Earlier this week, USCIS announced revised filing instructions and addresses for applicants that are filing Form I-824, the Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition. The new form, which is dated 12.11/09, includes a series of changes that are a part of an overall effort to move from accepting benefit forms at USCIS local offices and Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities.

Starting February 19, 2010, applicants should file Form I-824 with a USCIS Lockbox facility, based on which Service Center or USCIS local office approved their original petition or application. Further clarification is provided in the instructions included with Form I-824. For the next 30 days, USCIS will forward all Form I-824 applications to the lockbox facility.

Please note that applicants filing this form at a USCIS Lockbox facility may request to receive an email or text message letting them know that USCIS has accepted their application. Applicants interested in receiving this message should additionally complete Form G-1145, the E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and attach it to the first page of their application.