USCIS AR 11: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application for Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Document, Form AR-11, is crucial for anyone who has lost their important immigration documents. This guide will delve into the various aspects of the AR-11 form, its purpose, and the process of filing it. Let’s explore this in detail.
What is USCIS AR 11?
The USCIS AR-11 form is used to request a replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged immigration documents. These documents include, but are not limited to, green cards, passports, and employment authorization documents (EADs). Filing this form is essential to ensure that you can continue to legally reside and work in the United States.
Why is USCIS AR 11 Important?
Having a valid immigration document is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to prove your legal status in the United States, apply for other benefits, and travel internationally. Losing these documents can lead to significant difficulties, including being unable to prove your identity, facing legal consequences, or being unable to return to the United States after traveling abroad.
Who Should File USCIS AR 11?
Anyone who has lost, stolen, or damaged their immigration documents should file the USCIS AR-11 form. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and nonimmigrants. It is important to note that certain individuals, such as refugees and asylees, may have different procedures for replacing their documents.
How to File USCIS AR 11
Filing the USCIS AR-11 form is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
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Download the AR-11 form from the USCIS website.
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Complete the form accurately and legibly. Be sure to provide your full name, date of birth, alien registration number, and the type of document you are requesting a replacement for.
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Submit the form along with any required supporting documents. This may include proof of identity, proof of loss, and a copy of the original document, if available.
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Pay the filing fee, if applicable. The fee for filing the AR-11 form is $455 as of the knowledge cutoff date.
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Submit the form and supporting documents to USCIS through one of the following methods:
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Online through the USCIS website.
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By mail to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility.
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In person at a USCIS office.
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for the USCIS AR-11 form can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications USCIS is processing. As of the knowledge cutoff date, the processing time for AR-11 applications is approximately 90 days. However, this time may vary.
The filing fee for the AR-11 form is $455. This fee is non-refundable, even if USCIS is unable to process your application or if you are not eligible for a replacement document.
Supporting Documents
When filing the USCIS AR-11 form, you may need to submit supporting documents to prove your identity, the loss of your document, and your eligibility for a replacement. Here are some common supporting documents:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Passport, driver’s license, state ID, or other government-issued ID with a photo. |
| Proof of Loss | Letter from an employer, school, or other entity confirming that you are unable to perform your job or attend school without the lost document. |
| Copy of Original Document | A clear, legible copy of the lost, stolen, or damaged document, if available. |
Eligibility for Replacement Document
Not everyone is eligible for a replacement document through
