G-884 Instructions TOC

TABLE OF CHANGES – Instructions

Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original Documents

OMB Number: 1615-0100

10/01/2018

Reason for Revision:

Legend for Proposed Text:

• Black font = Current text

• Red font = Changes

Current Page Number and Section	Current Text	Proposed Text
Page 1, What Is the Purpose of Form G-884?	[Page 1] What Is the Purpose of Form G-884? Use Form G-884 to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit. NOTE: If you filed a form that requested original documents, we will automatically return those originals to you. You do not need to file this form. You need to provide us with: 1. A completed and signed Form G-884; and 2. Supporting documentation. See section entitled Submitting Your Form G-884.	[Page 1] What Is the Purpose of Form G-884? Use Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original Documents, to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration or citizenship benefit. NOTE: If you filed a form that requested original documents, we will automatically return those originals to you. You do not need to file this request. You need to provide us with: 1. A completed and signed Form G-884; and 2. Supporting documentation. See the Submitting Your Form G-884 section of these Instructions.
Page 1, When Should I Use Form G-884?	[Page 1] When Should I Use Form G-884? You should use Form G-884 if you submitted original documents that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did not request with a petition, application, or request, and you are now seeking to have those documents returned to you. NOTE: Refer to the instructions of the form or forms you submitted to determine whether non-requested originals are available for return or destroyed after scanning. Furnishing the information requested on Form G-884 and submitting the required supporting documents will assist USCIS to locate and return the documents requested.	[Page 1] When Should I Use Form G-884? You should use Form G-884 if you submitted original documents that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did not request with a petition, application, or request, and you are now seeking to have those documents returned to you. NOTE: Refer to the instructions of the form or forms you submitted to determine whether non-requested originals are available for return or are destroyed after scanning. Providing the information requested on Form G-884 and submitting the required supporting documents will assist USCIS to locate and return the documents requested.
Pages 1-2, General Instructions	[Page 1] General Instructions NOTE: You only need to submit one Form G-884 if you are requesting multiple documents contained in a single USCIS file. However, if the requested documentation is in more than one USCIS file, you must submit a separate request for each file. (For example: If you wish to obtain your mother’s birth certificate and your parent’s marriage certificate, both of which are in the USCIS file that pertains to her, submit one Form G-884 with your mother’s information.) USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out 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 National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Signature. Each request must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this request, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. Filing Fee. There is no fee to file Form G-884. Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific Instructions section of these Instructions. [Page 2] Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may remain a part of the record, USCIS will not automatically return them to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt. 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 certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification should also include the date, the translator’s signature and printed name, and may contain the translator’s contact information. How To Fill Out Form G-884 1. Type or print legibly in black ink. 2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this request, 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. 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.	[Page 1] General Instructions NOTE: You only need to submit one Form G-884 if you are requesting multiple documents contained in a single USCIS file. However, if the requested documentation is in more than one USCIS file, you must submit a separate request for each file. (For example, if you wish to obtain your mother’s birth certificate and your parent’s marriage certificate, both of which are in the USCIS file that pertains to her, submit one Form G-884 with your mother’s information.) USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out 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 at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Signature. Each request must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this request, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian may sign the request on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature. [deleted] [Page 2] Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions section of these Instructions. Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of any documents you are submitting in support of this request. NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be immediately destroyed 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 certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s signature and should contain the translator’s printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information. How To Fill Out Form G-884 1. Type or print legibly in black ink. 2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this request, use the space provided in Part 6. 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. 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.
Pages 2-3, Specific Instructions And Page 4, Submitting Your Form G-884	[Page 2] Specific Instructions This form is divided into Parts 1. through 3. The following information will help you fill out the form. Part 1. Information About You (Person requesting the return of original documents) Item Number 1. Your Full Name. Provide your full legal name. If you have two last names, include both and use a hyphen (-) between the names, if appropriate. Item Number 2. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address, if different from your home address. Item Number 3. A-Number. This is your Alien Registration Number. If you do not have an A-Number or do not know it, leave this blank. Item Numbers 4. - 5. City/Town/Village of Birth, and Country of Birth. Provide the location where you were born. Item Number 6. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. (For example: May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) Item Number 7. Daytime Telephone Number. Provide a telephone number with the area code where you can be reached during the day. Item Number 8. Specific information about desired document(s) or record(s). Name or describe the original documents you wish returned. Be as specific as possible. (For example: marriage certificate of John Q. and Mary A. Public.) [Page 3] Part 2. Data for Identification of Personal Record Provide the following information. (Failure to provide the requested information may make it difficult for USCIS to locate the relating record.) Item Number 1. Subject’s Full Name. Provide the subject’s full legal name. If there are two last names, include both and use a hyphen (-) between the names, if appropriate. Item Number 2. Other Names Used. Include the subject’s maiden name, nickname, or alias. Item Number 3. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide the subject’s date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. (For example: May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) Item Number 4. Place of Birth. Provide the name of the country where the subject was born. Include the city, state or province, and country. Item Numbers 5. - 7. Entry Into the United States. Provide the requested information about the subject’s entry into the United States. Item Number 8. A-Number (if any). This is the subject’s Alien Registration Number. If the subject does not have an A-Number or you do not know it, leave this blank. Item Numbers 9. - 15. U.S. Citizenship Information. Provide information about the subject’s Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, if applicable. Use eight numbers to show the date on the Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. (For example: May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) Item Number 16. Verification of Identity. Select type of identification the requester provided. [new] Part 3. Signature of Requester- Affidavit of Identity Item Numbers 1. - 12. You, the requester, must sign and date the form. If you do not sign the form, the request will be returned as incomplete. [Page 4, Submitting Your Form G-884] We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed request to review in the future and for your records.	[Page 2] Specific Instructions This request is divided into Parts 1. through 6. The following information will help you complete the request. Part 1. Information About You (Person requesting the return of original documents) Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. Your Full Name. Provide your full legal name. If you have two last names, include both and use a hyphen (-) between the names, if appropriate. Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.g. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address, if different from your home address. Item Number 3. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any). This is your Alien Registration Number. If you do not have an A-Number or do not know it, leave this blank. Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you previously have filed an application or petition using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. If you previously filed certain applications or petitions on a paper form through a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. You may find your USCIS Online Account Number at the top of the notice. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. Item Numbers 5. - 6. City/Town/Village of Birth and Country of Birth. Provide the location where you were born. Item Number 7. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. (For example, May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) [delete] [Page 3] Item Number 8. Provide specific information about the desired documents or records. Name or describe the original documents you wish returned. Be as specific as possible. (For example, marriage certificate of John Q. and Mary A. Public.) Item Number 9. Receipt Number (if any). Provide the receipt number. Part 2. Data for Identification of Personal Record Provide the following information. (Failure to provide the requested information may make it difficult for USCIS to locate the relating record.) Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. Subject’s Full Name. Provide the subject’s full legal name. If there are two last names, include both and use a hyphen (-) between the names, if appropriate. Item Numbers 2.a. - 3.c. Other Names Used. Provide all other names the subject has ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information. Item Number 4. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide the subject’s date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. (For example, May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.c. Place of Birth. Provide the city or town, state or province, and the name of the country where the subject was born. Item Numbers 6. - 8. Entry Into the United States. Provide the requested information about the subject’s entry into the United States. Item Number 9. A-Number (if any). This is the subject’s Alien Registration Number. If the subject does not have an A-Number or you do not know it, leave this blank. Item Numbers 10.a. - 16.c. U.S. Citizenship Information. Provide information about the subject’s Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, if applicable. Use eight numbers to show the date on the Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. (For example, May 1, 1979, should be written 05/01/1979.) Item Number 17. Verification of Requestor’s Identity. Select type of identification the requestor provided. Part 3. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.b. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this request to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the request. Part 4. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Request, if Other Than the Requestor Item Numbers 1.a. - 8.b. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your request, if other than you, the requestor. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete both Part 3. and Part 4. If the person who completed this request is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you complete this request MUST sign and date the request. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your request is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may also need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your request. [Page 4] Part 5. Requestor’s Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, Signature, and Affidavit of Identity Item Numbers 1.a. – 7.b. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this request yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in completing the request, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your request and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every request MUST contain the signature of the requestor (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. DO NOT sign this part until you are before the certifying official. Item Numbers 8.a. - 13. This is for use by the USCIS Official and the Certifying Official. Part 6. Additional Information Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.d. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this request, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 6., you may make copies of Part 6. to complete and file with your request, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and 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. We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed request for your records to review in the future.
Pages 3- 4, Submitting Your Form G-884	[Page 3] Submitting Your Form G-884 You must include copies of the following items when you submit your Form G-884: 1. Your signed and completed Form G-884. Form G-884 must be notarized if you are submitting it by mail. (You do not need to get Form G-884 notarized if you are submitting it in person via a scheduled appointment.) 2. Before we can consider your request, you must submit two forms of identification. Examples of acceptable forms of identification are: A. Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card; B. Driver’s license; C. State-issued identification document; D. Employment authorization document; E. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship; F. U.S. or foreign passport. [Page 4] 3. If you are requesting an original document(s) from a USCIS file other than one relating to you, submit proof of the relationship between you and the subject. In cases where the subject is either deceased or incapacitated, you must provide evidence of a power of attorney or that you are the executor of the subject’s estate.	[Page 4] Submitting Your Form G-884 You must include copies of the following items when you submit your Form G-884. 1. Your signed and completed Form G-884. Form G-884 must be notarized if you are submitting it by mail. (You do not need to get Form G-884 notarized if you are submitting it in person at a scheduled appointment.) 2. Before we can consider your request, you must submit copies of two forms of identification. Examples of acceptable forms of identification are: A. Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card; B. Driver’s license; C. State-issued identification document; D. Form I-765, Employment Authorization Document; E. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship; or F. U.S. or foreign passport. 3. If you are requesting original documents from a USCIS file other than one relating to you, submit proof of the relationship between you and the subject. In cases where the subject is either deceased or incapacitated, you must provide evidence of a power of attorney or that you are the executor of the subject’s estate.
Page 4, What Is the Filing Fee?	[Page 4] What Is the Filing Fee? There is no filing fee for Form G-884.	[Page 4] What Is the Filing Fee? There is no filing fee for Form G-884.
Page 4, Where To File?	[Page 4] Where to File? Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/G-884 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this request. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.	[Page 5 Where to File? Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/G-884 or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this request. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Page 4, Notice	[Page 4] Notice USCIS wants to make sure that you are eligible to receive the requested documents. To do this, we may ask for more evidence, interview you, and/or conduct an inquiry. If you misrepresent facts or otherwise engage in fraud, USCIS will take appropriate action. This means we will not only deny your request, you may lose current and future immigration benefits. You may also face penalties, including criminal and/or civil prosecutions leading to fines and/or imprisonment.	[Delete]
Page 4, Address Change	[Page 4] Address Change A requester who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests.	[Page 5] Address Change A requestor who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests.
Page 4, Processing Information	[Page 4] Processing Information [new] Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your request we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this request, USCIS may reject or deny your request. Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your request. NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may remain a part of the record, USCIS will not automatically return them to you, and your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt.	[Page 5] Processing Information You must have a United States address to file this request. Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your request, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this request, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your request. Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your request. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. [delete]
Page 5, USCIS Forms and Information	[Page 5] USCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this request, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Schedule an Appointment ” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.	[Page 5] USCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this request, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Make an Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
Page 5, USCIS Privacy Act Notice	[Page 5] USCIS Privacy Act Notice AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this benefit application, and the associated evidence, is collected pursuant to the 8 CFR section 103.2(b)(1). PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration benefit. DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information may delay or prevent USCIS from processing your request. ROUTINE USES: The information provided on this benefit application will be used by and disclosed to DHS personnel and contractors or other agents who need the information to assist in activities related to your request. The information will be shared in accordance with approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, which can be found at www.dhs.gov/privacy].	[Page 5] DHS Privacy Notice AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this form, and the associated evidence, is collected in accordance with 8 CFR section 103.2(b)(1). PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this form is to request the return of original documents submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration benefit. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or deny the request you are seeking. [Page 6] 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 make it difficult for USCIS to identify and or locate the requested original documents you submitted to establish eligibility for an immigration benefit, resulting in a delay or denial of your request. ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this form 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-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-003 Integrated Digitization Document Management Program (IDDMP)] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
New		[Page 6] Paperwork Reduction Act An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the request, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the request. 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, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0100. Do not mail your completed Form G-884 to this address.
Page 5, Checklist	[Page 5] Checklist Did you completely fill out and sign the form? Did you have the form notarized? (Form must be notarized if submitted by mail.) Did you attach a copy of your identity documents? (Two types of identification are required.) If applicable, did you attach a copy of a power of attorney or proof that you are the subject’s executor?	[delete]

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