How to Get A Copy of the I-797 Approval Notice?

Form I-824 is the application to request a duplicate approval notice. If you have filed an immigrant petition or application that was approved, but you never received an Approval Notice or if the Approval Notice was lost, then you can file Form I-824 to receive a new one.

Form I-824 is also used for Follow to Join purposes.

Duplicate Approval Notice

It is important to have an approval notice as it may be needed for further action on an application, to prove to a USCIS officer or other government official that your immigration status is in the process of being adjusted, and to document your application process. Therefore, if you have lost your approval notice you should immediately request a new one using Form I-824.

How to Get A Duplicate Approval Notice from USCIS

You need to file Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, to get a duplicate approval notice from the USCIS. 

I-824: Filing Form I-824 will only get you a duplicate approval notice with the information listed on the original Form I-797. A replacement employment authorization card, Form I-94, Permanent Resident Card, or any other USCIS authorization document will not accompany the duplicate approval notice.

I-797: The I-797 is titled Notice of Action. It is issued when an immigration application or petition is approved. 

How long does it take to get a duplicate I-797

Depending on where you file your application, it can take anywhere between 1.5 months and 25.5 months for USCIS to process the application and issue a duplicate I-797.

I-824 Filing Fee

The fees associated with an Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition are as follows:

Application Assistance: $195 

Application Processing: $465 

Total: $660

Can I file Form I-824 online?

Form I-824 has to be filed with the correct USCIS lockbox facility; addresses can be found on the USCIS website. 

If filing Form I-824 with another USCIS form, mail Form I-824 as per the filing instructions of the other form.

You can also use our online service to prepare your I-824 application so that you can file with confidence.