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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))
DHS Form I-881 is an Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal filed by any alien eligible under NACARA 203; the form expires on 03/31/2027.
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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))
DHS Form I-881 is an Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal filed by any alien eligible under NACARA 203; the form expires on 03/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit the Form I-881 without a valid signature from the applicant or their signing authority.
- 2Filing without a proper signature (stamped or typewritten name only).
- 3Submitting foreign language documents without a certified English translation.
- 4Failing to provide the required translator's certification details.
- 5Not selecting ethnicity/race boxes accurately in Part 8, Item 1.
Plain English
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to stop them from being deported or to grant them a special cancellation of removal status under NACARA 203. Filing this application is necessary if the applicant meets the criteria for these relief options while in immigration proceedings.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline; however, applicants must be aware that if they filed Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999, they do not need to file Form I-881 otherwise.
- 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 applying for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA 203).
- Do not use it when you are in immigration proceedings and do not meet the criteria listed on Form I-881.
- Check Form EOIR-40 instead when you are in deportation proceedings and need to apply for suspension of deportation.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
In removal proceedings
This form is used if eligible for NACARA 203 relief.
✓ Check Form EOIR-42B instead when applying for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status.
If you filed Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999
You do not need to file this form because the Immigration Court will accept the older filing.
✓ Check the date on your Form EOIR-40.
When applying for employment authorization concurrently
This form must be submitted separately, requiring its own filing fee payment alongside Form I-881.
✓ Ensure you submit a completed Form I-765 with your application.
Deadline or filing window
The form itself expires on 03/31/2027. If an applicant filed Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999, they do not need to file this I-881; otherwise, the Immigration Court will not accept Form EOIR-40 if NACARA 203 relief is sought after that date.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Application Filing Fee
Evidence of payment of filing fee (as per Form G-1055) or a written request for waiver · Form I-881/Instructions p.9
Foreign Language Document
A full English translation, certified by the translator · Submitted with application
Employment Authorization Request
Completed Form I-765 (if applicable) and its associated fee payment · With Form I-881 submission
Biometric Services Appointment
Copy of the ASC appointment scheduling notice · General Instructions section
Original Application
The completed, original handwritten Form I-881 itself · Submitted to Immigration Judge
Before you submit
- 1Complete all required fields on Form I-881.
- 2Include evidence of payment for the filing fee (or include a written request for waiver).
- 3Attach any supporting documents listed in the "What Evidence Must You Submit" section.
- 4If submitting foreign documents, attach the full English translation and translator's certification.
- 5If applying for employment authorization, ensure Form I-765 is included with its own separate fee payment.
- 6Provide an original completed Form I-881 along with all attachments when appearing in EOIR court.
- 7If filing outside of Immigration Court proceedings, verify the correct filing location on www.uscis.gov/I-881.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-881 by filling out all required sections and ensuring the signature is handwritten in ink.
- 2Gather all necessary evidence and supporting documents, including translations if applicable, and prepare payment for the filing fee (referencing Form G-1055).
- 3If appearing before an Immigration Judge, submit the original completed Form I-881 along with the required evidence of payment/waiver request and the ASC appointment notice.
- 4Mail or submit the application to the designated USCIS office location found on www.uscis.gov/I-881 for filing within the U.S.
Known limitations
- 1If an applicant does not meet eligibility criteria under section 203 of NACARA, they must use Form EOIR-40 (for deportation proceedings) or Form EOIR-42B (for removal proceedings).
- 2Applicants in the United States illegally are subject to deportation or removal if their claims are not granted by an asylum officer, immigration judge, or Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
- 3If filing a Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999, Form I-881 is not required; otherwise, the Immigration Court will reject Form EOIR-40 if NACARA 203 relief is sought after that date.
- 4When providing a numeric response for a question on Form I-881, use 'None' if the answer is zero or none, unless directed otherwise.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name as in your passport.
Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.
Country where you hold citizenship.
Basis
2 items
Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.
Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).
Evidence
1 items
List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.
Signatures
1 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-881 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions direct users to www.uscis.gov/I-881 for the most current information regarding where to file.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Expiration date — confirm the form expires on 03/31/2027.
- Filing Fee — see Form G-1055 for specific fee information, or request a waiver with the Immigration Court.
- Signature — ensure the original handwritten signature is present (photocopies/scans are valid if of the original).
- Language translation — confirm that any foreign document includes a full English translation with certification.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-881 after filing.
- 2If applying for employment authorization concurrently, submit a separate check or money order for the Form I-881 fees and another for the Form I-765 filing fees.
- 3If you change your address while in Immigration Court proceedings, notify the Immigration Court using EOIR Form 33/IC within five days of the change.
- 4Do not send a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox; use the website or call the USCIS Contact Center.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-881 is application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105-100, the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA 203).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If ineligible under NACARA 203 criteria, use Form EOIR-40 (deportation proceedings) or Form EOIR-42B (removal proceedings).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Applicants in the U.S. illegally are subject to deportation or removal if claims are not granted by an asylum officer, immigration judge, or BIA.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If a numeric answer is zero or none, type or print 'None' unless directed otherwise.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — In Part 8 (Biographic Information), Hispanic or Latino is defined as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — If you filed Form EOIR-40 before June 21, 1999, you do not need to file Form I-881; otherwise, the Immigration Court will reject Form EOIR-40 if applying for NACARA 203 relief after that date.
Common confusion points
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
An Online Account Number (OAN) is required if you previously filed a form with a receipt number starting with IOE. If you filed online, check your account profile; if mailed, look at the top of the Account Access Notice.
Is my citizenship country the same as where I was born?
No, the country listed in Part 4 (Country of Citizenship or Nationality) is not necessarily where the applicant was born. If stateless, provide an explanation in Part 15.
How do I enter height if it's in meters or centimeters?
Select values matching feet and inches; for example, five feet nine inches requires selecting '5' for feet and '09' for inches. Do not use metric units.
What should I write for weight if my weight is very low or high?
If the weight is under 30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter '000' in Part 8 D. Do not enter kilograms.
When do I need to file Form I-881 instead of just using EOIR-40?
You must use Form I-881 if you are applying for NACARA 203 relief after June 21, 1999, because the Immigration Court will not accept Form EOIR-40 otherwise.
Where should I mail my completed Form I-881?
Do not mail it to the Office of Policy and Strategy address; use that address only for reference.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-881
What is USCIS Form I-881 used for?
This form allows someone to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to stop them from being deported or to grant them a special cancellation of removal status under NACARA 203. Filing this application is necessary if the applicant meets the criteria for these relief options while in immigration proceedings.
Who must file USCIS Form I-881?
Any alien eligible to apply for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of Public Law 105-100, NACARA 203, must file Form I-881.
What information does USCIS Form I-881 require?
The form collects biographic information in Part 8 (including ethnicity and race details) and requires contact information, certification, and signature in Part 11. Applicants may also include details related to employment authorization if applying for NACARA 203 relief.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-881?
The location for filing is determined by the instructions (not specified on this page), but general contact information can be found at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or by calling 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
How do I complete USCIS Form I-881?
The filer must properly complete the entire application before submitting it. The applicant (or signing authority) must sign the form; USCIS will reject applications that only have a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If under 14, a parent or legal guardian may sign.
What happens if USCIS Form I-881 is filed incorrectly?
If the application is not signed, or if the signature is invalid, USCIS will reject the Form I-881; applicants are also subject to deportation/removal if their claims are not granted by an asylum officer, immigration judge, or BIA.
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
An Online Account Number (OAN) is required if you previously filed a form with a receipt number starting with IOE. If you filed online, check your account profile; if mailed, look at the top of the Account Access Notice.
Is my citizenship country the same as where I was born?
No, the country listed in Part 4 (Country of Citizenship or Nationality) is not necessarily where the applicant was born. If stateless, provide an explanation in Part 15.
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