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Official form guide
Form I-945: Public Charge Bond
DHS Form I-945 is used to submit a public charge bond for aliens determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; there is no filing fee for this form.
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USCIS Form I-945 - Public Charge Bond
DHS Form I-945 is used to submit a public charge bond for aliens determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; there is no filing fee for this form.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to include the required instruction letter will result in immediate rejection by USCIS.
- 2Filing without a signature from the obligor or agent/co-obligor on Form I-945.
- 3Not including a copy of the USCIS communication instructing filing with Form I-945.
- 4Failing to provide the alien's A-Number (if applicable) in Part 2.
- 5Using Part 5. to amend the terms of Parts 3. or 4., which causes rejection.
Plain English
This form allows an alien who cannot be admitted to the U.S. because they are considered a 'public charge' to post a bond as security. The Public Charge Bond guarantees that the bonded alien will fulfill their financial obligations to the U.S. government if admitted.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be submitted when an alien is determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as stated on page 1 of the instructions.
- 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 an alien, who is otherwise admissible but determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, needs to post a public charge bond with DHS.
- Do not use Form I-945 when you are filing for admission without posting a public charge bond, or if the required bond amount/conditions are set by an entity other than DHS.
- Check Form I-485 instead when providing the alien's receipt number for a pending Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing for Adjustment of Status
This form is used to submit the bond required for inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) when filing concurrently with Form I-485.
✓ Check Part 3 and Item Number 4 on Form I-945.
General Bond Filing
This form serves as the official submission for the public charge bond, which acts as security for financial obligations to the U.S. government.
✓ Confirm you are posting a 'suitable and proper' bond per Instructions p.1.
Bonding Agent/Co-Obligor Filing
If an agent or co-obligor is submitting the bond, their signature must be included on every form.
✓ Ensure Part 5 instructions regarding typing names/numbers are followed if extra space is needed.
Deadline or filing window
The filing is triggered when an alien is determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. There is no specific deadline date mentioned, but submission must occur upon determination. No extension period is stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Purpose of Form
Bond submission for inadmissible aliens under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act · Instructions p.1
Filing Fee Status
No filing fee is required · Instructions p.3
Obligor/Agent Signature
The signature of the obligor or agent/co-obligor must be present on every form · Instructions p.2
Bond Payment Deadline (Surety)
120 days from demand for payment before DHS notifies Treasury · Form p.6
Interest Accrual Period
Interest, penalty, and fees accrue from the date of the first demand if payment is not made within 30 days (for surety bonds) · Form p.6
Falsification Penalty
May face rejection of the bond, severe penalties by law, and potential criminal prosecution · Instructions p.3
Before you submit
- 1Type/print all information legibly in black ink on Form I-945.
- 2Answer every question fully and accurately according to the instructions.
- 3Ensure the obligor's or agent/co-obligor's signature is present on every page.
- 4If additional space is needed, use Part 5. and ensure you type/print the obligor's name, POA number, and A-Number at the top of each extra sheet.
- 5Confirm that if altering Parts 3. or 4., you are not doing so by adding terms in Part 5. (as this risks rejection).
- 6Verify Item Number 4 includes the alien’s receipt number for a pending Form I-485, if applicable.
- 7Check that all information submitted is stated under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S.C. section 1746.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of DHS Form I-945 by typing or printing legibly in black ink.
- 2Ensure the obligor's or agent/co-obligor's signature is present on every page, and fill out Part 5. if extra space is needed.
- 3Verify that you have provided any required alien identifiers, such as the Form I-485 Receipt Number in Item Number 4.
- 4Submit Form I-945 to the location specified on www.uscis.gov/I-945 for the most current filing instructions; keep a copy of the submitted form.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-945 applies to aliens determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided they are otherwise admissible.
- 2The bond amount and conditions are set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- 3If an obligor or agent/co-obligor alters the text of Parts 3. or 4. by adding terms and conditions in Part 5., USCIS will reject the bond.
- 4Using Part 5. to amend the terms of Parts 3. or 4. is not permitted.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of DHS Form I-945 is dated 12/23/22; the instructions direct users to www.uscis.gov for the most current information regarding filing locations.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 12/23/22.
- Filing Fee — confirm there is no filing fee for Form I-945 (per Instructions p.3).
- Mailing address — check www.uscis.gov/I-945 for current filing locations, as the source directs.
- Signature — confirm that the obligor's or agent/co-obligor's signature is present on every form (per Instructions p.2).
- Form I-485 Receipt Number — verify Item Number 4 is filled out if applicable.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Type or print a copy of your completed Form I-945 for future review and records.
- 2If using multiple sheets for Part 5., type or print the obligor's name, power of attorney number, and the bonded alien's A-Number at the top of each sheet.
- 3When submitting additional sheets of Part 5., indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers on those sheets.
- 4Sign and date every sheet that is part of the Form I-945 submission.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-945 is used to submit a public charge bond for aliens determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — There is no filing fee for Form I-945.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The alien's A-Number (Item 2) begins with an “A” and can be found on correspondence from DHS or USCIS.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If the applicant does not have an OAN, it means they do not have a receipt number beginning with IOE.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Every form must contain the signature of the obligor or the agent/co-obligor; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — USCIS will reject any Form I-945 that is not signed or is incomplete.
Common confusion points
What do I use for my A-Number (Item 2)?
It is the alien's registration number, which starts with an “A” and can be found on correspondence from DHS or USCIS. If you lack one, type or print “N/A.”
→ Check Part 2 of Form I-945.
What is the difference between my A-Number and OAN (Item 3)?
The A-Number is your immigration record identifier; the OAN is a unique number for managing online accounts. If you mailed the form, check the USCIS Account Access Notice for the OAN.
→ Compare Item 2 and Item 3 on Form I-945.
When do I need to provide an OAN (Item 3)?
You have one if you received a receipt number beginning with IOE from filing online or by mail; otherwise, you may not have one.
→ Verify the presence of an "IOE" in your receipt number.
Where should my physical address go?
Provide it in Item 6 on Form I-945, only if it is different from the alien’s mailing address provided in Item 5.
→ Check Part 2 (Items 5 and 6) of Form I-945.
What must be signed for this form to be valid?
The obligor or the agent/co-obligor must sign every form, as a stamped or typewritten name alone is not acceptable.
→ Review Part 5's signature requirements on Form I-945.
If I need more space in Part 5., what do I do?
Make copies of Part 5. to complete and file with Form I-945, ensuring you label each copy correctly.
→ Refer to the instructions regarding additional sheets for Part 5.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
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After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you do not completely fill out the form or fail to submit required documents, USCIS may deny the bond.
Questions about USCIS Form I-945
What is USCIS Form I-945 used for?
This form allows an alien who cannot be admitted to the U.S. because they are considered a 'public charge' to post a bond as security. The Public Charge Bond guarantees that the bonded alien will fulfill their financial obligations to the U.S. government if admitted.
Who must file USCIS Form I-945?
The obligor or agent/co-obligor must file Form I-945 when an alien is determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
What information does USCIS Form I-945 require?
Part 2 collects biographic information about the alien, including their A-Number. The form also requires details regarding the obligor or agent/co-obligor in Part 5, Additional Information.
When is USCIS Form I-945 due?
The form must be submitted when an alien is determined inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as stated on page 1 of the instructions.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-945?
For current filing locations, users should check the website at www.uscis.gov/I-945 for guidance on where to send Form I-945.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-945?
First, fill out all questions accurately using black ink. Next, ensure you sign Form I-945 in Part 5 (or have an agent/co-obligor do so). Finally, submit the form along with a copy of the communication instructing you to file it.
What happens if USCIS Form I-945 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS may reject the bond if the form is incomplete or not signed. Furthermore, knowingly falsifying a material fact can lead to severe penalties and criminal prosecution.
What do I use for my A-Number (Item 2)?
It is the alien's registration number, which starts with an “A” and can be found on correspondence from DHS or USCIS. If you lack one, type or print “N/A.” Check Part 2 of Form I-945.
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