I-956: Application for Regional Center Designation

What is a Form I-956?

Form I-956 is an Affidavit of Relationship, which is used by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship between a petitioner and an immigrant. The affidavit is used to supplement the evidence in support of a family-based green card application or other petition. It includes information such as the duration, nature, and extent of the relationship between the petitioner and immigrant, as well as contact information for both parties.

Who is Eligible for Form I-956?

Form I-9 is an employment eligibility verification form used by U.S. employers to verify their employees’ identity and eligibility to work in the United States. All employers must complete and retain form I-9 for all individuals they hire for employment in the United States, including citizens and noncitizens. All newly hired employees must complete and sign Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment.

What is the Latest Form I-956 Edition?

The latest version of Form I-9 is the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (Rev. 01/31/2020). This form can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-956?

The required documents for Form I-956 are:

1. A valid, unexpired passport from your home country.
2. Evidence of the refugee or asylee status, such as Form I-94, Stamp in passport, etc.
3. Evidence of current employment or enrollment in an educational institution in the U.S.
4. Evidence of financial resources, such as your bank statement or other financial documents.
5. Two color passport-style photos.
6. A copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or divorce decree (if applicable).
7. An Affidavit of Support form I-134, completed and signed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative living in the United States or a qualified U.S. employer.
8. A copy of any valid visa or other documents showing prior lawful admission to the United States (if applicable).

How to Submit Form I-956?

To submit Form I-956, begin by completing the application. This form can be filled out online or printed and filled out manually. Next, gather any required supporting documents and evidence to accompany your application.

Once everything is in order, submit your application either electronically through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or by mail to the appropriate USCIS location. You can find the address for mailing your application on the USCIS website. Ensure that you include the filing fee with your application when submitting by mail.

To check on the status of your application or to make changes to your application once it has been submitted, use the USCIS website or contact USCIS directly.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-956?

1. Carefully fill out the form. Make sure to use black or blue ink and write legibly. Double check that all information is accurate and complete.

2. Gather the necessary documents. You will need to submit evidence that supports your eligibility, such as a birth certificate, passport, or other forms of valid identification.

3. Submit the form and documents in person or by mail. The fee for filing Form I-956 is $545, so make sure you are able to provide payment when submitting your application.

4. Check your status regularly. You can use the government’s online system to check on the status of your application as it is being processed.

5. Be patient and prepared for additional requests from immigration officials. Even if your initial application is approved, you may be asked to provide additional documentation before you are granted legal permanent residency.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-956?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-956. Instructions are available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. These instructions explain who should complete the form, the required documentation and other important information needed to complete the form. It is important to read and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the form is properly completed and submitted.

What is the Form I-956 Fee?

The Form I-956 Fee is a fee for applying for a fee waiver for certain immigration forms. It is not a fee for the form itself, but for the process of applying for a fee waiver. It is typically $50 and is paid at the same time as the form filing fee.

Can I Apply for Form I-956 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

No, Form I-956 is an application for a fee waiver or reduction only available to those seeking asylum or refugee status. It cannot be used by individuals applying for other immigration benefits.

What is the Form I-956 Processing Time?

The processing time for the Form I-956 varies depending on the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that is processing the form. Generally, it takes several months for the form to be processed.

Form I-956 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Form I-956?
A Form I-956 is an application for an immigrant visa petition, which is used by a person seeking to immigrate to the United States.

2. What information is required to complete a Form I-956?
The information required to complete a Form I-956 includes personal information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, address and contact details, employment and educational history, financial information, and other relevant documents such as photographs and proof of identity.

3. Is there a fee associated with filing a Form I-956?
Yes, filing a Form I-956 requires paying a fee, which varies depending on individual circumstances and must be paid in full at the time of application.

4. How long does it take to process a Form I-956?
The processing time for a Form I-956 varies and can take anywhere from two months to one year depending on individual circumstances.

5. How can an applicant check the status of their Form I-956?
Applicants can check the status of their Form I-956 by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.