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Legal

Fill out I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition) online

Form I-824 is used to request that USCIS send notification of an approved immigration application or petition to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, or to request a duplicate approval notice. It allows beneficiaries to proceed with consular processing at a different location than originally designated.

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I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition) - simplepdf.com
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How to fill out I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition)

1

Identify the approved petition or application

Locate the approval notice (I-797) for the underlying immigration petition or application. Note the receipt number, approval date, beneficiary name, and the preference category or classification.

2

Enter petitioner and beneficiary information

Provide the petitioner's full legal name, address, and contact information. Enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number (if any), and current address abroad.

3

Specify the requested action

Indicate whether you are requesting notification to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for consular processing, a duplicate approval notice, or both. Specify the Embassy or Consulate where you want the notification sent.

4

Submit with supporting documents

Include the filing fee, a copy of the original approval notice (Form I-797), a copy of the underlying petition, and any other relevant documents. Mail to the USCIS address designated for your case type.

About I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition)

Who needs this form

Petitioners or applicants who have an approved immigration petition or application and need USCIS to notify a different U.S. Embassy or Consulate for consular processing, or who need a duplicate approval notice sent to a consulate. It is commonly used when a beneficiary has moved to a different country or when the original approval notice was lost.

Where to submit

File with USCIS by mail to the service center or lockbox address specified in the form instructions. The filing address depends on the type of underlying approved petition or application.

Source and content freshness

Official source (www.uscis.gov)
  • Reviewed: 2026-02-24
  • Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Filing Form I-824 before the underlying petition or application has been approved by USCIS
  • Not including the receipt number and a copy of the approval notice for the underlying case
  • Filing when the underlying petition has expired or is no longer valid
  • Not understanding that Form I-824 does not extend the validity of the underlying petition

Got any questions?

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Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
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How long does it take to process Form I-824?
Processing times vary depending on the USCIS service center handling the request. It can take several months for USCIS to process the I-824 and send the notification to the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate. After USCIS processes the form, the National Visa Center and the consulate have their own processing timelines. Check the USCIS processing times page for current estimates.
Can I use Form I-824 to transfer my case to a different consulate?
Yes. One of the primary uses of Form I-824 is to request that USCIS notify a different U.S. Embassy or Consulate than the one originally designated for consular processing. This is useful when the beneficiary has relocated to a different country or when processing times are more favorable at another consulate.

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