Family Unity Forms: USCIS Extends the Snooze Button, No Changes
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is extending the current approval for the Application for Family Unity Benefits without making any changes. This means families applying to stay together can keep using the same form, and the public has until November 13, 2026, to share their thoughts. There’s no new cost or extra paperwork, just a smooth continuation of the process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Applicants Face Time and Cost Burden
If you apply for Family Unity Benefits using Form I-817, you (individuals or households) must complete the information collection used to determine eligibility under 8 CFR 236.14 and 245a.33. USCIS estimates about 346 respondents, an average of 1.717 hours per response, a total annual burden of 997 hours, and an estimated total annual cost burden of $42,385.
Biometrics Requirement Adds Time
Applicants providing biometrics for Form I-817 are estimated at 346 respondents and the estimated hour burden per biometrics response is 1.17 hours. This is an additional time burden applicants must complete as part of the information collection process.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18709, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse
USCIS is extending the current form that helps abused nonimmigrant spouses apply for work permission—no changes, just a renewal! This affects those spouses seeking employment authorization and keeps the process smooth without extra costs or delays. You’ve got until November 13, 2026, to share your thoughts on this extension.
Next: 2026-18711, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Temporary Protected Status
The Department of Homeland Security is keeping the current form for applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) exactly the same and wants your feedback for the next 60 days. This affects people seeking TPS, letting them continue using the same application without any new fees or changes. Comments are open until November 13, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you have thoughts!