Quick answer
What is USCIS Form I-945 used for?
If we determine that an applicant is inadmissible based on the public charge ground, but is otherwise admissible, the applicant may be admitted in the discretion of the secretary of homeland security after posting a suitable and proper bond. Before an applicant may post a public charge bond (on Form I-945), we must invite them to do so. The public charge bond is posted as security for performance and fulfillment of the financial obligations of a bonded alien to the U.S. government. For more information about public charge bonds, please see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G, Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility.
What to prepare before filling I-945
- 01
Confirm that Form I-945, Public Charge Bond, matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.
- 02
Download the current Form I-945 and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.
- 03
For Form I-945, collect the identity records, receipt or account numbers, dates, addresses, and prior immigration documents that support your answers.
- 04
Verify the current Form I-945 fee and assemble the financial, income, household, or payment evidence required for this filing.
Current official filing details
The details below are condensed from the USCIS page reviewed on 2026-07-26. Follow the official page and instructions if they differ from this snapshot.
Edition date
12/23/22. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Where to file
Unless otherwise specified in your notice from USCIS, mail your form to: USCIS Attn: Form I-945 10 Application Way Montclair, CA 91763-1350
When to file
Only use this form if we: Determined you were inadmissible on the public charge grounds (INA 212(a)(4)); and Notified you that you may submit a public charge bond. We will reject this form if we have not notified you that you may submit a public charge bond.
Filing fee
You can find the filing fee for Form I-945 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Special instructions
When you submit your Form I-945, you must: Include a copy of the communication from USCIS that tells you to submit the form; and Submit the amount specified in that communication for the required cash or surety bond. If you do not include the communication and the specified cash or surety bond amount, we will reject your Form I-945.
Official I-945 downloads and filing links
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What is Form I-945 used for?
If we determine that an applicant is inadmissible based on the public charge ground, but is otherwise admissible, the applicant may be admitted in the discretion of the secretary of homeland security after posting a suitable and proper bond. Before an applicant may post a public charge bond (on Form I-945), we must invite them to do so. The public charge bond is posted as security for performance and fulfillment of the financial obligations of a bonded alien to the U.S. government.
How much does Form I-945 cost?
You can find the filing fee for Form I-945 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Can I file Form I-945 online?
The USCIS all-forms directory does not list a general online filing option for this form. Follow the official page for the required filing method.
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Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Independent guide by Clerks AI; not affiliated with USCIS and not legal advice.
Last researched 2026-07-26. Recheck the official page before filing.