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Official form guide
Form I-929: Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant
USCIS Form I-929 is Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, used to request benefits for family members who never held U status; the public reporting burden estimate is 0.817 hours per response.
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USCIS Form I-929 - Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant
USCIS Form I-929 is Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, used to request benefits for family members who never held U status; the public reporting burden estimate is 0.817 hours per response.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a stamped or typewritten name in place of a handwritten signature.
- 2Failing to provide a valid original signature (or clear copy).
- 3Not typing 'N/A' for questions that do not apply to the filer.
- 4Omitting the Alien Registration Number (A-Number) when required.
- 5Filing without supplying the necessary supporting documents.
Plain English
This form allows a relative to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration benefits on behalf of someone who has not previously held U nonimmigrant status. By filing Form I-929, the petitioner is requesting that their family member qualify for those specific immigration advantages.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 requesting immigration benefits for a family member who never held U nonimmigrant status.
- Do not use it when filing for yourself or another relative if the beneficiary already holds U nonimmigrant status.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information about applicable fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing as an adult (21+ years old)
You are filing on behalf of your Spouse or Unmarried child(ren) under 21 years of age.
✓ Check the relationship section to ensure all dependents are listed correctly.
Filing as a minor (< 21 years old)
You are filing for your Spouse, an unmarried child (under 21), or a Parent.
✓ Ensure you have permission/authority to file on behalf of the beneficiary.
Filing for specific relatives
If filing for a stepparent, adoptive parent, or father not legitimated before age 18, review sections D, G, and H.
✓ Confirm these specific circumstances are noted in the petition.
Deadline or filing window
The official source does not specify a filing deadline trigger event, but when submitted, the petition must be accompanied by the required filing fee or fee waiver. No specific extension period is detailed in the provided excerpts.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Relationship Proof
Documents needing copies/translations · Form I-929
Extreme Hardship
Supporting documentation establishing hardship · Form I-929
Beneficiary Photo
A current photograph of the beneficiary · Form I-929
Discretionary Evidence
Documentation establishing why discretion should be exercised · Form I-929
Before you submit
- 1Answer every question on Form I-929 according to the instructions provided on the form.
- 2Provide your beneficiary's current residential address in the petition.
- 3Sign and date Form I-929 where required.
- 4Submit proof of your own lawful permanent resident status or pending Form I-485 based on U-1 nonimmigrant status.
- 5Include supporting documentation proving the relationship between you and the beneficiary.
- 6Attach evidence to establish that discretion should be exercised in favor of the alien relative.
- 7Ensure any document not in English is accompanied by a translation into English.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-929 using black ink, ensuring all numeric fields are filled (typing "None" if zero/none).
- 2Gather and attach all required supporting documents, including proof of relationship and extreme hardship.
- 3If applicable, prepare a separate sheet to state your Country of Citizenship or Nationality, especially if stateless.
- 4Include the filing fee or fee waiver documentation with the signed Form I-929.
- 5Submit the completed package to USCIS via mail or electronically (as directed by current instructions), keeping a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-929 cannot be approved for an alien relative until their Form I-485 is approved based on U-1 nonimmigrant status.
- 2If a question does not apply to the filer, they must type or print "N/A" unless otherwise directed by the form.
- 3The petition requires evidence of legal termination for any prior marriages if the filer or their spouse was previously married.
- 4When submitting documents in a foreign language, a full English translation must also be submitted with a certification from the translator.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Petitioner Info
3 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your Green Card or U.S. passport.
Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Your Green Card number (A-Number) if a permanent resident, or USCIS online account number.
Beneficiary Info
3 items
Full legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.
Date of birth of the relative (MM/DD/YYYY).
Alien Registration Number of the beneficiary if previously assigned.
Relationship
1 items
Select the qualifying relationship: spouse, unmarried child under 21, unmarried child over 21, married child, parent, or sibling.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents establishing the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Signatures
2 items
Your signature certifying all information is correct under penalty of perjury.
Date you signed the form (MM/DD/YYYY).
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-929 is dated 01/20/25, and it is noted that the OMB No. 1615-0106 expires on 02/28/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the document reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for details on applicable fees.
- Mailing address — submit comments to USCIS, Regulatory Coordination Division at 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009 (do not mail the form here).
- Signature — ensure your signature is handwritten ink and properly affixed to the petition.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed Form I-929 after filing it with USCIS.
- 2If mailing the form, retain proof of mailing or record the date/method of submission.
- 3The public reporting burden estimate is 0.817 hours per response, which accounts for gathering and submitting all required documentation.
- 4Send comments regarding the collection's burden estimate to USCIS Regulatory Coordination Division at 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-929 is to request immigration benefits on behalf of a family member who never held U nonimmigrant status.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — To process Form I-929, USCIS requires a signed Form I-929 and the filing fee or fee waiver.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The OMB control number for this collection is 1615-0106, and it expires on 02/28/2027.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — A mother must submit a copy of her birth certificate showing her name and her mother's name (and evidence of legal name change if needed).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — For a child born in wedlock where the filer is the father, submission requires the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names and the marriage certificate.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If your Form I-485 is pending, you must submit a copy of your approval notice for your Form I-918 and a receipt notice for the Form I-485 filing.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — A recently taken clear photograph of the family member for whom you are filing must be submitted in all cases.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If filing as a Permanent Resident, submit a copy of the front and back of your Permanent Resident Card to demonstrate status eligibility.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — The person making an affidavit does not have to be a U.S. citizen.
Common confusion points
What if I don't have a country of citizenship?
Type or print "stateless" on the form and provide this information on a separate sheet of paper.
→ Ensure your name and A-number (if applicable) are typed at the top of that separate sheet.
When do I need to submit evidence for my relationship?
All required documents must be submitted with the petition to demonstrate the family relationship exists.
→ Check Part 2 documentation requirements based on who is filing.
What happens if my Form I-485 isn't approved yet?
You must still submit a copy of your approval notice for your Form I-918 and a receipt notice showing the Form I-485 was filed.
→ Verify these documents are included in Part 2 submissions.
Do all attached sheets need to be signed?
Yes, each separate sheet of paper used to complete the petition must be signed and dated.
→ Ensure you also type or print your name and A-Number at the top of every extra sheet.
What if I am filing for a child born out of wedlock (and I am the father)?
You must submit the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names AND your marriage certificate.
→ Confirm this specific documentation requirement under Part 2, Section D.
How do I provide evidence of my status as a Permanent Resident?
File with a copy of the front and back of your Permanent Resident Card; if you lack the card, submit passport/admission pages or other USCIS proof.
→ Ensure this document set is included when demonstrating eligibility (Part 2, Section A).
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- The USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 provides information regarding the petition.
Questions about USCIS Form I-929
What is USCIS Form I-929 used for?
This form allows a relative to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration benefits on behalf of someone who has not previously held U nonimmigrant status. By filing Form I-929, the petitioner is requesting that their family member qualify for those specific immigration advantages.
Who must file USCIS Form I-929?
A person under 21 years of age may file this petition on behalf of their spouse, unmarried child(ren) under 21 years of age, or parent(s). If over 21, a person may file it on behalf of their spouse and unmarried child(ren) under 21 years of age.
What information does USCIS Form I-929 require?
The form collects details necessary to request immigration benefits for the family member. Information is provided regarding citizenship/nationality (Item E), and supporting documents must be supplied with the petition.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-929?
Mail your complete package to the USCIS Vermont Service Center at 38 River Road, Essex Junction, VT 05479-0001. The USCIS Contact Center can also be reached for filing instructions.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-929?
The filer must properly complete Form I-929 in black ink. If extra space is needed, attach separate sheets and include your name/A-Number at the top of each sheet. A valid signature on the original document (or a clear copy) is required for USCIS to accept it.
What happens if USCIS Form I-929 is filed incorrectly?
If the petition is not signed, or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the petition; a deficient signature may cause USCIS to deny the request after accepting adjudication.
What if I don't have a country of citizenship?
Type or print "stateless" on the form and provide this information on a separate sheet of paper. Ensure your name and A-number (if applicable) are typed at the top of that separate sheet.
When do I need to submit evidence for my relationship?
All required documents must be submitted with the petition to demonstrate the family relationship exists. Check Part 2 documentation requirements based on who is filing.
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