Form I-360 · Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Form I-360 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
Amerasians; widow(er)s of U.S. citizens; VAWA self-petitioners; and certain special immigrants such as religious workers and special immigrant juveniles.
What it does
Lets certain people petition for themselves to be classified for a green card without a family or employer sponsor.
Where
By mail to a lockbox that depends on category and residence, or online for some petitions. USCIS changed some mailing locations on October 7, 2026; forms sent to a prior location are accepted if postmarked on or before November 9, 2026.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1Choosing your categoryWhich classification you claim.
What it asks
- The category (widow(er), VAWA, special immigrant, etc.)
- Your relationship to the U.S. citizen, if one applies
- Dates that matter, such as marriage and death
Evidence to gather
- Proof of the relationship or status
- Death certificate for a widow(er)
Tip: Special Immigrant Juveniles must file before their 21st birthday.
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2About youIdentity and history.
What it asks
- Names, birth details, addresses
- Marital history
- Immigration history
Evidence to gather
- Passport and civil documents
Tip: Keep every name and date consistent across documents.
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3Category evidenceThe documents that prove your claim.
What it asks
- Evidence listed in the instructions for your category
- Any court orders, for juvenile cases
Evidence to gather
- Marriage certificate
- Evidence of good moral character, where required
Tip: Follow the evidence list for your exact category.
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4Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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5Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Filing in the wrong category
- Filing after an age or time limit passes
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
An approved petition lets you apply for a green card, concurrently with an I-485 where available.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-360 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.