Instructions for Application for
Family Unity Benets
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS
Form I-817
OMB No. 1615-0005
Expires 02/28/2026
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 1 of 13
What Is the Purpose of Form I-817?
Use Form I-817, Application for Family Unity Benets, to request initial benets under the Family Unity Program or to
request an extension of such benets. You must reside in and le Form I-817 in the United States.
When Should I File Form I-817?
You should le Form I-817:
1. To request an initial benet or an extension of authorization to remain in the United States under the Family Unity
Program and to request an initial or an extension of Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD); or
2. If you are applying for Family Unity Program benets under section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT
90), or if you are applying under section 1504 of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act Amendments):
A. If you are granted Family Unity benets under IMMACT 90, you are authorized to remain in the United States for
two years, and you will receive an EAD valid for the same period.
B. If you are granted Family Unity benets under the LIFE Act, you are authorized to remain in the United States for
two years (only one year if your spouse or parent has a pending application for adjustment to lawful permanent
resident status). You will receive an EAD valid for the same period.
NOTE: If you previously qualied for LIFE Act Family Unity as a child, you may be eligible for IMMACT 90
Family Unity.
C. If you are granted Family Unity benets under either IMMACT 90 or the LIFE Act and you intend to travel
outside the United States temporarily, you must apply for advance parole authorization by completing Form I-131,
Application for Travel Document. Advance parole allows you to request parole into the United States when you
return.
D. For purposes of this application, a legalized alien is someone who obtained temporary or permanent residence in
the United States through Legalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 210 or 245A, or
under section 1104(b) of Public Law 106-553 (the LIFE Act). For the purposes of this form, a legalized alien is
also someone who obtained permanent residence through a Cuban/Haitian Adjustment under section 202 of the
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
General Instructions
We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have internet
access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center and ask that we mail a form to you.
Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your application. USCIS will not accept a stamped
or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. If
your application is not signed, or if the signature is not valid, we will reject your application. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a decient signature, USCIS may deny the request.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 2 of 13
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original handwritten signature
as valid for ling purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
signature.
NOTE: You must ll out a separate Form I-817 for each person who needs to apply for Family Unity benets.
Filing Fee. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specic information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Evidence. When you le your application, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What
Evidence Must You Submit and/or Specic Instructions sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require you to appear for an interview or provide biometrics (ngerprints,
photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background
and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition. If we determine that a biometric services appointment
is necessary, we will send you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. If you are
currently overseas, your notice will instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS oce outside the
United States to schedule an appointment.
At your biometrics appointment, you must sign an oath rearming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of ling.
If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, we may deny your application.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specically instruct you to
submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an
original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
receive them.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certication that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that
they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certication must also include their signature,
printed name, the signature date, and their contact information.
USCIS Contact Center. For additional information on the application and Instructions about where to le, change of
address, and other questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or call at 800-375-5283
(TTY 800-767-1833). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.
Disability Accommodations/Modications. To request a disability accommodation/modication, follow the instructions
on your appointment notice or at www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.
How To Complete Form I-817
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 10. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and sign and date each sheet.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 3 of 13
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.
Eligibility for Filing Form I-817
Under IMMACT 90
To prove eligibility for Family Unity Program benets under IMMACT 90, you must establish that you meet the
following conditions below.
1. You entered the United States prior to May 5, 1988, or December 1, 1988, depending on the section of law that applies
to you, and you have continuously resided in the United States since that date.
2. You must prove that on May 5, 1988, or December 1, 1988 (as appropriate), you were either the spouse or the
unmarried child under 21 years of age of a person who became a legalized alien.
NOTE: If you were an unmarried child under 21 years of age of a legalized alien as of May 5, 1988 or December
1, 1988, depending on the section of law that applies to you, and you have since married, you will be regarded as
continuously eligible for Family Unity Program benets if you satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
3. You are not in one of the categories of aliens dened in 8 Code of Federal Register (CFR) section 236.13.
4. Your qualifying relative (spouse or parent), on whom you base your application for Family Unity Program benets,
has maintained his or her status as a legalized alien or as a U.S. citizen if he or she naturalized. If deceased, your
spouse or parent maintained his or her status until his or her death.
NOTE: For more information on the two dates, May 5, 1988, or December 1, 1988, see the Family Unity Benets
Eligibility section of these Instructions regarding relationship to a legalized alien.
Under LIFE Act
To prove eligibility for Family Unity benets under the LIFE Act, you must establish that you meet the following
conditions:
1. You entered the United States before December 1, 1988, and resided in the United States on that date;
2. You are the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of an alien who is eligible for adjustment of status under
section 1104 of the LIFE Act;
3. Your spouse or parent has a pending adjustment of status application or was granted adjustment of status under the
LIFE Act;
4. You are not in one of the categories of aliens dened in 8 CFR section 245a.32; and
5. The qualifying relationship between you and your spouse or parent continues to exist.
Family Unity Benets Eligibility
The classes of individuals eligible to apply for Family Unity benets are listed below.
Select the box in Part 3. Basis for Application that matches your request.
1. On May 5, 1988, I was the spouse of an alien who was legalized under INA section 245A and I currently meet all of
the necessary residence and other continuous eligibility requirements.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 4 of 13
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.a.
2. On May 5, 1988, I was the unmarried child under 21 years of age of a person who was legalized under INA
section 245A, and I currently meet all of the necessary residence and other continuous eligibility requirements.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.b.
3. On December 1, 1988, I was the spouse of an alien who was legalized as a Special Agricultural Worker under INA
section 210, and I currently meet all of the necessary residence and other continuous eligibility requirements.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.c.
4. On December 1, 1988, I was the unmarried child under 21 years of age of a person who was legalized as a Special
Agricultural Worker under INA section 210, and I currently meet all of the necessary residence and other continuous
eligibility requirements.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.d.
5. On May 5, 1988, I was the spouse of a legalized alien who adjusted status under section 202 of the Immigration
Reform and Control Act of 1986 (Cuban/Haitian Adjustment), and I currently meet all of the necessary residence and
other continuous eligibility requirements.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.e.
6. On May 5, 1988, I was the unmarried child of a legalized alien who adjusted status under section 202 of the
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (Cuban/Haitian Adjustment), and I currently meet all of the necessary
residence and other continuous eligibility requirements.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.f.
7. I am the spouse of a person who is eligible for and has a pending adjustment of status adjustment of status application
or was granted adjustment of status under section 1104 of Public Law 106-5534, the LIFE Act. I entered the United
States before December 1, 1988, and resided in the United States on that date.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.g.
8. I am the unmarried child under 21 years of age of a person who is eligible for and has a pending application or was
granted adjustment of status under section 1104 of Public Law 106-5534, the LIFE Act. I entered the United States
before December 1, 1988, and resided in the United States on that date.
If all of the above are applicable, select Item Number 1.h.
NOTE: When a legalized alien becomes a U.S. citizen, his or her spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of
age will be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or to adjust status as lawful permanent residents. If you are eligible
to apply for an immigrant visa abroad, you must follow the U.S. Department of State requirements. To apply for
adjustment of status, you must follow the requirements from the INA and 8 CFR.
A. If you are requesting:
(1) Initial Family Unity benets under section 301 of IMMACT 90. Select Item Number 2.a. if this is your rst
application requesting Family Unity benets;
(2) An extension of Family Unity benets under section 301 of IMMACT 90. Select Item Number 2.b. if you
already have benets under the Family Unity Program and are requesting an extension. You must submit the
following:
(a) Evidence that Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, was led on your behalf, if applicable, and that
the legalized alien through whom you obtained Family Unity benets is a lawful permanent resident or
naturalized U.S. citizen; or
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 5 of 13
(b) Proof that you no longer have a relationship with your spouse or the legalized alien; and
(c) A copy of your prior Form I-817 approval notice.
(3) Initial Family Unity benets under section 1504 of Public Law 106-554, the LIFE Act Amendments. Select
Item Number 2.c. if this is your rst application requesting Family Unity benets under the LIFE Act, as
amended; or
(4) An extension of Family Unity benets under section 1504 of Public Law 106-554, the LIFE Act
Amendments. Select Item Number 2.d. if you already have benets under section 1504 of Public Law
106-554 and are requesting an extension.
NOTE: If you previously qualied for Family Unity benet under section 1504, you may be eligible to apply
for benets under section 301 of IMMACT 90. To determine if you are eligible for Family Unity Benets
Program, go to Part 3. Basis for Application in the Specic Instructions section of these Instructions.
Specic Instructions
Form I-817 is divided into Parts 1. - 9. The following information will help you ll out the application.
Part 1. Information About You
Item Number 1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any). Provide your A-Number. We use your A-Number
to identify your immigration records. It begins with an “A” and can be found on correspondence you have received from
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or USCIS. If you do not have an A-Number, type or print “N/A.”
Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. Your Full Name. Provide your full legal name as shown on your identity documents. If you
have two last names, include both and use a hyphen (-) between the names, if appropriate.
Item Numbers 3.a. - 4.c. Other Names Used. Provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden
name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 10. Additional
Information.
Item Number 5. Date of Birth. Provide your date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format in the space provided.
Item Number 6. U.S. Social Security Number (if any). Provide your U.S. Social Security number, if any. If you do not
have a U.S. Social Security number, leave this space blank.
Item Number 7. USCIS Online Account Number. You will only have a USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) if you
previously led a form that has a receipt number that begins with IOE. If you led the form online, you can nd your
OAN in your account prole. If you mailed us the form, you can nd your OAN at the top of the Account Access Notice
we sent you. If you do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE, you do not have an OAN. The OAN is not the
same as an A-Number.
Item Number 8. Sex. Select male or female.
Item Numbers 9. - 10. Country of Birth and Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the country
of your birth. Provide the name of the country where you are a citizen and/or national. This is not necessarily the country
where you were born. If you do not have citizenship in any country, type or print “stateless” and provide an explanation in
Part 10. Additional Information.
Item Numbers 11.a. - 11.f. Mailing Address. Provide the address where you would like to receive written
correspondence regarding your application.
Item Numbers 12.a. - 12.e. Physical Address. Provide your physical address if it is dierent from your mailing address.
NOTE: Applicants must provide a U.S. address in either the Mailing Address or the Physical Address sections.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 6 of 13
Part 2. Biographic Information
Provide the biographic information requested. Providing this information as part of your application may reduce the
time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services Appointment section of these
Instructions.
Item Numbers 1. - 2. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Denitions for Ethnicity and Race
1. Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture
or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 2., Item Number 1.)
2. American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal aliation or community attachment.
3. Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine
Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
4. Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacic Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacic Islands.
6. White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
Item Number 3. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are ve
feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.
Item Number 4. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight, or need to enter a weight under
30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
Item Number 5. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.
Item Number 6. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.
Part 3. Basis for Application
Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.h. I am applying for Family Unity benets because. Select the box that applies to your
particular circumstance.
Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.d. I am requesting. Select the box that relates to what you are requesting.
Part 4. Information About Your Relationship
Information About Your Spouse or Parent
Item Numbers 1.a. - 12. The information requested is about the legalized alien through whom you are claiming eligibility
or an applicant qualifying for legalization under the LIFE Act. You must provide all the requested information.
Complete Only if You Are Applying Based on a Marital Relationship or You Were Previously Married
Item Numbers 13. - 20. Complete this section if you are applying based on a qualifying marital relationship or you were
previously married. You must provide all of the requested information.
1. Select the box that reects your marital status.
2. If you are married, divorced, or widowed, provide the requested information about your marriages.
3. In addition, if you were previously married, select Item Number 20. to indicate that you have completed this section.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 7 of 13
Complete Only if You Are Applying Based on a Child/Parent Relationship
Item Numbers 21.a. - 24.e. Complete this section if you are applying based on a qualifying child/parent relationship.
You must provide all of the requested information.
1. Provide the requested information about your relationship to the legalized alien and complete Item Numbers 21.a. -
24.e. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 10. Additional Information,
and submit supporting documentation required in accordance to the Foreign Aairs Manual.
2. Provide the requested information about your marital status.
Part 5. Other Information
Item Numbers 1. - 38. The information requested is about you. You must provide all the requested information in Item
Numbers 1. - 24.f. You must answer all the questions in Item Numbers 25.a. - 38.
Part 6. Applicant’s Contact Information, Certication, and Signature
Item Numbers 1.a. - 4.b. You must sign and date your application and, if applicable, provide your daytime telephone
number, mobile telephone number, and email address. The signature of a parent or legal guardian, if applicable, is
acceptable. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certication, and Signature
Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to
you in a language in which you are uent, the interpreter must ll out this section and sign and date the application.
Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. The person who completed your application, if other than the applicant, must sign this section.
If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, then that person should complete both Part 7. and Part
8. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 9. Signature for Placement on Employment Authorization Document
Make sure that your signature ts into the box provided. No part of your signature can extend outside the box.
We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you go to your biometric ser-
vices appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will allow you to complete the application process
only if you are able to conrm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application is complete,
true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at that time, we will require you to return for
another appointment.
What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
1. Requesting Initial Family Unity Benets Under Section 301 of IMMACT 90
You must prove that the required relationship exists and that you are eligible to le an initial application. In order to
prove that, submit a copy of the following:
A. The document issued by USCIS to your legalized spouse or parent (for example, Form I-551, Permanent Resident
Card, or N-550, Certicate of Naturalization);
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 8 of 13
B. Your registered marriage certicate if the legalized alien is your spouse, submit a copy of the front and back of a
registered marriage certicate; or
NOTE: If you or your spouse were previously married, submit a copy of a nal divorce decree or death
certicate.
C. Evidence of a valid parent-child relationship if the legalized alien is your parent.
This evidence can vary, depending on the circumstances of your relationship.
(1) If your mother is the legalized alien, submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate showing
your mother’s name.
(2) If you were born in wedlock and the legalized alien is your natural father, submit a copy of the front and
back of your birth certicate showing your father’s name, your parents’ marriage certicate, and proof of
termination of any of their prior marriages. If your father’s name is not on the birth certicate, please provide
other proof of paternity, such as a court order of acknowledgment/paternity.
(3) If you are the legitimated child of a legalized alien father, submit a copy of the front and back of your birth
certicate and evidence of your legitimation. Legitimation is established by the marriage certicate of your
natural parents or by documents of legitimation issued by civil authorities. The legitimation must have
occurred while you were unmarried and prior to your 18th birthday. You must also submit evidence of any
legal termination of your parents’ prior marriages, if your legitimation resulted from your natural parents’
marriage to each other.
(4) If you were born out of wedlock and the legalized alien is your natural father, submit a copy of the front and
back of your birth certicate showing your father’s name. You must provide evidence showing that a valid
parent-child relationship exists.
Such evidence may include, but is not limited to:
(a.) Money order receipts or canceled checks showing your father’s nancial support;
(b.) Your father’s income tax returns;
(c.) Your father’s medical or insurance records showing you as a beneciary;
(d.) Your school records;
(e.) Your father’s work documents showing you as a beneciary; or
(f.) Correspondence and/or notarized adavits from witnesses who are knowledgeable about the relationship.
(5) If the legalized alien is your stepparent, whether or not you were born in wedlock, you must provide
evidence showing that you had not reached 18 years of age at the time of the marriage creating your status
as a stepchild. Submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate showing the name of your
natural parent to whom your stepparent is married. You must also provide a copy of the front and back of
the marriage certicate that created the stepparent-stepchild relationship and evidence of termination of any
previous marriages of your natural parent and stepparent.
(6) If you are the adopted child of a legalized alien parent, submit a certied copy of the front and back of your
adoption decree showing that you were adopted while under 16 years of age; a copy of the front and back
of the legal custody decree (including any ocial stamps or seals on the document) if your custody was
obtained before adoption; and a statement showing the dates and places where you and your adoptive parents
have lived together.
NOTE: If you or your parent had a name change, you must submit the document authorizing the name change.
2. Requesting Initial Family Unity Benets Under Section 1504 of Public Law 106-554, LIFE Act Amendments
Copies of following documents are evidence that the required relationship exists and that you may be eligible to le
an initial application:
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 9 of 13
A. If the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act is your spouse, submit a copy of the front and back of a
registered marriage certicate. If you or your spouse were married previously, submit a copy of a nal divorce
decree or death certicate.
B. If the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act is your parent, provide evidence of a valid parent-child
relationship. This evidence can vary depending on the circumstances of your relationship:
(1) If your mother is the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act, submit a copy of the front and back of
your birth certicate showing your mother’s name.
(2) If you were born in wedlock and the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act is your natural father,
submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate showing your father’s name, your parents’
marriage certicate, and proof of termination of any of their prior marriages.
(3) If you are the legitimated child of an alien who adjusted status under the LIFE Act or has a pending
application for adjustment of status, submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate and evidence
of your legitimation. Legitimation is established by the marriage certicate of your natural parents or by
documents of legitimation issued by civil authorities. The legitimation must have occurred while you were
unmarried and prior to your 18th birthday. You must also submit evidence of any legal termination of your
parents’ prior marriages if your legitimation resulted from your natural parents’ marriage to each other.
(4) If you were born out of wedlock and the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act is your natural
father, submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate showing your father’s name. You must
provide evidence showing that a valid parent-child relationship exists.
Such evidence may include but is not limited to:
(a.) Money order receipts or canceled checks showing your father’s nancial support;
(b.) Your father’s income tax returns;
(c.) Your father’s medical or insurance records showing you as a beneciary;
(d.) Your school records; or
(e.) Your father’s work documents showing you as a beneciary;
(5) If the alien eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act is your stepparent, whether or not you were born in
wedlock, provide evidence showing that you had not yet reached 18 years of age at the time of the marriage
creating your status as a stepchild. Submit a copy of the front and back of your birth certicate showing
the name of your natural parent to whom your stepparent is married. You must also provide a copy of the
front and back of the marriage certicate that created the stepparent-stepchild relationship and evidence of
termination of any previous marriages of your natural parent and stepparent.
(6) If you are the adopted child of an alien parent eligible for adjustment under the LIFE Act, submit a certied
copy of the front and back of your adoption decree showing that you were adopted while under 16 years
of age; a copy of the legal custody decree if your custody was obtained before adoption; and a statement
showing the dates and places you and your adoptive parents have lived together.
NOTE: If you or your parent had a name change, you must submit the document authorizing the name change.
3. Secondary Evidence (For Applicants of Both Section 301 of IMMACT 90 and Section 1504 of Public Law
106-554, the LIFE Act Amendments)
Ocial documents must be issued by the civil registrar, vital statistics oce, or other civil authority. If such
documents are unavailable, you must le your application with evidence from those authorities establishing that the
primary evidence is unavailable. You must then submit secondary evidence to establish the facts in question. Submit
as many types of secondary evidence as possible to verify the claimed relationship. Any evidence submitted must
contain enough information (for example, dates and names) to establish the event you are trying to prove. Listed
below are examples of secondary evidence:
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A. Baptismal certicate. A certicate under the seal of the church or other religious entity where the baptism or
similar rite took place. The certicate must have been issued within two months of the birth, show the date and
place of the birth, date of the baptism, and names of the child’s parents;
B. School record. A letter from the school ocial charged with recording attendance. The letter must show the
date of admission, the child’s date of birth or age at the time of admission, and the place of birth of the parents, if
shown in the record; or
C. Census record. State or Federal census record showing the names and places of birth, and dates of birth or ages
of the persons listed.
As noted above, if all forms of primary and secondary evidence are unavailable, you must le your application with
evidence from those authorities stating that such evidence is not available. In such case, you may submit at least two
adavits sworn to or armed by persons who are not parties to the application who have direct personal knowledge
of the events or circumstances. The persons making the adavits do not have to be U.S. citizens.
Each adavit must contain the full name, address, date and place of birth, and signature of the person attesting to the
events. The adavit must also explain the person’s relationship to you, full information concerning the events, and
complete details of how the person acquired the information.
4. Evidence of Continuous Residence Requirements for Family Unity Applicants Under Section 301 of IMMACT 90
You must submit at least three documents that prove residence in the United States since May 5, 1988, or December 1,
1988. Such evidence may include but is not limited to:
A. Employment records, pay stubs, Form W-2s, Federal and/or state tax returns, letters from employers, or, if you are
self-employed, letters from banks and other rms with which you have done business. Your name and the name
of the employer or other interested organization must appear on the form or letter;
B. Employment letters must be in adavit form and must be signed by the employer under penalty of perjury. The
letters must include dates of employment, your home address at the time of employment, and your duties with the
company;
C. Hospital or medical records showing treatment or hospitalization of you or your children in the United States. The
records must show the name of the medical facility or physician and the dates of the treatment or hospitalization;
D. Attestations by an ocial of a church, union, or other organization indicating your residence, dates of
membership, and attendance. The statement must include the organization’s seal and be on ocial letterhead
stationery, if available;
E. Rent receipts, utility bills, or letters from companies showing the dates when you received service;
F. School records (for example, letters and report cards) from schools you or your children have attended in the
United States that show the name of the school and periods of attendance; or
G. Any other relevant documents such as money order receipts, passport entries, insurance documents, birth
certicates of children born in the United States, correspondence between you and another person or organization,
automobile license receipts, deeds, mortgages, contracts to which you have been a party, insurance policies, etc.
5. Evidence Requirements for Family Unity Applicants Under Section 1504 of Public Law 106-554, the LIFE Act
Amendments
You must submit documents that prove entry into the United States before December 1, 1988, and residence on that
date. Such evidence may include but is not limited to:
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 11 of 13
A. At least three documents that prove entry into the United States before December 1, 1988. For example: a
photocopy of your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; Form I-122, Notice to
Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing Before an Immigration Judge; Form I-221, Order to Show Cause;
photocopies of other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (including USCIS) documents, including any
application or petition for benets under the INA led by you or on your behalf on or prior to December 1, 1988;
or a fee receipt issued for such application or petition;
B. Other government documentation issued by a Federal, state, or local authority, provided such documentation
bears the signature, seal, or other authenticating authority; was dated at the time of issuance; and bears the date
of issuance not later than November 30, 1988, when proving entry. For example: a state driver’s license, a state
identication card issued in lieu of a driver’s license, a county or municipal hospital record, a public college or
public school transcript, income tax records, property tax payment, private or religious school transcripts (the
school having been registered with, or approved or licensed by appropriate state or local authorities, or having
been accredited by the state or regional accrediting body, or by the appropriate private school association);
C. Non-governmental documents that include actual dates. For example: employment records, pay stubs, employer
letters, or if self-employed, letters from banks and other rms with which you have done business (your name
and the name of the employer or interested organization must appear on the form or letter and must be in adavit
form, signed by the employer, under penalty of perjury, and must include dates of employment, home address
at the time of employment, and duties with the company); hospital or medical records showing hospitalization
or treatment showing the name of the medical facility or physician and dates of the treatment; and attestation by
a church ocial, union, or other organization indicating your residence, dates of membership, and attendance,
including the organization’s seal and letterhead; or
D. Other relevant documents, including but not limited to: rent receipts, credit card statements, utility bills, money
orders, passport entries, insurance documents, birth certicate of child born in the United States, automobile
license receipts, deeds, mortgages, and contracts to which you have been a party.
6. Request for Extension of Family Unity Benets
The following documents are evidence that the required relationship existed on May 5, 1988 or December 1, 1988,
and that you may be eligible to le an application for extension of Family Unity benets:
A. A copy of the front and back of the document issued by USCIS to your legalized alien spouse or parent (for
example, Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, or N-550, Certicate of Naturalization);
B. If the legalized alien through whom Family Unity benets were obtained is a lawful permanent resident or
naturalized U.S. citizen, evidence that Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, was led on your behalf;
NOTE: This evidence is only required if the relationship to the legalized alien still exists.
C. Evidence that you were granted Family Unity benets in the past;
D. A list of all trips you made outside the United States since you were last granted Family Unity benets. This
statement must include the dates and reason for each absence. If you have not been outside the United States
since your last Form I-817 was approved, provide a statement arming this fact;
E. A list of all your residences in the United States since your last Form I-817 was approved; and
F. Fingerprints, if you were under 14 years of age when your last Form I-817 was approved, but are now 14 years of
age or older, or if USCIS requests them, as part of the biometric services.
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-817 for the most current information about where to le this application.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 12 of 13
Address Change
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous
residence. For information on changing your address, go to our website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange, or call the
USCIS Contact Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox.
Processing Information
You must have a United States address to le this application.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not properly
complete this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and we may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS oce for an interview based on your application.
During your interview, USCIS may require you to provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update
background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-817 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benet you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of our decision in writing.
USCIS Forms and Instructions
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit www.uscis.gov.
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-817, we will
deny your application and may deny any other immigration benet. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided
by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration Act of 1990 Section 301 and the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) Section 1504.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to request initial benets
under the Family Unity Program, or to request an extension of such benets. DHS uses the information you provide to
grant or deny the immigration benet you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a nal decision or result in
denial of your application.
Form I-817 Instructions 04/01/24 Page 13 of 13
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application, and any additional requested evidence
with other Federal, State, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved
routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index,
and National File Tracking System of Records, DHS/USCIS-007 Benets Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018
Immigration Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a)
Computer Linked Application Information Management System], which you can nd at
www.dhs.gov/privacy]. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the
interest of national security.
Paperwork Reduction Act
USCIS may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and you are not required to respond to a collection
of information, unless it displays a currently valid Oce of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The
public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1.717 hours, including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements,
attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated to require 1
hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Oce of Policy and
Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-
0009; OMB No. 1615-0005. Do not mail your completed Form I-817 to this address.
