Immigration Forms & Resources

What Is Asylum and How Does It Work?

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 26, 2023

If you are in the U.S. and you can show you’ll be persecuted if you return to your home country, you can ask to remain in the United States by requesting asylum. This requires you, the asylum seeker, to show that you meet the definition of a refugee. There are three ways to apply for asylum: affirmatively, defensively (during a deportation proceeding), or with an Asylum Merits Interview after a positive credible fear determination.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 26, 2023

When the U.S. government wants you out of the country, they’ll try to deport you using a removal proceeding. If you find yourself in this situation, you can pursue several relief options, including voluntary departure, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, and more. Many of these options can delay or stop your deportation, although they’re not always easy to get or applicable to every situation. After reading this article, you will have a general idea of some of the more common forms of relief available and how they work.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 26, 2023

As part of humanitarian provisions under U.S. immigration law, thousands of refugees come into the United States every year. These are people fleeing persecution in various forms from all around the world. This article explains what the legal definition of a refugee is, who is eligible for U.S. refugee status, and how to submit a refugee application to the United States.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 26, 2023

Applying for immigration benefits requires a lot of paperwork. In additional to official forms from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), most applicants will also have to submit supporting documents with their application. These are personal documents, such a birth certificate or passport, that help prove the information on your application. If any of your supporting documents aren’t in English, you must submit a certified English translation of the document to USCIS with your application. In this article, we explain what USCIS's immigration translation requirements are, who is allowed to make these translations, how much professional document translation costs, and how to get a USCIS certified translation of your immigration documents.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 25, 2023

Nearly every foreign traveler to the United States has an I-94 travel record (also known as “Form I-94” or “I-94 Form”). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials issue an I-94 to foreign travelers entering the United States. CBP officials use the I-94 to track arrivals and departures of non-citizens visiting the United States. This article explains Form I-94 in-depth, including how it is used, how to access yours, and answers to some frequently asked questions.‍

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 24, 2023

If you have or are applying for a green card, DACA status, or certain humanitarian visas, and you want to travel outside the United States, you need to get a travel document from the U.S. government. You apply for this document by filing Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with USCIS. This allows you to get what’s called an Advance Parole document. Below is a guide on how to apply for Advance Parole step-by-step as well as tips for to plan for your temporary travel.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 18, 2023

If you are a foreigner or immigrant living in the United States, you may come in contact with the U.S. immigration court system. This article is an introduction to the U.S. immigration court system. It explains what immigration court is, what kinds of cases would lead you to immigration court, and whether there is an opportunity to appeal immigration court decisions.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated May 17, 2023

To get a family-based green card, you need to submit Form I-130 and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the required fees. It’s a good idea to include a cover letter with your application as well. It can help keep everything organized and gives you a chance to highlight anything in your application that USCIS should know about. This article explains what a cover letter for a family-based green card application is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated May 17, 2023

To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It’s not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. You can also use the cover letter to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your visa application. This article explains what a K-1 fiancé visa cover letter is and the elements it should include. There’s also a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated May 4, 2023

Preparing an immigration application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires filling out complex paperwork and gathering supporting documents. Using a cover letter is a great way to keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your application. This article explains what a cover letter is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated March 12, 2023

Forms DS-260 and DS-261 are the forms you fill out once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your I-130 petition for a marriage green card. After USCIS sends your approved I-130 form to the National Visa Center (NVC), you can submit Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application and Form DS-261: Online Choice of Address and Agent. There is no filing fee for Form DS-261, but you will need to pay a $325 immigrant visa application processing fee and $120 Affidavit of Support fee to access Form DS-260. The usual processing time for DS-260 is three months, while the current marriage green card processing time ranges from 27 to 46 months.

Written by Amelia Neimi.
Updated February 23, 2023

A-File is short for Alien File. An A-File is an individual file the U.S. government keeps on foreign-born, noncitizen immigrants. Each file is identified by an Alien Registration Number or A-Number that’s unique to each individual. This article will explain what is in an A-File and how you can get a copy of yours if you need one. This can help you navigate through the U.S. immigration system.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated February 23, 2023

Every year, many U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor green card applications for their close family members who are foreign nationals. The first step in most family-based green card application processes is filing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130, officially called the Petition for Alien Relative. USCIS uses this form to verify a real and qualifying relationship between the green card sponsor and the green card applicant. In this article, we discuss the purpose of Form I-130, who can and can’t file Form I-130, the Form I-130 filing fees, and how long it takes USCIS to process the form.

How To Write a Declaration in Support of Your Advance Parole (I-131) Application + Sample Letter

Written by Paige Hooper.
Written February 23, 2023

Even if you have legal immigration status, you may not be able to travel freely outside the United States and re-enter legally. To travel from and be allowed to return to the U.S., some people need to apply for advance parole from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can travel for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes, and part of the application process includes providing evidence for the purpose of your trip. One way to provide this evidence is to write a declaration in support letter explaining why USCIS should grant your Advance Parole request.

Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by ImmigrationHelp Team
Written February 23, 2023

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-797: Notice of Action serves several purposes. If you file an application with USCIS, the agency will send you Form I-797: Notice of Action to inform you that it has received your application. This is often called a receipt notice. It’s also commonly used as a way to communicate that USCIS has approved your immigrant or nonimmigrant application. While these are common uses of Form I-797, USCIS also uses Form I-797 to notify you of case status changes. These notices have a letter at the end of the form name, such as Form I-797C, and each form provides information regarding the status of your application. In this article, we explain each of the uses of Form I-797.

How To Write an Advance Parole Cover Letter

Written by Paige Hooper.
Written February 19, 2023

Depending on your immigration status, you may need to apply for advance parole before traveling outside the United States. The advance parole application is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to provide official forms as well as evidence when you submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To help keep your application organized, you can add a cover letter to your advance parole application packet. In this guide, you’ll learn more about how the cover letter fits in with the rest of the application documents and the best way to write a cover letter for your advance parole application.

What Is an Aggravated Felony According to U.S. Immigration Law?

Written by Paige Hooper.
Written February 12, 2023

Being convicted of an aggravated felony as a noncitizen can have serious immigration repercussions. These can include getting deported from the United States or being ineligible to receive future immigration benefits, such as a visa or green card. But figuring out what counts as an aggravated felony can be confusing. We created the following guide to help explain what an aggravated felony is and what your options are if you are facing an aggravated felony immigration conviction.

What Is a Certificate of Disposition (Certified Disposition)?

Written by Paige Hooper.
Written February 2, 2023

When applying for certain immigration benefits — such as an asylum work permit or DACA status — you may need to disclose whether you have a criminal history. Having a criminal history doesn’t automatically make you ineligible for the benefit you’re requesting. But you’ll have to provide a certified disposition telling the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) how the criminal matter was resolved. This article explains what a certified disposition is, why you might need one, and how to get one.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated January 25, 2023

For many low-income people, navigating the U.S. immigration system is overwhelmingly expensive. In addition to lawyer fees, you must also pay application processing fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This money adds up rather quickly. This article suggests six tips to cut costs and raise money for your immigration application.

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written December 13, 2022

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has a complicated history, and its future is uncertain. Right now, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting both initial DACA applications and renewals, but the agency is only processing renewals. Up until recently, DACA recipients had to renew their status by mail. USCIS now allows DACA recipients to file their renewal applications online.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated December 7, 2022

During the immigration application process, your situation may suddenly change in a way that makes you need to hear back from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your case quickly. If this happens, you may be able to submit a USCIS case expedite request to receive a quicker application decision. There is no fee to make a request. USCIS requires you to meet specific criteria, like extreme humanitarian need or potential harm to a U.S person or company if your application isn’t sped up, in order for them to approve your request. This article explains the situations where you can ask USCIS to expedite your case and provides step-by-step instructions for making an expedited request.‍

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated December 7, 2022

Applying or petitioning U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigrant benefits can be expensive. Many of the petitions or applications require fees of hundreds of dollars that you might struggle to afford. To accommodate these financial challenges, you could be eligible for a fee waiver from the USCIS by completing Form I-912. Generally speaking, many required USCIS fees can be waived if you can prove that you’re suffering from a financial hardship or otherwise meet specific income standards. To provide this proof, you’ll need to attach complete and accurate supporting documents to Form I-912.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 22, 2022

Mailing your completed application packet to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is an exciting time. You have finally finished gathering your documents and filing fees for the immigration benefit you applied for, and now it's up to USCIS to process your application. There are multiple ways to keep up with USCIS' processing of your application. In addition to tracking your case status online with the USCIS website, you can sign up to receive email and text notifications about updates to your application using Form G-1145. This article explains what Form G-1145 is, and whether you should consider filing the form.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 15, 2022

The majority of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration forms carry a government filing fee. USCIS uses filing fees to cover the processing costs and biometric services for your application type. You can pay for your application’s filing fees using a traditional check or money order, or more recently, a credit or debit card. USCIS does not accept or process online payments, but you can still pay with a credit or debit card using Form G-1450. This article explains how to use Form G-1450 to pay your USCIS filing fees with a credit or debit card.

What Is an Immigrant Visa Number and How Can I Get One?

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written November 15, 2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the National Visa Center (NVC) issues immigrant visa numbers to green card applicants after the petitioner successfully submits Form I-130 or Form I-140 and once there is a visa available. There are caps on the number of people who can get an immigrant visa each year. So even if you have met all of the eligibility requirements to get a permanent visa, become a lawful permanent resident, and get your green card, you may still have to wait a long time before you get your immigrant visa number and can proceed with the immigrant visa process to get your green card. This article explains immigrant visa numbers and how they differ from your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and your USCIS case number.

Step-by-Step Guide To Filing a Family Green Card Application Concurrently

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written November 14, 2022

Filing for a family green card concurrently means you file Form I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time. These two forms will be accompanied by other required (and optional) forms plus required filing fees to form your green card application or petition. Most concurrent family green card applications take 7-15 months and cost $1,760.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 14, 2022

Many factors affect the time it takes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process immigration applications, including the type of benefit you’re applying for and which USCIS service center or field office is processing your forms. This article covers the factors that affect immigration application processing, how to check your case status throughout processing, and what to do if your application is taking longer than the average processing time.

How To File a Family Green Card Application Non-Concurrently: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written November 14, 2022

When you file for a family green card non-concurrently, an eligible family member petitions for you with Form I-130 and you file Form I-485 at a different time. Because you are submitting the forms at different times, this process will take longer than filing concurrently — or submitting your Form I-130 and I-485 at the same time. This article outlines the 13 steps of filing for a family green card non-concurrently.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022

If you want to apply for asylum in the United States, you must submit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-589 within one year of arriving in the United States. You’ll also need to submit documents to support your application. This article will help you understand how to fill out form I-589 and what supporting documentation you’ll need to provide. It will also cover some tips to help ensure your application has the best chance of success.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022

Everyone who works in the United States must file taxes with the IRS. This requirement includes lawful permanent residents and nonimmigrants with U.S. employment authorization. If you intend to naturalize as a U.S. citizen eventually, you will need to provide tax returns as part of your application, so it is essential to understand your tax filing requirements. This article explains all you should know about filing tax returns for your current or upcoming naturalization application.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022

It is extremely important to be honest about your intentions when you apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Misrepresenting your intentions for traveling to the United States will land you in a lot of trouble with the U.S. government. One of the ways that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirms your travel intent is the 90-day rule. The 90-day rule states that temporary visa holders who marry or apply for a green card within 90 days of arriving in the United States are automatically presumed to have misrepresented their original intentions. This article explains the 90-day rule, including how immigration officials apply it, the consequences of breaking the rule, and how to prove nonimmigrant intent on your U.S. visa application.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 24, 2022

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your asylum application, you can apply for your immediate relatives to join you in the United States. To do that, you will have to file a Form I-730 petition on their behalf. This article explains Form I-730, including who can file it and when, which relatives qualify for it, and how to file a Form I-730 petition.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 19, 2022

Traditional wedding ceremonies can be expensive and stressful to plan. A welcome alternative for some couples is the courthouse wedding. A courthouse wedding is sometimes also called a civil wedding, a civil union, or a civil ceremony. Courthouse weddings in the United States are recognized as valid marriages for marriage green card applications. This article explains how to plan a courthouse wedding in six simple steps.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 10, 2022

While on a temporary visit to the United States, it is essential to be aware of the terms of your stay. In particular, you should be conscious of your I-94 expiration date. If your I-94 expires before you leave the U.S., you must plan to get an I-94 extension so you don’t break U.S. immigration law. This article explains what the I-94 extension is and how to get one. It also covers what documents are required for an extension and how long it takes for the U.S. government to process your extension request.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 9, 2022

Your receipt number for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a 13-character identification code that USCIS uses to identify and track your case. The receipt number will contain three letters followed by 10 numbers. The letters identify the USCIS service center that is processing your application. The 10 numbers that follow are a combination of the date your case was opened and your unique case number. USCIS will print your receipt number on any correspondence they send you regarding your application. You will need your receipt number to check your application status. This article explains what a USCIS receipt number is, where to find it, how to read it, and how to use it to check your application's status.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 9, 2022

Although there are a number of simple immigration processes you can handle by yourself, it may be detrimental to go through some more complex immigration legal processes on your own. When your case is complex — maybe you have a criminal record, a prior immigration violation, or a complicated backgrond — it is absolutely necessary to consult with a qualified lawyer. To include a lawyer on your immigration case, you’ll have use Form G-28. This article explains what the Form G-28 is and how it’s used, why you should file it, and how to file it.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 2, 2022

Naturalization is the process by which an immigrant to the United States applies for U.S. citizenship. In addition to the Form N-400: Application for Naturalization, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires certain supporting documents. You can use this article as a document checklist for the naturalization process.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 2, 2022

An A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a 7-9 digit number that USCIS uses to identify immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. If you are such an immigrant and are applying for additional immigration benefits, you will probably need your A-Number to submit the required forms and to track your application. This article explains how A-Numbers work, and where you can find yours when you need it.

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Updated September 1, 2022

The U.S. government must ensure that foreigners immigrating to the United States do not spread contagious diseases when they come to America. To do this, most immigrants must submit a completed Form I-693 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS Form I-693 is the medical examination form that an approved doctor must complete for green card applicants. This article explains how to meet green card eligibility with Form I-693, how to find a doctor to complete the form, and how to submit the form to the U.S. government.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 1, 2022

Getting a visa to live or work in the United States usually begins with submitting a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After USCIS approves the petition, it transfers it to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC then handles the visa application process, which includes receiving forms, collecting fees, reviewing documents, and setting up the consular interview.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 22, 2022

As part of the U.S. temporary visa application process, you will have to prove to the U.S. government that you can afford to care for yourself while visiting the United States. You can verify this with evidence of your personal funds or have someone vouch for you financially with a declaration of support. They will file the declaration of support using Form I-134. This article explains Form I-134, who can file Form I-134, and which temporary visa applications may benefit from it. It also explains how to file Form I-134 and which supporting documents to include.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 22, 2022

Form DS-160 is also called the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. Many people applying for temporary U.S. visa classifications like student visas and fiancé visas will have to file Form DS-160 with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country to get permission to come to the United States. This article is a guide to Form DS-160. It explains who needs to file the form, the application process, and what happens after filing.

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Updated August 21, 2022

A notice of hearing in removal proceedings is a document that informs you about an immigration hearing that’s been scheduled. These hearings relate to the government’s attempt to deport you from the United States. This article explains what this notice means and what you can expect during a removal proceeding. This includes a discussion of the types of immigration hearings you may encounter and their importance in fighting your deportation.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 15, 2022

If you’ve already been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you are eligible to renew your status every two years. You’ll need to fill out Form I-821D and submit it along with other required forms and fees to renew. It’s also recommended that you prepare a simple cover letter to include with your application as well. The cover letter allows the USCIS officer to see what’s included with your application at a glance. This article explains what a DACA renewal cover letter is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 15, 2022

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants the general public the right to access records of any federal agency, including the USCIS. You may want to know what information USCIS has about you if you are facing a removal proceeding or there is a problem with your request to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. This article will discuss the Freedom of Information Act, including how to submit a FOIA request to USCIS.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 15, 2022

All immigrants, documented or undocumented, can legally purchase private insurance in the U.S. if they can afford it. Depending on your immigration status, you may be able to access federal and state benefits to make healthcare more affordable. This article will help you understand the different aspects of healthcare in the U.S. and determine if you qualify for federal or state health benefits. After reading this article, you will be able to make more informed choices about your health insurance options.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 7, 2022

Even if you aren’t a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, you may still need to file an IRS income tax return. Generally speaking, nonresident aliens of the United States must file an IRS tax return if they received income or were engaged in a trade or business in the United States. An individual is a nonresident alien if they are not a U.S. citizen or national and can’t pass either the green card test or the substantial presence test.

Written by Amelia Neimi.
Updated July 26, 2022

An immigration removal proceeding is a legal action that decides whether someone should be removed, or deported, from the United States. This process typically begins when someone receives a Notice to Appear. Then, a master calendar hearing is held, followed by an individual hearing. This article explains each step of the proceeding process in detail, including when, how, and why a judge may terminate a removal proceeding.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated July 11, 2022

Though it's rare, you may need a foreign lawyer to represent you in a case involving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abroad. In these instances, you’ll need to submit a completed Form G-281 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article explains what Form G-281 and how the U.S. government uses it, who can file it, and how to complete it.

Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 26, 2022

The United States is a very popular immigration destination because of the many benefits and privileges U.S. citizens and green card holders enjoy. If you have decided to immigrate to the U.S., you are probably wondering what the immigration process is like. There are many different kinds of U.S. immigrant visas. Still, the U.S. immigration process generally begins with an eligible sponsor filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the foreign national who wants to come to the United States. This is called petitioning. If all goes well with petitioning, the next step is usually that the foreign national applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad or adjusts status to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This article will walk you through the different U.S. immigrant visa types and provide a step-by-step guide on applying for them.

Written by Jonathan Petts.

Each state decides how and when its residents may obtain a driver’s license. This includes whether or not to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. While most states will only grant driving privileges to those with lawful immigration status, some will allow individuals who can’t provide proof of legal presence in the United States to get a driver’s license. The following guide explains when someone traveling to the United States will need to get a state-issued driver’s license and what that process entails. It also covers what limitations undocument immigrants may face when trying to get a driver’s license.

Written by Jonathan Petts.

Filing for immigration status requires a lot of paperwork. Many people get help with their immigration applications. While there are credible services out there to help you file your paperwork, you should know how to spot and avoid common immigration scams. This is especially true if you’re paying for help. It’s important to understand common immigration scams because falling victim to one can hurt you financially and harm your immigration proceedings. The article explains what the most common scams are, how to spot new scams, and what to do if you have been scammed.

Written by Jonathan Petts.

The United States has an extensive set of laws that control who can enter the country. If you can’t enter because one or more of these laws apply to you, you are deemed “inadmissible.” Luckily, several exceptions may allow you to receive a waiver and enter the country. To get one of these waivers, you have to fill out an application. Which application you fill out depends on why you feel you are entitled to a waiver. One such application is Form I-690 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Written by Jonathan Petts.

The U.S. has special laws that dictate who may enter or stay in the country. These laws list reasons you may be barred from entering the country as an immigrant. If you’re already in the U.S., these laws may allow you to be deported. These reasons are often referred to as “grounds for inadmissibility,” and many exist. But even if one or more grounds for inadmissibility apply to you, you can still stay or enter the U.S. in certain situations. This article provides an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility. It also discusses exceptions and waivers to inadmissibility.

Written by Jonathan Petts.

You aren’t legally required to hire an immigration lawyer to represent you in your immigration matter. Many people choose to handle their immigration cases themselves. But sometimes, it helps to have a trained immigration professional to advocate for you, especially if there’s a lot at stake, such as getting asylum or avoiding deportation. This article will discuss when and why it is a good idea to hire an immigration lawyer and how to select the best one.