The USCIS deny certain applications for employment authorization from seeker for U Nonimmigrant may receive a refund from June 14 through September 29, 2021. During this time, USCIS also falsely accepted fees where certain petitioners for U nonimmigrant status submitted an unnecessary fee with their Form I-765. If petitioners filed an initial bona-fide-determination-related Form I-765 under (c)(14) from June 14 through September 29, 2021, and paid a fee, they may receive a refund.
— When refunds happen and what to do next
Occasionally an applicant or petitioner who filed for U nonimmigrant status may be entitled to a refund of filing fees. Therefore, if a client receives a denial, a returned filing notice, duplicate-payment notice, or a retroactive fee-waiver approval, act promptly: preserve proof of payment, follow the agency’s refund instructions, and document all communications.
Common situations that may produce a refund
- Rejected filing: the filing was returned as improperly filed and the fee was returned.
- Duplicate payments: the same fee was paid more than once.
- Agency error: the agency misapplied or mishandled a payment.
- Fee-waiver approved after payment: a retroactive waiver could create a refund right.
- Withdrawal before adjudication: in limited circumstances a petitioner withdraws and refund rules apply.
Immediate steps
- Preserve proof of payment (bank/credit-card statements, money-order stubs) and filing copies.
- Read the agency notice and follow any refund instructions.
- Log in to the applicant’s USCIS online account (if available) to review case notes.
- Prepare a short chronology explaining the payment issue and gather supporting docs.
- Submit the refund request per agency guidance and send it by tracked mail where required.
What to include in a refund request
- Petitioner/beneficiary name and receipt number(s).
- Date/method of payment and copy of the payment instrument or bank record.
- Explanation of why a refund is due and copies of any agency notices.
Contact details for refund delivery and a signature of the payer/authorized representative.
