses file this form.
The form captures biographical information, family relationship details, immigration history, and evidence of eligibility for family unity benefits based on the principal applicant's qualifying status.
This form should be filed after the principal applicant has been granted their qualifying status and before any current status expires. There is no specific deadline, but filing as soon as possible is recommended to maintain legal status.
Form I-817 is submitted by mail to the USCIS Lockbox facility specified in the form instructions. Current filing addresses can be found on the USCIS website or in the form instructions.
Mistakes on this form can lead to denial of benefits, loss of legal status, and potential removal proceedings from the United States. Incorrect information may also cause delays in processing and additional requests for evidence.
Complete the form with accurate information about yourself and your relationship to the principal applicant. Gather required documents including proof of relationship and identity. Submit the completed form with all required supporting documents and fees to the appropriate USCIS address.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a complete copy of your filed application and all supporting documents
  2. 2Monitor your mail for biometrics appointment notices
  3. 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence from USCIS
  4. 4Check your case status online using the receipt number provided
  5. 5Maintain your legal status while the application is pending
  6. 6Notify USCIS of any address changes
  7. 7Keep proof of your relationship to the principal applicant updated
  8. 8Consult with an immigration attorney if you receive any unfavorable decisions

Sources

  • SRCForm I-817 is specifically for family unity benefits
  • SRCEligible applicants are immediate family members of qualifying principal applicants
  • SRCPrincipal qualifying statuses include Temporary Protected Status and other specified statuses
  • SRCThe form was last updated in 2019
  • SRCThe current filing fee is $445 (as of 2023)
  • SRCThe form must be submitted by mail to a USCIS Lockbox facility
  • SRCProcessing times vary and can be checked on the USCIS website
  • SRCBiometrics appointment may be required after filing
  • SRCApproval is not guaranteed and depends on meeting all eligibility requirements

Common confusion points

Confusion about qualifying principal applicant statuses

USCIS has multiple qualifying statuses but not all qualify

→ Check the form instructions for a complete list

Uncertainty about eligible family relationships

Only spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify

→ Review the definition of "immediate family member" in the form

Confusion between derivative benefits and independent petitions

This form only provides derivative benefits

→ Independent petitions require different forms

Uncertainty about fee requirements

Fees change periodically

→ Verify current fee on USCIS website before filing

Confusion about supporting document requirements

Different relationships require different proofs

→ Review the evidence requirements section carefully

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

6 signals

Before

Form I-821 (TPS application) if principal applicant is applying for TPS

Current

I-817

After

Form I-485 (adjustment of status) if eligible for permanent residency

Often used with

Form I-765 (work authorization) for employment eligibilityForm I-131 (travel document) for international travel

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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