USCIS Form I-817 (Application for Family Unity Benefits) should be filed if you want to extend existing benefits under the Family Unity Program or if you are applying for these benefits for the first time. If your application is approved, you will be able to stay and work in the US for a period of two years. It is important to complete USCIS Form I-817 fully and honestly; submitting falsified documents or lying on this form is considered a misdemeanor and could mean criminal charges. In many cases, the form can take up to six months to process by the USCIS, so you will want to file as soon as you realize that you may want to apply for benefits under the Family Unity Program or well in advance of your benefits expiring.