Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 1

OMB No. 1615-0037; Expires 02/28/2027 Department of Homeland Security 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

If you have been admitted to the United States as a refugee or 

if you have been granted status in the United States as an 

asylee, and you were the principal applicant for your family, 

you may file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition 

provided that your refugee admission or asylum grant 

occurred within the past two years. Approval of Form I-730 

for a relative abroad does not guarantee visa issuance. A 

separate Form I-730 must be filed for each qualifying family 

member for whom you are petitioning.

You are not eligible to file this petition if:

 Who May File Form I-730?

1. You were granted status as an accompanying or followingto-join derivative refugee or asylee; 

2. You were admitted to the United States as a refugee more 

than two years ago (see NOTE 1 ); 

 Who May Not File Form I-730?

4. You became a naturalized U.S. citizen prior to filing Form 

I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. If you are 

currently a U.S. citizen, you may also file Form I-130, 

Petition for Alien Relative, to petition for your spouse or 

children at any time. (NOTE: If you previously filed 

Form I-730 for your relative when you were a principal 

refugee or principal asylee or a Lawful Permanent 

Resident (LPR) who acquired such status after being 

admitted to the United States as a principal refugee or 

being granted asylum as a principal asylee, and have since 

become a naturalized U.S. citizen, United States 

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may 

continue to process your Form I-730 if it has not been 

adjudicated).

3. You were granted status in the United States as an asylee 

more than two years ago (see NOTE 1); or

NOTE 1: The two-year limitation may be waived by USCIS 

for humanitarian reasons. Explain in Part 3 of the form why 

you could not file within two years of being granted status. 

USCIS will make a decision based upon the explanation.

Your spouse and/or your unmarried child(ren) under the 

age of 21, whether living inside or outside of the United 

States, are eligible for accompanying or following-to-join 

benefits provided that the family member(s) qualify under 

the conditions described below.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Accompanying or 

Following-to-Join Benefits?

If you are a principal asylee

NOTE 2: If your child was physically born in the United 

States, then the child is a U.S. citizen, and you do not need to 

file this form. You should obtain documentation of the child's 

citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

a. If the person you are filing for is a child who was 

conceived but not yet born on the date you were admitted 

to the United States, the relationship will be 

considered to exist as of the date you were admitted to 

the United States (See NOTE 2).

b. The mother of such child is not an eligible relative 

unless the mother was married to you, the principal 

refugee, when you were admitted to the United States.

1. The relationship between you and your relative must have 

existed on the date you were admitted to the United States 

as a refugee and must continue to exist.

1. The relationship between you and your relative must 

have existed on the date you were granted asylum in the 

United States and must continue to exist.

a. If the person you are filing for is a child who was 

conceived but not yet born on the date you were granted 

asylum in the United States, the relationship will be 

considered to exist as of the date you were granted 

asylum in the United States (See NOTE 3).

b. The mother of such child is not an eligible relative 

unless the mother was married to you, the principal 

asylee, when you were granted asylum in the United 

States.

NOTE 3: If your child was physically born in the United 

States, then the child is a U.S. citizen and you do not need to 

file this form. You should obtain documentation of the child's 

citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport.

Children who have reached 21 years of age

1. For asylees, a child who is under 21 years of age on the 

date the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and 

Withholding of Removal, is received by USCIS will 

continue to be classified as a child for purposes of 

determining asylum eligibility and related benefits. For 

refugees, a child who is under 21 years of age on the date 

the principal alien is first interviewed by USCIS will 

continue to be classified as a child for purposes of 

determining refugee eligibility and related benefits. In both 

cases, in order to be considered a derivative child, the 

principal alien must have listed the child on Form I-589, 

Registration for Classification as Refugee, as appropriate, 

prior to the derivative's 21st birthday and prior to 

adjudication of the application. If your Form I-589 or Form 

I-590 was filed before August 6, 2002, and your child 

turned 21 years of age prior to that date, that application 

must still have been pending on August 6, 2002, in order 

for your child to continue to be classified as a child.

If you are a principal refugee
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 2

In all cases, your child must be unmarried on the date you 

filed this petition, and at the time it is decided by USCIS in 

order to receive derivative asylum or refugee status.

2. A spouse or child of a principal refugee must not have 

ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the 

persecution of another (see INA Section 207(c)(2)(A)) and 

must be otherwise admissible as an immigrant. A spouse or 

child of a principal asylee must not be subject to the 

mandatory bars of 8 CFR Section 208.21. 

A petition may not be approved for the following 

persons

1. A spouse or child who has previously been granted 

refugee or asylee status;

2. An adopted child, if the adoption took place after the 

child became 16 years of age, or if the child has not been in 

legal custody and living with the adoptive parent(s) 

for at least two years;

5. A husband or wife, if it is determined that such alien has 

attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage for the 

purpose of evading immigration laws; and

6. A parent, sister, brother, grandparent, grandchild, 

nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, cousin, or in-law.

4. A husband or wife, if each was not physically present at the 

marriage ceremony, and the marriage was not 

consummated;

3. A stepchild, if the marriage that created this relationship 

took place after the child became 18 years of age;

Warning: If your alien relative is in the United States 

illegally, he or she is subject to removal if Form I-730 is 

not granted by USCIS. Any information provided in 

completing this petition may be used as a basis for 

initiating, or as evidence in, removal proceedings, even if 

the petition is later withdrawn. Unexcused failure of your 

alien relative to appear for an appointment to provide 

biometrics (such as fingerprints) and other biographical 

information within the time allowed may result in 

dismissal of the petition. See 8 CFR Section 103.2(b)(13).

this form must include his or her name, address, telephone 

number, and sign the petition where indicated in Part 7.

Failure of the preparer to sign will result in the petition being 

returned to you as an incomplete petition. If USCIS later 

learns that you received assistance from someone who 

willfully failed to sign the petition, this may result in an 

adverse ruling against you.

Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 1546(a), 

provides in part:

Whoever knowingly makes under oath, or permitted 

under penalty of perjury under Section 1746 of Title 

28, United States Code, knowingly subscribes as 

true, any false statement with respect to a material 

fact in any application, affidavit, or other document 

required by the immigration laws or regulations 

prescribed thereunder, or knowingly presents any 

such application, affidavit, or other document 

containing any such false statement shall be fined in 

accordance with this title or imprisoned not more 

than 10 years, or both.

If aggravating factors exist, the maximum term of imprisonment 

for a conviction under 18 U.S.C. Section 1546(a) could reach 25 

years.

If you knowingly provide false information on this petition, 

you or the preparer of this petition may be subject to criminal 

penalties under Title 18 of the U.S.C. and to civil penalties 

under section 274C of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1324c.

General Instructions

Type or print legibly in blue or black ink.

If you need extra space to complete any item, attach a separate 

sheet of paper, indicate the item number, date, and sign each 

sheet of paper. 

Answer all questions fully and accurately. Portions left 

unanswered may result in a Request for Evidence. 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.

Penalty for Perjury. All statements in response to questions 

contained in this petition are declared to be true and correct 

under penalty of perjury. You and anyone who assists you in 

preparing the petition must sign the petition under penalty of 

perjury. Your signature is evidence that you are aware of the 

contents of this petition. Any person assisting you in preparing 

In Part 2, on Page 1, supply the current residential and 

mailing addresses (include the mailing address if it is different 

from the residential address) of your alien relative and indicate 

whether your alien relative is living inside or outside of the 

United States. If your alien relative is outside of the United 

States, indicate at which USCIS Office or U.S. Embassy or 

consulate your alien relative will apply for travel authorization. 

NOTE: If the spouse or child of a principal asylee is 

otherwise inadmissible as an immigrant, this fact may be 

considered in determining whether USCIS will exercise 

favorable discretion to grant accompanying or following-tojoin asylee benefits to such spouse or child.
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 3

If your alien relative is inside the United States, both you 

and your alien relative, if 14 years of age or older, must sign 

the petition at the time of filing.

Failure to provide your relative's mailing address in the 

language of the country where he or she resides may result 

insignificant delays in interviewing your relative and 

processing this petition.

Page 3, Part 2. Information About Your Alien Relative, 

the Beneficiary (continued). Complete all sections. 

Regarding the Admission/travel document. Provide the I-94 

admission number which may have been received from U.S. 

Customs and Border Protection in connection with arrival and 

admission to the United States, or from U.S. Citizenship and 

Immigration Services if immigration status was granted within 

the United States. The I-94 number is on the Form I-94 

Arrival-Departure Record, which may be noted as the 

Departure Number on some versions. If CBP did not provide 

a Form I-94 upon arrival/admission to the United States, a 

print out of the Form I-94 may be obtained according to the 

instructions provided by CBP. Also, provide the date of 

admission and the date that the authorized stay expired or 

will expire.

In Part 2 on Page 2, supply the current mailing address of 

your alien relative written in the language of the country 

where he or she now resides, in order for him or her to receive 

an interview notice or other correspondence from USCIS. 

Part 5. Petitioner's Statement, Contact Information, 

Declaration, Certification, and Signature. Select the 

appropriate box to indicate whether you read this petition 

yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If 

someone assisted you in completing the petition, select the 

box indicating that you used a preparer and/or interpreter. 

Further, you must sign and date your petition and provide your 

daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), 

and email address (if any). Every petition MUST contain the 

signature of the petitioner. A stamped or typewritten name in 

place of a signature is not acceptable. 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. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

recommends the certification contain the translator's printed 

name and the date and the translator's contact information.

Submission of Documents. You must submit one readable 

photocopy of each required document to USCIS. Do not 

submit original documents unless you are asked to provide 

them. For example, USCIS may require that you provide the 

original document of any copy you submit.

Regardless of the location of your alien relative, he or she will 

be required at the time of the interview to review the 

information on this petition, verify that it is accurate, and sign 

it.

If your alien relative is outside of the United States, only 

you are required to sign the petition at the time of filing.

Part 6. Beneficiary's Statement, Contact Information, 

Declaration, Certification, and Signature if in the United 

States. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you 

(the beneficiary) read this petition yourself or whether you had 

an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in 

completing the petition, select the box indicating that you used 

a preparer and/or interpreter. Further, you must sign and date 

the petition and provide your daytime telephone number, 

mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). 

Every petition MUST contain the signature of the beneficiary, 

if applicable. (Note: If the beneficiary is not currently in the 

United States, or is not 14 years of age or older, this section 

should be left blank.) A stamped or typewritten name in place 

of a signature is not acceptable.

Part 7. Contact Information, Certification, and Signature 

of the Person Interpreting this Petition, if Other Than the 

Petitioner or Beneficiary. If you used anyone as an 

interpreter to read the instructions and questions on this 

petition 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 petition.

Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature 

of the Person Preparing this Petition, if Other Than the 

Petitioner or Beneficiary. This section must contain the 

signature of the person who completed your petition, if other 

than you, the petitioner. If the same individual acted as your 

interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete 

both Part 7 and Part 8. If the person who completed this 

petition 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 

petition MUST sign and date the petition. A stamped or 

typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If 

the person who helped you prepare your petition is an attorney 

or accredited representative, he or she may be obliged to also 

submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of 

Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, or 

Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In 

Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United 

States, along with your petition. If a passport or other travel document was used at the last 

admission to the United States, enter the number in the space 

provided even if the document is now expired. Provide the 

country of issuance and expiration date as well.
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 4

3. Census record: State or Federal census record showing 

name, place of birth, and date of birth, or the age of the 

person(s) listed.

2. School record: A letter from the authorities of the 

school(s) attended, showing the date of admission to the 

school, the child's date and place of birth, and the names of 

both parents, if shown on the school records. 

1. Religious institution record: A certificate under the seal 

of the religious institution where the baptism, dedication, or 

comparable rite occurred within 2 months after birth, 

showing the date and place of the child's birth, the date of 

the religious ceremony, and the names of the child's 

parents.

If the documents described above are not available from the 

civil authorities, you must submit the following, as secondary 

evidence, along with a statement from the appropriate civil 

authority certifying that the required document(s) is (are) not 

available.

What If A Document Is Not Available?

4. If you are petitioning for your child and you are the 

natural mother, whether the child was born in or out of 

wedlock, submit the child's birth certificate showing both 

the child's name and your name. Evidence of any legal 

name change must also be submitted if the names on the 

birth certificate do not match the names on the petition. 

7. If you are petitioning for your adopted child, submit a 

certified copy of the adoption decree and evidence that you 

resided together with the child for at least 2 years. If you 

were granted legal custody of the child prior to the 

adoption, submit a certified copy of the court order 

granting custody. Evidence of any legal name changes 

must also be submitted, if applicable.

3. If you are petitioning for your husband or wife, submit 

your marriage certificate and the birth certificate of your 

spouse. If you or your spouse were previously married to 

other people, submit evidence of the legal termination of

the previous marriages such as a divorce or death 

certificate. Evidence of any legal name change must also 

be submitted, if applicable.

6. If you are petitioning for your stepchild, submit the child's 

birth certificate and the marriage certificate between you and 

the child's natural parent. If you or the child's natural parent 

were ever previously married to other people, submit 

evidence of the legal termination of the previous marriage(s). 

Evidence of any legal name changes must also be submitted, 

if applicable.

a. Money order receipts;

b. Canceled checks showing financial support of the child;

c. Income tax returns in which you claim the child as a 

dependent and a member of your household;

d. Medical or insurance records that include the child as 

a dependent;

e. School records for the child;

f. Correspondence between you and the child; or

g. Notarized affidavits of reliable persons who are 

knowledgeable about the relationship. Evidence of any 

legal name change must also be submitted, if applicable.

If you were married to the child's mother, submit evidence 

that the child was legitimated by civil authorities and 

submit evidence that a bona fide parent/child relationship 

exists or existed between you and the child. Evidence of a 

bona fide parent/child relationship should provide that you 

have emotional and financial ties to the child, and that you 

have shown genuine interest in the child's general welfare. 

Such evidence may include (but is not limited to) the 

following:

5. If you are petitioning for your child and you are the 

natural father, submit the child's birth certificate showing 

both the child's name and your name. If you were married 

to the child's mother, submit your marriage certificate. If 

you or the child's mother were previously married to other 

people, submit evidence of the legal termination of the 

previous marriages. 

2. In all cases, submit a recently taken clear photograph of 

the family member for whom you are filing. The 

photograph must be a full frontal picture of your family 

member, and meet passport specifications. For more 

information on photographs, you may call the USCIS 

National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. 

For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

1. In all cases, submit evidence of your status as a refugee or 

asylee in the United States. 

Certain documents are required to be submitted with this 

petition to show that you are eligible to file Form I-730 and to 

show that a relationship exists between you and your relative. 

(If the documents described below are not available, see the 

sections of these instruction entitled "What If a Document Is 

Not Available?" and "What If Secondary Evidence Is Not 

Available?")

What Documents Do You Need to Prove Eligibility 

and A Family Relationship?
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 5

If your alien relative is living in the United States, USCIS 

may request that he or she appear for an interview. A written 

notice of the date, time, and place (address) of the scheduled 

interview will be sent to your relative. (In addition to your 

alien relative, you, the petitioner, may be asked to appear for 

an interview.) See 8 CFR Section 103.2(b)(9) ("[A] 

petitioner... [or] a beneficiary...may be required to appear...for 

an interview."). Your alien relative generally will be required 

to appear at an ASC for biometrics collection before the 

interview will take place (See Biometrics (Fingerprints and 

Photographs) section of the instructions).

Interview Process

Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-730 or call the 

USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283

for the most current information about where to file this 

benefit request. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 

1-800-767-1833.

 Where To File?

What Additional Documents Must You Submit?

If your alien relative is in the United States, please submit a 

copy of both sides of his or her Form I-94, Arrival-Departure 

Record, if any.

Submit written statements sworn to or affirmed by two 

persons who were living at the time and who have personal 

knowledge of the event you are trying to prove; for example, 

the date and place of birth, marriage, divorce, or death. The 

persons making the affidavits do not have to be U.S. citizens.

Each affidavit should contain the following information 

regarding the person making the affidavit: his or her full name, 

address, date, and place of birth and his or her relationship to 

you, if any; full information concerning the event; and 

complete details concerning how the person acquired the 

knowledge of the event.

Affidavits

What If Secondary Evidence is Not Available?

If the secondary evidence described above is not available, 

you can submit affidavits. If you submit affidavits, they must 

overcome the absence of primary and secondary evidence.

Identity, background, and security checks are required on your 

alien relative before he or she may be granted derivative 

asylum or refugee status. For example, USCIS must check the 

records of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 

other information, including all relevant databases of the U.S. 

Government before derivative asylum or derivative refugee 

status may be granted to your relative. To facilitate these 

checks, USCIS may require your alien relative to provide 

biometrics. Where applicable, this means that if your relative 

is 14 years of age or over, he or she must be fingerprinted and 

photographed. Your alien relative will be given instructions 

on how to complete this requirement. If your alien relative is 

living in the United States and is subject to biometrics 

collection, he or she will be notified in writing of the 

appointment time and the location of the Application Support 

Center (ASC), or the designated Law Enforcement Agency 

where he or she must go to be fingerprinted and photographed. 

If your relative is living outside of the United States, he or she 

will be given instructions, if applicable, for fingerprinting and 

photographs by DHS, the Department of State (DOS), or 

Overseas Processing Entities (OPEs) (that is, organizations 

who assist the U.S. government).

Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photographs)

Your relative's unexcused failure to appear for a scheduled 

appointment or to provide biometrics where required, 

including fingerprints and photographs, or to provide other 

biographical information within the time allowed may result in 

the denial of your Form I-730.

USCIS suggests that your alien relative bring a copy of your 

Form I-730 to the interview. An immigration officer will 

interview your alien relative under oath and make a 

determination concerning your petition. Your alien relative 

may receive notification of the decision in the case on the day 

of the interview, or he or she will in some cases be notified of 

the decision on a date after the interview. Your alien relative 

has the right to legal representation at the interview, at no cost 

to the United States Government. Your alien relative also may 

bring witnesses to the interview to testify on his or her behalf.

If your alien relative, who resides in the United States, is 

unable to proceed with the interview in fluent English and

you are applying for derivative asylum status for your 

relative, he or she must provide at no expense to USCIS a 

competent interpreter fluent in both English and a 

language that your alien relative speaks fluently. See 

8 CFR 208.9(g). (See NOTE 4 if you are applying for 

derivative refugee status for your relative). The interpreter 

must be at least 18 years of age. The following persons cannot 

serve as the interpreter: you or your alien relative's attorney or 

representative of record; a witness testifying on your alien 

relative's behalf at the interview; or a representative or 

employee of your country. Quality interpretation may be 

crucial to your petition. Assistance must be obtained at your 

expense prior to the interview.

Failure without good cause to bring a competent 

interpreter to the interview may be considered an 

unexcused failure to appear for the interview. Any 

unexcused failure to appear for an interview may result in 

dismissal of your petition (See NOTE 4).
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 6

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.

If available, your alien relative must bring some form of 

identification to the interview, including any passport(s), other 

travel or identification documents, or Form I-94 (ArrivalDeparture Record). Your alien relative may bring to the 

interview any additional available items in support of the 

petition that have not already been submitted with your 

petition. All documents must be submitted in triplicate.

To ensure you are using the latest version of this petition, 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.

USCIS Forms and Information

information provided by your relative beneficiary, including 

biometrics, may also be disclosed to other Federal, State, 

local, and foreign law enforcement and regulatory agencies 

during the course of the investigation by USCIS or for other 

lawful purposes, subject to applicable confidentiality 

provisions. You do not have to give this information. 

However, if you refuse to give some or all of it, your petition 

may be denied. NOTE 4: Although current regulations only require 

individuals seeking asylum to bring competent interpreters to 

the interview in the United States, USCIS strongly suggests 

that individuals seeking derivative refugee status bring an 

interpreter for the interview in accordance with these 

instructions.

If you are hearing-impaired and require the services of a signlanguage interpreter in your language, one will be provided for 

you. Contact the asylum office with jurisdiction over your 

case as soon as you receive a notice for your interview to 

notify the office that you will need a sign-language interpreter 

in your language, so that accommodations can be made in 

advance.

What Are the Penalties for Committing Marriage 

Fraud?

If your alien relative is living outside of the United States,

he or she will be interviewed by an appropriate U.S. 

Government official in accordance with DHS and DOS 

procedures for refugee and asylee derivative interviews in the 

specific country. Your relative will be notified of the 

date,time, and place for his or her interview.

2. Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, states that 

whoever willfully and knowingly falsifies a material fact, 

makes a false statement, or makes use of a false document 

will be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned up to five years, 

or both.

1. Title 8, United States Code, Section 1325, states that any 

person who knowingly enters into a marriage contract for 

the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration 

laws shall be imprisoned for not more than five years, or 

fined not more than $250,000, or both.

NOTE: If you have a question regarding a petition in the 

jurisdiction of an Asylum Office, you should contact the 

National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 

visit our Internet website at www.uscis.gov. For TTY (deaf 

or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

By signing this petition, you have stated under penalty of 

perjury (28 U.S.C. section 1746) that all information and 

documentation submitted with this petition are complete, true, 

and correct. You also authorize the release of any information 

from your records that USCIS may need to determine your 

eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking and 

consent to USCIS verifying such information.

USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring

Penalties

If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material 

fact or submit a false document with your Form I-730, we will 

deny your Form I-730 and may deny any other immigration 

benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided 

by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

What Is Our Authority for Collecting This 

Information? 

USCIS requests the information on Form I-730 to carry out the

immigration laws contained in Title 8, United States Code, 

Sections 1157(c)(2) and 1158(b)(3). USCIS needs this 

information to determine whether a person is eligible for 

immigration benefits. The information you provide and the 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the 

authority to verify any information you submit to establish 

eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking at any 

time. USCIS' legal authority to verify this information is in 

8 U.S.C. sections 1103, 1155, and 1184, and 8 CFR Parts 103, 

204, 205, and 214. To ensure compliance with applicable 

laws and authorities, USCIS may verify information before or 

after your case is decided.
Form I-730 Instructions (02/02/24) Page 7

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 

OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this 

collection of information is estimated at 40 minutes per 

response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 

gathering the required documentation and information, 

completing the petition, attaching necessary documentation, 

and submitting the petition. 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, Office of 

Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 

Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 

20588-0009. OMB No. 1615-0037. Do not mail your 

completed Form I-730 to this address.

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 delay a final decision or result in 

denial of your petition. 

ROUTINE USES: DHS may, where allowable under relevant 

confidentiality provisions, share the information you provide 

on this petition 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/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and 

National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-017 Refugee 

Case Processing and Security Screening Information System of 

Records, DHS/USCIS-010 Asylum Information and Prescreening System, and DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration 

Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy 

impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016a Computer Linked 

Application Information Management System and Associated 

Systems and DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity 

Management for International Operations] 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.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested 

information on this petition is for a refugee or asylee to 

request follow-to-join benefits for his/her spouse and/or 

unmarried children under 21 years of age. DHS uses the 

information you provide to grant or deny the immigration 

benefit you are seeking.

Check List

Did you answer each question on Form I-730 

according to the instructions on the petition?

1.

2. Did you sign and date Form I-730?

Did you submit proof of your status as a refugee or 

asylee in the United States?

3.

Did you submit documented proof of relationship, 

including copies and translations?

4.

5. Did you submit the beneficiary's photo?

Did you provide the beneficiary's address where he 

or she is residing now?

6.

Did you provide the beneficiary's name and address 

as written in the language of his or her country of 

residence?

7.

8. If your beneficiary is currently residing in the 

United States, did he or she review the information 

on this petition for accuracy?

9. If your beneficiary is currently residing in the 

United States, did he or she read the certification 

statement, sign it, and date it?

AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this petition 

and the associated evidence, is collected under the Immigration 

and Nationality Act, 8 United States Code sections 1103, 1158, 

1225, 1228, and Title II of Public Law 105-100. 

DHS Privacy Notice

Agency verification methods may include, but are not limited 

to: review of public records and information; contact via 

written correspondence, the Internet, facsimile, or other 

electronic transmission, or telephone; unannounced physical 

site inspections of residences and locations of employment; 

and interviews. Information obtained through verification will 

be used to assess your compliance with the laws and to 

determine your eligibility for the benefit sought.

Subject to the restrictions under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS 

will provide you with an opportunity to address any adverse 

or derogatory information that may result from a USCIS 

compliance review, verification, or site visit after a formal 

decision is made on your case or after the agency has initiated 

an adverse action which may result in revocation or 

termination of an approval.