I-687 Explained: Purpose, History, and Current Limited Uses (245A)

If you’re asking whether you can apply today with Form I-687 under Section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the short answer is no for almost everyone. The original legalization program under the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) ended in 1988. As of 2025, USCIS keeps the I‑687 only for very limited reasons tied to old lawsuits and legacy cases.

Below I’ll explain who may still qualify to file, who does not, what requirements apply, common disqualifiers, and practical alternatives if you’re not eligible. I’ll also explain how to make your case stronger if USCIS contacts you about an I‑687 filing.

Who may file I-687 today?

Yes, if:

• USCIS specifically instructs you in writing to file I‑687 because you are part of a named settlement agreement or a recognized legacy case tied to the old IRCA program.
• You fall within a court‑approved class from past litigation and received guidance that the I‑687 is the vehicle to request benefits under that settlement.

No, if:

• You’re seeking new legalization under IRCA. There is no open filing period.
• You didn’t previously file under IRCA and you’re not part of a defined settlement class.
• You only want to start a path similar to the old 1986 legalization — that path is closed.

What is Form I-687 and why does it still exist?

• Form I‑687 is the Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A. It was used in the 1986 IRCA legalization program, which allowed certain people who lived continuously in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982 to seek temporary resident status and later permanent residence.
• The program shut in 1988. Today, USCIS maintains the form to process very narrow settlement‑related requests and legacy matters. It is not a general legalization tool anymore.

Current rules for the I-687 (2025)

• No open filing window: USCIS accepts I‑687 only in limited settlement or legacy situations. You can’t just send it in.
• Correct edition required: USCIS will reject mismatched pages or outdated editions. Always download the current edition from the official USCIS I‑687 page when instructed to file.
• Fees: The filing fee is about $1,240 in 2025, plus a possible biometric fee. Fees are non‑refundable even if you lose your case or withdraw.
• Payment method: Money order, personal or cashier’s check, or credit/debit card using Form G‑1450. Do not combine payments for multiple forms in one check — USCIS may reject the package.
• Signatures: An unsigned I‑687 is rejected.

Detailed eligibility requirements (legacy/settlement use)

If USCIS invites you to file I‑687 under a settlement, expect to show:

• Prior IRCA connection: Evidence that you were part of the 1986 legalization process or a class member from related litigation.
• Continuous presence: Records that match the old Section 245A standards (e.g., showing you lived in the U.S. before January 1, 1982, and continued residence). Examples: school records, medical records, bills, rent receipts, dated letters.
• Admissibility: Proof you’re admissible under the law or qualify for waivers where allowed.
• Identity: Government ID, passport, or other acceptable identity documents.
• Biometrics: You may be asked to submit fingerprints and photos.

Examples of who might still be eligible

• You filed an IRCA application in the late 1980s, received a denial tied to a policy that later changed under a lawsuit, and you received a notice that a settlement lets you seek benefits now through the I‑687.
• You never got a decision on an old IRCA filing because your case was paused under litigation, and USCIS directs you to use I‑687 to complete review.

Common disqualifying factors

• No USCIS invitation: If you don’t have settlement‑based instructions, USCIS won’t accept an I‑687.
• Missing IRCA link: If you were not part of the original IRCA context or a covered lawsuit class, you don’t qualify.
• Criminal issues: Certain crimes can make you inadmissible. Serious offenses or multiple convictions often block relief.
• Fraud or misrepresentation: False claims or fake documents can kill eligibility and lead to future bars.
• Filing errors: Wrong edition, missing fee, or no signature — these trigger rejections.

What to do if you think you might be a settlement class member

• Look for official notices: Check any past letters from USCIS or court‑appointed administrators.
• Confirm class membership: If your name or case number fits a listed class, keep the proof.
• Follow exact filing steps: Settlement notices often include a specific address and time frame. Use the listed I‑687 edition and include every item the notice requests.
• Keep copies: Save a full copy of your submission, proof of mailing, and delivery confirmation.

How to improve your chances if invited to file I-687

1. Gather strong proof of residence:
   • Collect dated records from different years showing continuous presence before and after Jan 1, 1982.
   • Use various sources: school, medical, bank, rent, employment, and detailed affidavits from people who knew you.
2. Prepare criminal records early:
   • Obtain certified court dispositions for any arrests.
   • If a waiver may be possible, assemble hardship evidence and proof of rehabilitation.
3. Double‑check technical details:
   • Use the correct I‑687 edition, include the exact fee, sign every required field, and keep payments separate for each form.
4. Track biometrics:
   • Attend your fingerprint appointment on time. Missing it can stall or sink your case.

Important related forms and rules

• I‑698: The old form to adjust from temporary resident to permanent resident under Section 245A (part of IRCA history).
• I‑485: Today’s main application to adjust to permanent residence for many pathways. If you’re not eligible for I‑687, the I‑485 may be your route via family, employment, or humanitarian categories.
• I‑94: Arrival/Departure Record used to show lawful entry/status history for many cases.
• G‑325R: A newer online biographic form used for alien registration rules; USCIS emphasizes biometrics and registration for people staying in the U.S. 30+ days.
• Section 262 vs. Section 245A: Section 262 covers alien registration duties (fingerprints and biographic info). Section 245A was the IRCA legalization section that used I‑687.

Alternatives if you’re not eligible to file I-687

• Family‑based options: If you have a U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or adult child, you may qualify to apply for permanent residence via I‑485 after an approved petition — sometimes with waivers for unlawful presence or misrepresentation when allowed.
• Employment‑based paths: Skilled workers, professionals, and certain investors may seek residence through employment categories.
• Humanitarian protection: Asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture, U visa (crime victims), T visa (trafficking victims), or VAWA for domestic abuse victims.
• Temporary protections: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action programs can help certain groups during crises but are not green cards.
• Registry (future possibility): If Congress changes the registry date, some long‑term residents might gain a new path — but nothing is guaranteed.

Fee and payment reminders

• Expect the I‑687 filing fee of about $1,240 plus biometrics if applicable.
• Pay exactly as directed. Do not combine payments across different forms.
• Fees are non‑refundable, even if the case is rejected or denied.

Processing tips and timelines

• No standard processing time — I‑687 today is used only in special settlement settings.
• If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), respond on time with complete, clearly labeled documents.
• Keep your address updated with USCIS so you don’t miss biometrics or interview notices.

Official guidance and where to check

• For the most current details on I‑687, fees, and edition dates, use the official USCIS site. Fee amounts appear on the USCIS fee schedule; pay by card using Form G‑1450 if available. USCIS Contact Center and case status tools can assist.
• Policy updates on alien registration and biometrics appear in DHS and USCIS announcements. The DHS page on alien registration duties explains who must register and provide fingerprints and when exceptions apply.

Key takeaway: You cannot newly apply for legalization under Section 245A with I‑687 unless USCIS tells you that you’re covered by a settlement or legacy case. If invited, follow the instructions exactly, use the correct edition, pay the right fee, and assemble strong, dated proof of residence.

Practical case study

• Rosa’s example: Rosa entered the U.S. before 1982 and applied under IRCA in 1987. Her case was denied due to a standard that a later court found wrong. In 2025, she receives a USCIS letter stating a settlement lets certain class members file I‑687. Rosa gathers school records (1981–1988), rent receipts, a letter from her employer with W‑2s, and affidavits from neighbors with exact dates. She orders certified court records for a 1993 misdemeanor that was dismissed. She uses the current I‑687 edition, pays the fee with a separate money order, signs every page, attends biometrics, and replies to an RFE with additional dated utility bills. This is how a settlement‑based I‑687 can move forward today.

Next steps

• If you received a settlement notice, follow the instructions to the letter and file the I‑687 with complete evidence.
• If you didn’t receive an invitation, explore current options that fit your family, work, or protection needs.
• Check official USCIS pages for updates on fees, form editions, and submission methods. If unsure, consult a qualified immigration attorney to review your history (including any old IRCA filings) and map the best legal path forward under today’s rules.

Sources and notes:
– USCIS official pages for Form I‑687, I‑485, and fee schedules.
– Modern USCIS policy emphasizes alien registration and biometrics; see DHS guidance on alien registration duties and 8 CFR 264.1(a) for related historical context.
– VisaVerge.com reporting on policy emphasis related to alien registration and biometrics.