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USCISImmigration Status

Official form guide

Form I-945: Public Charge Bond

USCIS Form I-945, Public Charge Bond, is used when an individual is required to post a financial guarantee to demonstrate they will not become dependent on government assistance. This form is typically required during immigration proceedings when public charge concerns have been raised.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-945 - Public Charge Bond

USCIS Form I-945, Public Charge Bond, is used when an individual is required to post a financial guarantee to demonstrate they will not become dependent on government assistance. This form is typically required during immigration proceedings when public charge concerns have been raised.

This form captures information about the bond amount, the principal (individual posting the bond), the obligee (the beneficiary of the bond), and terms of financial responsibility. It also includes personal identification details and attestations regarding financial capability.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Bond rejection can lead to case delays or denial if not properly addressed.
  • 2Incorrect bond amount calculation
  • 3Missing signatures from all parties
  • 4Outdated form edition not accepted
  • 5Incomplete financial documentation

Plain English

The Public Charge Bond form serves as a financial promise that you won't rely on government benefits as your main support. You might need this if immigration authorities have concerns about your ability to support yourself financially while in the United States. The bond amount is determined by officials based on your specific circumstances.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Form I-945 should be filed when specifically requested by USCIS during immigration proceedings where public charge concerns have been raised. There is no standard filing deadline; submission timing is case-specific and based on USCIS 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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Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when specifically required by USCIS for a public charge bond
  • Do not use this form for general immigration applications or other bond types
  • Check Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, if you're completing a self-sufficiency declaration instead

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Public charge determination without bond

Different process requiring financial documentation

Verify which form USCIS specifically requested

Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency

Immigration bond for custody release

Different purpose related to detention release

Confirm bond type with immigration attorney

Form I-352, Immigration Bond

Deadline or filing window

The filing deadline for Form I-945 is case-specific and determined by USCIS based on individual circumstances. There is no standard deadline; applicants should submit the form as soon as possible after receiving the request from USCIS to avoid delays in their case processing.

  • Bond amount | Determined by USCIS based on case specifics | Final bond amount | Amount may be adjusted by USCIS after review

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Bond amount

Financial documentation showing capability · Bank statements, tax returns

Underestimating required fundsHigh
2

Principal information

Valid identification documents · Passport, driver's license

Incorrect personal detailsMedium
3

Obligee information

Beneficiary details · Case documents from USCIS

Wrong beneficiary designationHigh
4

Financial terms

Proof of income/asset verification · Pay stubs, employment verification

Insufficient evidenceMedium

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify form edition matches current USCIS version
  2. 2Complete all required fields with accurate information
  3. 3Include proper signatures from all parties
  4. 4Attach all required financial documentation
  5. 5Confirm correct mailing address for submission
  6. 6Make copies of entire submission for personal records
  7. 7Double-check bond amount matches USCIS determination
  8. 8Ensure all supporting documents are clear and legible

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the latest Form I-945 from USCIS website
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate personal and financial information
  3. 3Gather required supporting documentation demonstrating financial capability
  4. 4Submit the completed form and documents to the appropriate USCIS location
  5. 5Keep copies of all submitted materials for your records
  6. 6Follow up with USCIS if acknowledgment is not received within expected timeframe

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not guarantee approval of the underlying immigration case
  2. 2Bond amount may be adjusted by USCIS after review
  3. 3Third-party submissions require proper authorization documentation
  4. 4Form must be accompanied by specific financial evidence as determined by USCIS
  5. 5Processing times vary and are not guaranteed by USCIS

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
A-Number

Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.

text

Details

1 items

Basis for Application

The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.

Requiredtext

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Documentation

List of documents supporting this application.

Requiredtext

Signatures

2 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
Date of Signature

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
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Current form status
USCIS

Form I-945 is currently active and in use, but applicants should verify the edition date on the USCIS website before filing to ensure they have the most recent version.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Must match current version on USCIS website
  • Fee: No filing fee for Form I-945
  • Mailing address: Varies by case; check specific instructions
  • Signature requirements: Must be properly signed by all parties
  • Supporting documents: Financial evidence must be included
  • Form expiration: Outdated editions will be rejected

Quick Facts

The individual required to post the bond or their authorized representative files Form I-945. In some cases, a sponsor or third party may file on behalf of the individual if they are agreeing to provide financial support.
This form captures information about the bond amount, the principal (individual posting the bond), the obligee (the beneficiary of the bond), and terms of financial responsibility. It also includes personal identification details and attestations regarding financial capability.
Form I-945 should be filed when specifically requested by USCIS during immigration proceedings where public charge concerns have been raised. There is no standard filing deadline; submission timing is case-specific and based on USCIS instructions.
The completed form should be submitted directly to the USCIS office handling the case, as specified in the accompanying instructions. Submission methods may vary depending on the specific case circumstances and current USCIS requirements.
Mistakes on this form can result in bond rejection, processing delays, or additional requests for evidence, potentially jeopardizing the immigration case. Incorrect bond information could also lead to financial liability issues if the terms are not properly understood.
Obtain the latest version of Form I-945 from the official USCIS website. Complete all required sections including bond amount, personal information, and signatures. Prepare supporting documentation demonstrating financial capability and submit according to the specific instructions provided by USCIS for your case.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep copies of all submitted forms and documentation
  2. 2Monitor USCIS online account for case updates if available
  3. 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
  4. 4Note the bond expiration date if applicable
  5. 5Maintain records of all communication with USCIS regarding the bond
  6. 6Verify receipt of acknowledgment from USCIS
  7. 7Track case status through official USCIS channels

Sources

  • SRCForm purpose: To establish a financial guarantee against public charge
  • SRCFiling party: Individual required to post bond or authorized representative
  • SRCRequired documentation: Financial proof and identification
  • SRCSubmission method: Direct to USCIS as specified in instructions
  • SRCProcessing time: Varies by case
  • SRCCurrent edition: Verify on USCIS website before filing
  • SRCNo filing fee: Form I-945 does not require a fee to submit
  • SRCBond amount: Determined by USCIS based on individual circumstances

Common confusion points

Bond amount determination

USCIS calculates based on individual circumstances

Check official USCIS calculation guidelines

Who can sign the form

Principal, obligee, or authorized representatives

Review signature requirements in form instructions

When to file

Only when specifically requested by USCIS

Wait for official notice before submitting

What constitutes sufficient financial evidence

Varies by case specifics

Include multiple sources of proof

Form submission methods

Varies by case and USCIS requirements

Check specific instructions for your case

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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.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

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