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Official form guide
Form I-854: Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record
USCIS Form I-854 is an Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record used to request S nonimmigrant status or adjustment of status for witnesses/informants. There are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
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USCIS Form I-854 - Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record
USCIS Form I-854 is an Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record used to request S nonimmigrant status or adjustment of status for witnesses/informants. There are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit without the Criminal Division's certification, as USCIS will not adjudicate requests on Forms I-854A/B without it.
- 2Filing without the Criminal Division's required certification (for I-854A/B).
- 3Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature on Form I-854.
- 4Submitting derivative beneficiaries without including all required documentation for them.
- 5Failing to use a separate form for each alien witness and/or informant requested.
Plain English
This form officially records that a person has acted as an alien witness or informant, allowing them to apply for special immigration benefits (S nonimmigrant status). It is used when the individual provides critical information to a law enforcement agency. The filing of this record supports the request for S classification or adjustment of status.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing window; however, for citizens, USCIS must be notified of a new address within 10 days of moving from the previous residence.
- 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 law enforcement agencies (LEAs) request classification as S nonimmigrants for an alien witness and/or informant (Form I-854A).
- Do not use it when filing for adjustment of status to LPR under section 245(j) unless you are also using Form I-854B.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific details about the applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to request S classification only
This form is used by LEAs to request S nonimmigrant status.
✓ Check before you continue
Need to request adjustment of status under 245(j)
This form requests permission for an S nonimmigrant to apply for LPR status.
✓ Check before you continue
Need a paper copy of your arrival record
Use this form with USCIS if the CBP website does not provide the electronic Form I-94.
✓ Check before you continue
Deadline or filing window
For citizens, the deadline to notify USCIS of a new address is within 10 days of moving from the previous residence. The source does not state an extension period for this notification requirement.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
S Classification Request
Documentation establishing fulfillment of S terms and conditions · Attached to Form I-854B
Translator's Certification
Translator’s signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information · Required for translation
Passport/Travel Document Numbers
The actual number(s) used by the alien · Appropriate space on form
Country of Citizenship or Nationality
Name of the country of citizenship/nationality · Specific field on form
Derivative Beneficiaries
Names listed on the request for S classification · Form I-854B section (implied)
Before you submit
- 1Use a separate Form I-854AB for each alien witness and/or informant requested.
- 2Ensure the sponsoring LEA has attached all relevant documentation when filing Form I-854B.
- 3Verify that your signature is handwritten ink, not stamped or typewritten.
- 4If you are under 14, confirm parent or legal guardian signs on your behalf.
- 5If translating, verify the translator's certification includes their contact information.
- 6Confirm the form submission is directed to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division address.
- 7If filing Form I-854B, ensure it is certified by the Criminal Division before USCIS will adjudicate.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all relevant parts of Form I-854AB using the latest version.
- 2Attach all required documentation establishing fulfillment of S classification terms (especially for Form I-854B).
- 3Sign and date the form correctly, ensuring any translator provides their certification.
- 4Submit the completed request to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division at 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001 for forwarding to USCIS.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-854A specifically covers requests for S nonimmigrant classification.
- 2Form I-854B is used to request that an alien in S nonimmigrant status be permitted to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- 3An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) must be requested by filing Form I-765 separately; it cannot be filed with Forms I-854A or I-854B.
- 4When requesting S classification, LEAs may not make promises for immigration benefits to the alien witness and informant.
- 5If an applicant has no citizenship in any country, they must type or print 'stateless' and provide an explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
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 is Form I-854AB, which has an instruction revision date of 01/20/25 and an expiration date of 12/31/2027; the instructions do not detail specific changes from a prior version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 01/20/25 on the instructions.
- Fee — confirm there are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
- Mailing address — confirm submission to U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit at 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
- Signature — ensure the signature is handwritten ink (a copy/scan of this is valid).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the submitted Form I-854 (or related forms) for your records.
- 2If you are a U.S. citizen, notify USCIS of any new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
- 3The Department of Justice Criminal Division will forward certified requests on Forms I-854A and I-854B to USCIS for processing.
- 4USCIS will not adjudicate any request made on Form I-854A or Form I-854B without the certification of the Criminal Division.
- 5If you are a translator, ensure your certification includes your signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-854A is used by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to request that an alien witness and/or informant receive classification as S nonimmigrants.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-854B is used by LEAs to request that an alien in S nonimmigrant status be permitted to apply for adjustment of status to adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status under section 245(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The translator must sign a certification stating the English language translation is complete/accurate and that the translator is competent.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — For S classification requests, specific requirements are premised on the alien witness and informant’s willingness to provide critical, reliable information.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — There are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — The submission address is U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit at 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — All statements made on the form are declared true and correct under penalty of perjury pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1546.
Common confusion points
Who should file this form?
Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) use Form I-854A to request S nonimmigrant classification, and LEAs use Form I-854B for adjustment of status requests.
→ Check the specific purpose listed on the form you are completing.
Do I pay a fee when filing?
There are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B.
→ Confirm this detail before mailing, as there is no stated fee amount.
Where exactly do I send it?
Submit requests to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit at 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
→ Verify this address matches the current edition.
Can I file for EAD on the same form?
No, alien witnesses and/or informants must request an EAD by filing Form I-765 separately from Forms I-854A and I-854B.
→ Ensure you are submitting two separate packets if requesting both.
What happens after I file it with the DOJ?
The Criminal Division forwards certified requests on Forms I-854A and I-854B to USCIS for adjudication.
→ Know that USCIS will not process it otherwise.
Does the translator need to do anything besides sign?
Yes, the translator must certify that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and confirm competence in translating from the foreign language into English.
→ Review the required elements of this certification.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you are a U.S. citizen and move, notify USCIS using address change procedures (not by submitting it to a Lockbox).
Questions about USCIS Form I-854
What is USCIS Form I-854 used for?
This form officially records that a person has acted as an alien witness or informant, allowing them to apply for special immigration benefits (S nonimmigrant status). It is used when the individual provides critical information to a law enforcement agency. The filing of this record supports the request for S classification or adjustment of status.
Who must file USCIS Form I-854?
The sponsoring Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) must file Form I-854, and the LEA must also include all required documentation for derivative beneficiaries at the time of filing.
What information does USCIS Form I-854 require?
The form collects information about the alien witness/informant who provides critical, reliable information. For S classification requests, specific grounds of inadmissibility are detailed on Form I-854A, Part 1., Item Numbers 8.a. - 8.c.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-854?
Requests for S nonimmigrant classification or adjustment of status are submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Office of Enforcement Operations Special Operations Unit at 1301 New York Avenue NW, 9th floor Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-854?
The filer must properly complete all relevant parts of Form I-854 using a separate form for each alien witness/informant requested. The preparer (or their signing authority) must sign the form; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of this signature. If translating, the translator must also sign a certification detailing competence and accuracy.
What happens if USCIS Form I-854 is filed incorrectly?
The knowing placement of false information on Form I-854 may subject the alien and/or preparer to criminal penalties under Title 18 U.S.C. 1546(a) or civil penalties under section 274C of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324c.
Who should file this form?
Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) use Form I-854A to request S nonimmigrant classification, and LEAs use Form I-854B for adjustment of status requests. Check the specific purpose listed on the form you are completing.
Do I pay a fee when filing?
There are no filing fees for processing Forms I-854A or I-854B. Confirm this detail before mailing, as there is no stated fee amount.
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