Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about the ARRC intake form. If your question is not here — email [email protected].
What to prepare
What documents should I gather before filling out the form?
ID: internal and/or international passport, military ID, driver's license, birth certificate (for minors). Evidence of persecution: summonses, interrogation records, court orders, medical reports of injuries, photographs. U.S. immigration documents: I-94, I-797, EAD. Letters from pastors or churches confirming membership and activity. PDF, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, up to 50 MB each. Paper documents — photograph with good lighting.
What if I don't have all the documents?
Fill out the form with what you have. Missing files do not block the form. The textual description of events has value on its own.
What if I don't remember exact dates?
Approximate is fine — "spring 2022", "summer before the war started", "a month after the interrogation". The sequence of events and the connection to a protected ground (faith, political view) is what matters.
Time required
How long does the form take?
Steps 1 (information) and 2 (email + basic data) — about 10 minutes. Step 3 (signing the authorization) — 5 minutes. Step 4 (main form + document upload) — 30-60 minutes, can be done in segments. Text in Step 4 is auto-saved in your browser on reload.
When will ARRC contact me?
As applications are processed. If the situation is urgent (upcoming USCIS interview, summons, deportation) — also email [email protected] with subject "URGENT".
I can't finish in one sitting. Can I pause?
Yes. Step 1 (information) requires no login. Steps 2-5 are tied to your email and session: while the link from the confirmation email is valid (24 hours), you can return. Step 4 saves a draft in your browser on the same device.
Data and privacy
Where does my data go?
Into an encrypted ARRC database on Google Cloud servers in the U.S. (us-west1). Sensitive fields (persecution description, full name, contacts) are additionally encrypted at the application layer via Google Cloud KMS — even a database backup is unreadable without an active key.
Who sees my data?
Only the director and president of ARRC, and authorized volunteers under written confidentiality agreement. Every read is recorded in the audit log.
Can I delete my data?
Yes, at any time. Email [email protected] with subject "Deletion Request". We delete within 30 days with confirmation. Exception: data under legal hold (active USCIS case).
What if ARRC receives a subpoena?
ARRC responds only to lawful subpoenas and court orders — never to voluntary government requests. If we receive a subpoena concerning you, we will notify you to the extent legally permitted and if appropriate file a motion to quash.
About ARRC's role
Is ARRC a law firm?
No. ARRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are NOT attorneys, and we CANNOT represent you before USCIS, DHS, or immigration court. We help gather information, prepare draft materials, and can connect you with a licensed immigration attorney.
What is the ARRC Authorization?
The ARRC Authorization is a consent document giving the organization the right to collect your data and prepare draft materials. It does NOT create an attorney-client relationship and is NOT a USCIS submission. Filing any official forms with immigration authorities is done by you personally or by your attorney.
Can ARRC guarantee that I will receive status?
No. Only USCIS and the immigration court can grant status. ARRC can help prepare materials and refer you to an attorney; the final decision is always made by U.S. government agencies.