USCIS Releases Guidelines for Submitting Petitions to Keep Families Together

On August 19, 2024, USCIS will begin accepting petitions for the Keep Families Together initiative through a newly introduced electronic form, Form I-131F, Application for Temporary Stay Permit in the U.S. for Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Nationals. This form will be available exclusively on uscis.gov starting August 19.
Until that date, USCIS will not accept any other forms for the Keep Families Together program. Petitions for temporary stay permits under this program should not be submitted before August 19, 2024.

Form I-131F and How to Prepare

USCIS will release a detailed submission guide for Form I-131F (PDF, 9.33 MB) in English on the Keep Families Together page. This guide is designed to help individuals prepare their petitions for temporary stay permits through the online submission process. Additionally, USCIS has updated the Key Questions and Answers section regarding the process on the Keep Families Together page. Further information about the initiative will be made available in an upcoming Federal Register notice.

The Form I-131F is exclusively for online submission. Every petitioner, including minors, must submit a separate Form I-131F and create their own USCIS online account. Instructions on how to create a USCIS online account can be found on the How to Create a USCIS Online Account page. There is no paper form available for this process.

Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

USCIS is committed to ensuring that individuals are not victims of immigration scams. If you require legal advice regarding immigration matters, it is crucial to seek assistance from authorized individuals. Only attorneys admitted to practice law in the United States or accredited representatives working for organizations recognized by the Department of Justice can provide legal advice on immigration issues. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees results, as USCIS reviews each petition individually. For additional information and resources, visit the Avoid Scams page.

Here are some typical scams you should be cautious of:

Impersonation of Government Officials: Be cautious of individuals posing as USCIS officials. USCIS will only contact you through official government channels and will never reach out via personal social media accounts like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, etc.

Fraudulent Websites: Beware of websites claiming to be affiliated with USCIS that offer step-by-step guidance on completing a USCIS application or petition. Ensure your information comes directly from uscis.gov, uscis.gov/es, or dhs.gov. Always check that the website's address ends in .gov.

Phone or Email Payment Requests: USCIS will never ask you to transfer money to an individual. Payments for immigration fees will not be accepted through Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards. Additionally, you will never be asked to pay fees to a person over the phone or via email.

Notary Publics and Unauthorized Immigration Law Practitioners: In the United States, a notary public is not authorized to provide any legal services related to immigration benefits. Only attorneys admitted to practice law in the U.S. or accredited representatives working for a DOJ-recognized organization can provide legal advice on immigration matters. For more information on how to find legal services, visit the USCIS website.

Conclusion

The new Form I-131F represents a significant step forward in maintaining family unity for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. As the process moves online, USCIS emphasizes the importance of using official resources and seeking authorized legal assistance to avoid scams. Stay informed by regularly visiting the official USCIS website and prepare your petition carefully using the provided guidelines to ensure a smooth submission process.