I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant

What is a Form I-360?

Form I-360 is a form used by certain foreign nationals to petition for special immigrant status in the United States. It is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Eligible individuals include religious workers, widowed spouses of citizens, those who have worked for the US government abroad, certain abused nonimmigrant spouses and children, and Amerasian immigrants.

Who is Eligible for Form I-360?

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, can be filed by individuals who meet the criteria for a special immigrant. This includes Amerasian immigrants, qualified widows or widowers of deceased United States citizens, certain ministers of religion and their family members, certain foreign medical graduates and their family members, certain international organization employees and their family members, certain former employees of the U.S. government abroad and their family members, and certain Afghanistan and Iraq nationals working with the United States military or under Chief of Mission authority.

What is the Latest Form I-360 Edition?

The latest edition of Form I-360 is Version 06/20/18. This form can be found at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-360?

In order to apply for the Form I-360, the following documents are required:

1. A completed Form I-360 (available on the USCIS website).

2. Evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements, such as documents verifying your status as a battered spouse or parent, income tax returns, marriage certificate, and/or other evidence of hardship.

3. Appropriate filing fees (check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security).

4. Documents showing any other forms of relief for which you have applied for or received.

5. Two passport-style photographs.

6. Approval from a consular officer in your home country if you are outside the United States and applying for a visa to enter the United States.

How to Submit Form I-360?

Form I-360 is a petition to classify an alien as a special immigrant. To submit Form I-360, you must first complete the form online or by hand.

Once the form is completed, you must gather all necessary evidence and documents that support the petition. This could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits of financial support, or any other documents that pertain to your special immigrant status.

After you have gathered the appropriate evidence and documents, they should be mailed along with the completed Form I-360 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) address listed on the form.

It is also important to include a check or money order for the correct filing fee. Once your application is received, USCIS will review it and contact you if additional information is needed or if your petition has been approved.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-360?

1. Ensure that all fields are completed accurately and completely.
2. Attach all required documents including evidence of eligibility and other supporting documents.
3. Make sure to sign and date the form.
4. Include the filing fee or a fee waiver request if applicable.
5. Use the most current version of the form, which can be found on the USCIS website.
6. Submit the form along with required documents to the correct USCIS Lockbox facility address.
7. If submitting by mail, make sure to include a pre-paid and self-addressed envelope for any return documents from USCIS.
8. Retain a copy of the I-360 form and all submitted documents for your records.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-360?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-360. The Form I-360 is used to petition for religious workers in the United States and these instructions vary depending on the type of religious worker for which you are petitioning. Generally speaking, you will need to include proof of your current religious worker status, your relationship with the organization or denomination you are petitioning for, and evidence of the denomination’s tax-exempt status. You will also need to provide details about your work history and a detailed explanation of how your work contributes to the organization’s religious mission. Once you’ve completed the form, you will need to sign and date it, and submit it along with any additional documents required by USCIS.

What is the Form I-360 Fee?

The Form I-360 is an application for self-petitioning immigrants who are seeking to become a lawful permanent resident. The filing fee for Form I-360 is $535. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may submit a Fee Waiver Request, Form I-912.

Can I Apply for Form I-360 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction if you are applying for Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant). Your eligibility for a fee waiver or reduction will depend on your income and financial resources. You may qualify if you can demonstrate that you cannot pay the filing fee. To apply, you must complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver and submit it with your Form I-360. Be sure to include proof of your financial resources and income. If you are granted a fee waiver or reduction, the USCIS will waive or reduce the fees associated with your Form I-360 application.

What is the Form I-360 Processing Time?

The processing time for a Form I-360 can vary depending on the applicant’s situation, location, and other factors. Generally speaking, the processing time for a Form I-360 can range from 3 to 6 months. It is important to note that there are certain cases where the processing time may be longer or shorter than the average timeline.

Form I-360 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Form I-360?
A: Form I-360, or the Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, is a form used by certain immigrants to obtain legal permanent residence in the United States. This form is typically filed by individuals who fall under certain immigrant categories, such as certain Amerasians, widows or widowers of a U.S. citizen, survivors of persecution or torture, or religious workers.

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for Form I-360?
A: To determine if you are eligible to file Form I-360, you should review the requirements for your particular immigrant category. Generally speaking, if you are an Amerasian who was born between January 1, 1962 and December 31, 1976 in Vietnam, or if you are the surviving spouse of a U.S. citizen who died within the past two years, you may be eligible to file Form I-360. You can find a full list of eligibility requirements for each category on the USCIS website.

Q: What documents must I include with my Form I-360?
A: When filing Form I-360, it is important to include all requested documentation and evidence to support your claim. Depending on your immigrant category, this may include evidence of your identity and nationality; evidence to demonstrate your relationship to the deceased spouse; evidence that you have been subject to persecution or torture; and proof of any other facts that support your eligibility for classification as a special immigrant.

Q: What fees must I pay when filing Form I-360?
A: The fee for filing Form I-360 is $435 ($405 for Amerasian applicants). This fee does not include biometrics services fees or any additional fees that may be required for certain categories. You can find more information about filing fees on the USCIS website.

Q: What are the processing times for Form I-360?
A: The processing times for Form I-360 vary depending on the USCIS service center where the application is received and can range from several months to over a year. You can find current processing times on the USCIS website.