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USCISHumanitarian & Relief

Official form guide

Form I-881: Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA))

Form I-881 is used by certain individuals to apply for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under NACARA. This form is specifically for nationals or citizens of designated countries who meet specific criteria to avoid deportation and obtain lawful permanent resident status.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-881 - Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA))

Form I-881 is used by certain individuals to apply for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under NACARA. This form is specifically for nationals or citizens of designated countries who meet specific criteria to avoid deportation and obtain lawful permanent resident status.

This form captures personal information, immigration history, residence details, family information, and evidence of good moral character. It also requires documentation of physical presence in the U.S. and hardship factors.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Submitting an incomplete Form I-881 during active deportation proceedings may result in immediate removal.
  • 2Missing deadlines in removal proceedings
  • 3Incomplete or inconsistent application information
  • 4Insufficient proof of physical presence in the U.S.
  • 5Failure to demonstrate good moral character

Plain English

If you're from a country designated under NACARA and facing deportation, this form may help you stay in the United States. It's not for everyone - only for people who have lived in the U.S. for a long time and can prove they deserve special consideration.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: This form should be filed when an individual has been placed in deportation proceedings and is eligible for NACARA benefits. There is no annual filing period, but applications must be submitted before the final removal order.
  • 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

permanentphysicalobtainfamily

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What this form is for

  • Use this form when you're a national of a NACARA-designated country facing deportation
  • Do not use this form if you're not from a designated country or if you have other immigration options
  • Check Form I-589 for asylum or Form I-360 for special immigrant status if applicable

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Asylum seeker

Different legal basis and requirements

✓ Verify eligibility before filing

Form I-589

Special immigrant victim of crime

Different qualifying criteria

✓ Check if U visa might be more appropriate

Form I-360

Waiver of inadmissibility

Different application process

✓ Consult immigration attorney for guidance

Form I-601

Deadline or filing window

The deadline for filing Form I-881 is typically before the final removal order in your deportation case. Since deportation proceedings have strict timelines, consult with an immigration attorney immediately upon receiving notice to determine the specific deadline for your case.

  • —Years of residence in U.S. | Current year - Year of first entry | Total years of presence | Must be at least 7 years
  • —Number of qualifying relatives | Count immediate family members | Total qualifying dependents | Must have at least one qualifying relative

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Physical presence

Tax returns, school records, employment documents · Financial and educational records

⚠ Gaps in documentation✕ High risk
2

Good moral character

Police records, employment verification, character references · Personal and criminal history

⚠ Failure to disclose arrests✕ High risk
3

Hardship to relatives

Medical documents, financial statements, dependency proof · Personal and financial records

⚠ Incomplete medical evidence✕ Medium risk
4

Nationality

Passport, birth certificate, citizenship documents · Personal identification

⚠ Expired documents✕ Medium risk

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify all form sections are completed
  2. 2Check that all required signatures are included
  3. 3Confirm correct fee payment or fee waiver documentation
  4. 4Make copies of entire application before submission
  5. 5Include all required supporting documents
  6. 6Review for consistency between form and supporting evidence
  7. 7Ensure contact information is current and accurate
  8. 8Check that all dates are accurate and consistent
  9. 9Verify correct mailing address for submission

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the latest version of Form I-881 from the USCIS website
  2. 2Complete all sections thoroughly and accurately
  3. 3Gather required supporting documents and evidence
  4. 4Submit the completed form with fees to the appropriate USCIS office
  5. 5Attend biometrics appointment if scheduled
  6. 6Prepare for and attend the required interview
  7. 7Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
  8. 8Keep copies of all submitted materials

Known limitations

  1. 1This form does not guarantee approval or prevent deportation
  2. 2Approval is discretionary and based on specific criteria
  3. 3Changes in immigration law may affect eligibility
  4. 4Processing times can vary significantly
  5. 5USCIS may request additional information at any time
  6. 6Approval does not automatically grant citizenship

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name as in your passport.

Requiredtext
Date and Place of Birth

Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.

Requiredtext
Country of Nationality

Country where you hold citizenship.

Requiredtext

Basis

2 items

Basis for Protection

Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.

Requiredtext
Date of Last Arrival in U.S.

Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).

Requireddate

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Evidence

List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.

Requiredtext

Signatures

1 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
USCIS

Form I-881 is currently in use but applicants should verify the latest version on the official USCIS website before filing, as immigration forms are periodically updated.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Verify current version on USCIS website
  • Fee: Check current fee amount before filing
  • Mailing address: Confirm correct filing location
  • Supporting documents: Review required evidence list
  • Biometrics: Schedule appointment if required
  • Interpreter: Arrange if needed for interview

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Quick Facts

Individuals who are nationals or citizens of designated countries under NACARA and are facing deportation proceedings may file this form. Typically, applicants have resided in the U.S. for extended periods and have qualifying family members.
This form captures personal information, immigration history, residence details, family information, and evidence of good moral character. It also requires documentation of physical presence in the U.S. and hardship factors.
This form should be filed when an individual has been placed in deportation proceedings and is eligible for NACARA benefits. There is no annual filing period, but applications must be submitted before the final removal order.
Form I-881 should be filed with the appropriate USCIS office handling deportation cases, typically the office where the removal proceedings are taking place. Check the current USCIS website for the specific filing address.
Mistakes on this form can lead to denial of your application and potentially faster deportation. Inaccurate information or missing evidence may result in losing the opportunity to obtain lawful status.
Complete the form thoroughly with all required information. Gather supporting documents proving eligibility including proof of nationality, residence history, and family ties. Submit the form with all required fees to the appropriate USCIS office. Be prepared to attend an interview where you'll need to present your case.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a complete copy of your application and all supporting documents
  2. 2Note the date of submission and tracking number if applicable
  3. 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
  4. 4Attend all scheduled appointments and interviews
  5. 5Monitor your mail for USCIS communications
  6. 6Check your case status online using the receipt number
  7. 7Update USCIS if your address changes
  8. 8Consult with an immigration attorney about next steps

Sources

  • SRCForm purpose: Application for suspension of deportation under NACARA
  • SRCEligibility criteria: Nationals of designated countries with 7+ years residence
  • SRCRequired evidence: Physical presence, good moral character, hardship to relatives
  • SRCFiling location: USCIS office handling deportation proceedings
  • SRCProcessing time: Varies significantly, typically 6-24 months
  • SRCInterview requirement: Yes, personal appearance usually required
  • SRCAppeal process: Available through Form I-290B if denied
  • SRCCurrent fee amount: Not found in provided source
  • SRCLatest edition date: Not found in provided source
  • SRCMailing address: Not found in provided source

Common confusion points

Eligibility requirements

NACARA applies only to nationals of specific countries

→ Verify country designation on USCIS website

Physical presence requirement

Must be continuous and for specific duration

→ Review entry and exit dates carefully

Good moral character

Includes specific criminal history limitations

→ Disclose all arrests and convictions

Hardship factors

Must demonstrate extreme hardship to qualifying relatives

→ Prepare detailed documentation

Relationship requirements

Certain family relationships qualify

→ Confirm qualifying relationship definitions

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

6 signals

Before

Form I-589 (Asylum application)

Current

I-881

After

Form I-485 (Adjustment of status if approved)

Often used with

Form I-693 (Medical examination)Form G-325A (Biographic information)

⚠ If something goes wrong

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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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