United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. The agency manages the adjudication and approval of immigration and citizenship benefits for individuals seeking to enter or remain in the country legally. USCIS focuses on processing applications for various benefits, including green cards, work permits, and naturalization.

USCIS operates as a component of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which it joined upon the department’s creation in 2003. The agency handles the benefit-granting aspects of immigration, separate from enforcement duties assigned to other DHS components like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. USCIS administers the nation’s lawful immigration system by adjudicating requests for benefits in a manner that upholds integrity, efficiency, and fairness while aligning with national security priorities and core American values.

In fiscal year 2024, USCIS received 13.51 million applications and petitions, marking a substantial volume of immigration-related requests. The agency processed 13.16 million cases to completion during the same period, demonstrating its capacity to handle high caseloads. USCIS reduced its net backlog by 11 percent, bringing the total pending cases to approximately 3.8 million by the end of the fiscal year. These efforts included completing about 818,500 naturalizations, a 12 percent increase from the pre-COVID-19 annual average of 730,100. Such operational scale affects millions of applicants annually, with backlog reductions helping to shorten overall wait times for many form types.

 

Section A: USCIS Services

 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services offers a variety of immigration-related services to individuals and families seeking legal status in the country. The agency adjudicates applications for benefits that support family reunification, employment opportunities, humanitarian relief and pathways to citizenship. Applicants can access many of these services through online filing systems for faster processing.

The five main USCIS Services for foreign nationals are:

 

• Family-based immigration petitions to reunite relatives with U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Naturalization applications for eligible lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.
• Employment authorization documents for individuals needing proof of work eligibility.
• Humanitarian protections such as asylum and Temporary Protected Status for those fleeing persecution or unsafe conditions.
• Adoption processing for U.S. citizens bringing children from abroad.

 

 

1. Immigration Benefits

 

USCIS manages processes that enable current permanent residents and U.S. citizens to sponsor close relatives for residency and work in the United States. The agency handles petitions for family-based immigration, including those filed by U.S. citizens for spouses, children, parents, and siblings, as well as by lawful permanent residents for spouses and unmarried children. USCIS also adjudicates employment-based petitions that allow individuals from other countries to work in the U.S., with some categories offering a route to permanent residence through green cards.

For immigrant visas, USCIS approves underlying petitions before the Department of State issues the actual visa, covering categories like family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity lottery selections. Nonimmigrant benefits include petitions for temporary workers, students, and visitors, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws. In 2025, USCIS implemented new fees for certain immigration benefit requests to support operational improvements. For more details on green card applications, refer to our internal guide on Form I-485.

 

2. Naturalization and Citizenship Services

 

USCIS processes applications from lawful permanent residents who meet congressional requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. The agency evaluates eligibility, which includes residency duration, good moral character, and knowledge of English and U.S. civics, before scheduling approved applicants for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony.

USCIS determines eligibility for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents at birth or before age 18, issuing necessary documentation like Certificates of Citizenship. The agency promotes education on citizenship rights and responsibilities to aid integration into American society. In 2025, USCIS updated study materials for the naturalization test, including interactive practice tests and videos. Applicants file Form N-400 online or by mail, with processing involving biometrics and an interview. For in-depth information, see our naturalization guide.

 

3. Employment Authorization (EAD)

 

USCIS issues Employment Authorization Documents, known as Form I-766 or EAD cards, to individuals authorized to work in the United States for a defined period. Employers verify work eligibility using the EAD, which serves as proof alongside other documents. Eligible applicants include asylees, refugees, those with pending adjustment of status applications, and certain nonimmigrants like students seeking optional practical training.

Individuals apply using Form I-765, submitting it online with required fees unless waived. Renewals extend authorization, with automatic extensions up to 540 days for qualifying categories to prevent lapses. In 2025, USCIS expanded automatic EAD extensions for additional applicant groups to address processing delays. Replacements for lost or erroneous cards involve filing a new form or submitting a service request. Explore our EAD application tips for step-by-step assistance.

 

4. Humanitarian Programs

 

USCIS administers protections for individuals displaced by war, famine, civil unrest, or persecution in their home countries. Asylum services grant refuge to those fearing harm based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership, with applications filed affirmatively or defensively. Temporary Protected Status offers temporary legal status to nationals of designated countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions, preventing deportation and allowing work authorization.

Eligible TPS applicants must reside continuously in the U.S. since the designation date and meet other criteria, with extensions announced periodically. Other programs include parole for urgent humanitarian reasons and relief for victims of human trafficking or crimes. In 2025, USCIS extended TPS designations for countries like Ukraine, Haiti, and Venezuela, allowing re-registration for continued protection. For comprehensive details, check our humanitarian relief overview.

 

5. Adoption Services

 

USCIS facilitates intercountry adoptions by determining the eligibility of U.S. citizens to adopt children from abroad and assessing the child’s immigration qualifications. The agency handles three main processes: Hague Convention adoptions for countries party to the treaty, orphan adoptions for non-Hague countries, and immigration for already adopted children.

Prospective parents file forms like I-600A or I-800A for advance approval, followed by petitions for the specific child. Home studies evaluate parental suitability based on legal standards. After entry, USCIS issues citizenship documentation if applicable. Country-specific requirements vary, with USCIS providing tailored guidance. In 2025, USCIS prioritized faster processing for adoption cases at the National Benefits Center. Learn more in our intercountry adoption guide.

 

Section B: Common USCIS Forms

 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services provides numerous forms for various immigration benefits, with some of the most popular including Form I-485 for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, Form I-130 for petitioning alien relatives, Form N-400 for naturalization applications, Form I-765 for employment authorization, Form I-90 for replacing a permanent resident card, and Form I-129 for petitioning nonimmigrant workers.

Applicants download USCIS forms from the official website to ensure use of the latest editions. Filing involves gathering required evidence, paying applicable fees, and submitting either online through a myUSCIS account or by mail, depending on the form and eligibility.

 

1. USCIS Form I-485

 

Form I-485 serves applicants in the United States seeking to register permanent residence or adjust status to lawful permanent resident. Eligibility requires an immediately available immigrant visa in the applicant’s category, with exceptions for certain immigrant classifications outlined in the form instructions. Applicants check visa availability using the Visa Bulletin and adjustment of status filing charts on the USCIS website.

The current edition date of the form stands at January 20, 2025. Filing fees vary and appear on the USCIS Fee Schedule page, with payments accepted via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450. No fees apply for Afghan parolees under specific humanitarian conditions. For paper submissions, applicants download the form ensuring all pages match the edition date, complete all sections, sign the document, include initial evidence such as a checklist of required documents, and mail to the appropriate lockbox address based on eligibility category. Unsigned forms face rejection. Online filing availability remains limited for this form, with USCIS transitioning toward electronic processing. Applicants attach Form G-1145 for e-notification of acceptance and Form I-693 for medical examination if required. When filing at a lockbox, a second notice may arrive with the A-Number a few days after the initial acceptance notice.

 

2. USCIS Form I-130

 

Form I-130 allows U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or U.S. nationals to petition for eligible relatives to obtain permanent residency. Petitioners establish a qualifying family relationship, such as with a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, by providing evidence like birth certificates, marriage documents, and proof of U.S. status. Approval of the petition does not confer immigration benefits but enables the beneficiary to pursue a green card.

The form edition date is April 1, 2024, with no major changes noted for 2025 except a fee exemption through September 30, 2025, for Afghan nationals not born in Afghanistan. Filing fees appear on the USCIS Fee Schedule, with payments non-refundable and made separately for each form. For online filing, petitioners create a myUSCIS account, complete the form electronically, submit evidence, and receive a receipt notice in the account. Online submission remains unavailable for fee waivers or certain Afghan petitions. For paper filing, petitioners download the form, fill out sections on relationship and beneficiary information, gather evidence, and mail to a lockbox address depending on U.S. residence and concurrent Form I-485 filing. Provide a copy of the receipt notice to the beneficiary for their adjustment application.

 

3. Form N-400

 

Form N-400 enables eligible lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Applicants file up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement, typically five years as a permanent resident or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. The form edition date is January 20, 2025.

Filing fees total $710 for online submissions and $760 for paper, with reduced fees of $380 available upon request and fee waivers requiring paper filing with Form I-912. Online filing occurs through a myUSCIS account, where applicants choose guided or PDF upload options, complete the form, upload evidence like a green card copy, pay fees, and track status. Attorneys submit Form G-28 if representing clients. Reduced fees and waivers prevent online filing. For paper submissions, applicants download the form, complete all sections, gather evidence, prepare payment, and mail to the designated address. USCIS sends an account acceptance notice for online tracking after receipt.

 

4. USCIS Form I-765

 

Form I-765 requests employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document for eligible noncitizens in the United States. Eligibility categories include students for optional practical training, asylees, and those with pending adjustment applications, with specific filing timelines varying by category. The form edition date is January 20, 2025.

New fees took effect for forms postmarked on or after July 22, 2025, detailed on the USCIS Fee Schedule. Online filing requires a myUSCIS account, where applicants complete the form, upload evidence per the checklist, and pay fees. For paper filing, applicants download the form, fill out all sections, sign it, assemble evidence, determine the correct address by category, and mail with payment. Unsigned forms result in rejection.

 

5. USCIS Form I-90

 

Form I-90 replaces a lost, stolen, damaged, or expired permanent resident card. No fee applies if the card was never received or contains DHS errors. The form edition date is January 20, 2025.

Filing fees appear on the USCIS Fee Schedule, with payments separate for multiple forms. Online filing through a myUSCIS account allows fee payment, status tracking, and evidence submission, but fee waivers require paper filing. For paper submissions, applicants download the form, complete sections on personal information, sign it, and mail to the Phoenix lockbox address via USPS or courier. USCIS creates an online account post-receipt for tracking.

 

6. USCIS Form I-129

 

Form I-129 petitions for nonimmigrant workers in classifications like H-1B, L-1, or O-1 to perform temporary services, labor, or training. Petitioners complete supplements for specific classifications and provide evidence of eligibility. The form edition date is January 20, 2025, with acceptance of the prior edition until July 30, 2025.

Filing fees vary by classification and appear on the USCIS Fee Schedule. Limited online filing applies to certain classifications via myUSCIS. For paper filing, petitioners download the form, complete all sections with original signatures, assemble evidence, and mail to the appropriate service center address.

 

Section C: USCIS Case Status: How to Check and Track Your Application

 

Applicants verify the progress of their immigration cases through the official USCIS online tools. The Case Status Online tool allows users to check USCIS case status online from any location, including home, office, or mobile device. Access occurs directly through the USCIS website at egov.uscis.gov. The landing page for Case Status Online includes quick links to additional resources, such as changing an address online, submitting an inquiry about a case, viewing processing times, and locating a USCIS office.

Users enter their unique 13-character receipt number, found on notices received from USCIS, to view the current status. The system displays the case status along with information on next steps. After viewing one case, users enter another receipt number if needed to check additional cases.

 

1. Using the myUSCIS Account

 

A myUSCIS account provides enhanced tracking features for immigration applications. Users create an account at myaccount.uscis.gov by providing an email address and password. The account offers personalized updates, including the last five actions on a case, case history, upcoming activities, and access to electronically filed applications. Signing up for Case Status Online within the account enables automatic updates via email or text message. The service remains free and user-friendly. USCIS encourages creating an account to simplify case management and receive timely notifications.

 

2. Explanation of Case Status Codes

 

Case status codes indicate the stage of processing for an application or petition. “Case Was Received” means USCIS has accepted the submission and entered it into the system, providing a receipt number for tracking. “Fingerprint Fee Was Received” shows that USCIS has processed the biometrics fee and will schedule an appointment for fingerprints, photo, and signature at an Application Support Center. “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed” indicates an officer is examining the application, which may occur multiple times during processing.

“Request for Evidence Was Sent” signals that USCIS requires additional documents or information, with details specified in the notice. “Response to Request for Evidence Was Received” confirms USCIS has the submitted materials and will continue reviewing the case. “Case Was Approved” denotes approval of the application, though further steps like an interview or card production may follow. “Card Was Produced” means USCIS has created the document, such as a Green Card or Employment Authorization Document, and prepared it for mailing. “Case Was Denied” reflects a denial, with reasons explained in the decision notice, potentially allowing for an appeal or refiling.

 

Section D: Tips for Expediting Requests

 

USCIS evaluates expedite requests on a case-by-case basis using specific criteria. Severe financial loss qualifies if it affects a company through failure, contract loss, or employee layoffs, or impacts an individual via job loss or forfeiture of public benefits, as long as the situation stems from factors beyond untimely filing. Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations involve pressing welfare issues like illness, family death, extreme conditions, or safety threats, but inherent urgency in certain benefits like asylum requires extra compelling factors.

Nonprofit organizations designated by the IRS demonstrate urgency tied to furthering U.S. cultural or social interests. Government interests apply when federal, state, or local entities identify urgency for public safety, national security, or similar reasons, requested by an authorized official. Clear USCIS errors warrant expediting to correct issues like inaccurate documents preventing employment.

Requests generally occur after receiving a receipt notice, unless specific programs dictate otherwise. Applicants check processing times, case status, and premium processing availability first, as expedite requests do not apply where premium processing exists, except for qualifying nonprofits. Submission happens through the USCIS Contact Center or Ask Emma chat, providing the receipt number and explanation. Users with a myUSCIS account select the expedite option in secure messaging and upload evidence. Supporting documentation, such as medical letters, employer statements, or death certificates, strengthens the request. Certain programs like adoption, appeals, asylum, or humanitarian parole follow unique procedures outlined on relevant USCIS pages.

 

Section E: Common Mistakes to Avoid with USCIS

 

Applicants encounter several common errors when submitting forms to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, leading to rejections or delays in processing. Errors such as incomplete forms, missed deadlines, and incorrect fees frequently result in returned applications, requiring resubmission and additional time. Real-world scenarios illustrate these issues, along with methods to address them, including responding to Requests for Evidence.

 

1. Incomplete Forms

 

Forms submitted without all required information face rejection by USCIS. Applicants sometimes fail to fill out every section unless instructions specify otherwise, or they use outdated editions where the date and page numbers do not match. Unsigned forms also lead to immediate returns, as USCIS requires signatures in designated spaces. Handwritten entries in non-black ink or with corrections using fluid or tape hinder scanning and processing.

In one example, an applicant filed Form I-130 with pages from different editions, resulting in rejection and the need to refile with a complete, current version. To correct such errors, applicants download the latest form edition from the USCIS website, ensure all pages align, complete every applicable section, sign appropriately, and use black ink for clarity. If mistakes occur during completion, applicants begin anew with a fresh form rather than attempting alterations.

 

2. Missed Deadlines

 

Submitting forms to incorrect addresses causes rejections and subsequent delays, effectively missing processing timelines. USCIS specifies mailing locations on each form’s webpage, and failure to use the exact address, including any “Attn:” line, results in returns. For instance, mailing Form N-400 to a lockbox not designated for that form leads to rejection, forcing the applicant to resend to the proper location and extend the overall wait period.

Corrections involve verifying the address on the form’s USCIS webpage, using approved carriers like USPS or UPS, and retaining tracking details to confirm delivery. Applicants also file online when available to bypass mailing risks and potential delays.

 

3. Incorrect Fees

 

Payments that do not match the required amounts or combine multiple forms lead to rejections of entire submissions. USCIS rejects applications with insufficient or overpaid fees, and bundling payments for several forms risks rejecting all if one fee proves wrong. An example includes submitting combined fees for Form I-485 and Form I-765, where an error in the I-765 fee causes both to be returned, necessitating separate refilings.

To address this, applicants utilize the USCIS Fee Calculator tool to confirm exact amounts and submit individual payments for each form. If a rejection occurs due to fee issues, applicants resubmit with correct, separate payments and updated forms if needed.

 

4. Handling Requests for Evidence

 

Mailing responses to Requests for Evidence to improper locations, such as lockboxes, prevents proper processing and extends case timelines. USCIS issues RFEs when initial submissions lack sufficient supporting documents, requiring specific evidence within a set period.

In a typical case, an applicant responds to an RFE for Form I-130 by sending materials to a lockbox instead of the address in the RFE notice, leading to non-receipt and potential denial. Applicants correct this by following the exact instructions in the RFE notice for submission addresses and methods, including using online accounts for uploads where possible. Supporting evidence must include English translations if original documents appear in other languages, and applicants avoid binders or digital media that USCIS cannot accept.

 

Section F: USCIS Contact Information and Resources

 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services maintains various channels for applicants to obtain information, schedule appointments, and access resources related to immigration processes. The agency provides online tools, telephone assistance, in-person services, and digital platforms to address inquiries efficiently.

 

1. Official Website

 

The primary online hub for USCIS appears at www.uscis.gov, where users find forms, processing times, case status checks, and educational materials. Users access the site to file applications electronically, update addresses, and explore policy guidance.

 

2. Phone Support

 

USCIS operates a contact center reachable at 800-375-5283 for callers within the United States, with hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The automated system offers 24-hour support in English and Spanish for general questions and can send form links via email or text. For hearing-impaired individuals, the TTY line functions at 800-767-1833 during the same business hours. International callers dial 212-620-3418 for assistance. Tier 1 representatives handle basic inquiries like case status and appointment rescheduling, while Tier 2 addresses more detailed issues.

 

3. Office Locators

 

USCIS offers tools to locate field offices, asylum offices, international immigration offices, and application support centers. Field offices within the United States conduct scheduled interviews for non-asylum applications and offer limited services by appointment, found via www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/field-offices.

Asylum offices manage interviews for asylum-related matters, located through egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asy. International immigration offices assist U.S. citizens and residents abroad with immigration needs, searchable at www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices. Application support centers collect biometrics, with locations available at www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/application-support-centers. Appointments require scheduling in advance online at my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2 or by phone, with printed notices brought to visits. Check office closures at www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings for the latest status.

 

4. Social Media Channels

 

USCIS engages with the public through multiple social media platforms, sharing updates on immigration policies, events, and resources. On X (formerly Twitter), the main account operates as @uscis, with Spanish-language @uscis_es, E-Verify @EVerify, director @USCISDirector, and regional accounts including @USCISMediaNorth, @USCISMediaSouth, @USCISMediaCntrl, and @USCISMediaWest.

Facebook features @uscis and Spanish @uscis.es. Instagram maintains @uscis. LinkedIn includes the USCIS company page at linkedin.com/company/uscis and E-Verify at linkedin.com/company/e-verify-program. YouTube hosts videos at youtube.com/user/uscis.

 

5. Email and Secure Messaging

 

USCIS supports secure messaging through user accounts at myaccount.uscis.gov, allowing protected individuals to submit inquiries after identity verification. Technical assistance for online accounts comes via the help form at my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp, covering issues like logins and uploads.

 

6. Policy Manuals and Other Resources

 

The USCIS Policy Manual serves as the centralized repository for immigration policies at www.uscis.gov/policy-manual, covering areas like citizenship, adjustment of status, and nonimmigrants in organized volumes. Additional resources include case status at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do, processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, and e-requests for case inquiries at egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do. Privacy guidance appears in Volume 1, Part A, Chapter 7 at www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-a-chapter-7.

 

Section G: USCIS Processing Times and Delays

 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes processing times on its website, reflecting the duration required to complete 50 percent and 80 percent of cases for specific forms and service centers. Processing times fluctuate based on workload, application volume, and operational changes, with data updated biweekly. Applicants select their form, category, and office on the USCIS processing times tool to view personalized estimates. The figures represent historical data from the past six months and serve as general indicators rather than guarantees for individual cases.

 

1. Current Average Processing Times by Form Type

 

Processing times vary by form type and location, with some forms handled nationally and others at specific service centers. The table below summarizes median times for completing 50 percent of cases and times for completing 80 percent of cases for popular forms, based on USCIS data as of July 31, 2025.

Form Type	Description	Service Center/Office	50% Completion (Median)	80% Completion
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative (standalone, U.S. citizen filing for spouse)	Potomac Service Center	5 months	8 months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (family-based)	National Benefits Center	10 months	15 months
N-400	Application for Naturalization	Potomac Service Center	4 months	7 months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (based on pending I-485)	Elgin Lockbox	2.5 months	4 months
I-90	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (online filing)	National	1.5 months	3 months
I-129	Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (H-1B)	California Service Center	1 month	2 months

 

2. Factors Affecting Delays

 

High application volumes contribute to backlogs, as USCIS receives millions of forms annually, straining resources at service centers. Biometrics appointments add time, with scheduling dependent on availability at Application Support Centers and potential rescheduling due to closures or high demand. Requests for Evidence occur when submissions lack sufficient documentation, halting progress until responses arrive. Staffing levels and training periods influence efficiency, particularly during surges in certain form types. Policy updates or legal changes require additional reviews, extending timelines for affected cases. External events like global disruptions impact mail delivery and international verifications, further prolonging processing.

 

3. Strategies to Monitor and Reduce Wait Times

 

Applicants track their cases through the Case Status Online tool by entering the receipt number for real-time updates. Creating a myUSCIS account enables notifications via email or text for status changes. Filing forms online when available accelerates initial acceptance and reduces mailing delays. Premium processing, offered for select forms like I-129 and I-140, guarantees action within 15 days for an additional fee. Expedite requests succeed when meeting criteria such as severe financial loss or humanitarian needs, supported by evidence submitted via the contact center. Submitting complete applications with all required documents minimizes the likelihood of RFEs and subsequent holds. Checking processing times before filing helps set expectations and identify forms eligible for faster tracks.

 

Section H: Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are specialist US attorneys advising on all aspects of US visa, nationality and citizenship applications. For guidance on your circumstances or for support with your application, contact us.

 

Section I: USCIS FAQs

 

What is the difference between USCIS and DHS?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services operates as a component agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees national security and immigration enforcement. USCIS focuses exclusively on administering immigration benefits, such as processing applications for green cards, citizenship, and work authorizations. DHS encompasses multiple agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles deportations and enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, responsible for border security and inspections. USCIS manages the legal pathways for immigration, distinct from the enforcement roles of other DHS components.

 

How long does USCIS take to process applications?

Processing times for USCIS applications vary by form type, category, and service center, with median times for completing 50 percent of cases ranging from 1 month for Form I-129 (H-1B) to 10 months for Form I-485 (family-based adjustment), based on data as of July 31, 2025. Completing 80 percent of cases extends further, with estimates like 7 months for Form N-400 and 15 months for Form I-485. Applicants check specific times using the USCIS processing times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, selecting their form and office for accurate estimates. Factors like backlogs and Requests for Evidence influence these durations.

 

Can I track my USCIS case without an account?

Applicants track their case status without a myUSCIS account by using the Case Status Online tool at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. Entering the 13-character receipt number from a USCIS notice provides the current status and next steps. The tool functions without requiring login credentials, accessible from any device. Creating a myUSCIS account offers additional features like email notifications and case history, but the online tool suffices for basic tracking needs.

 

What are the most common USCIS forms?

Common USCIS forms include Form I-485 for adjusting status to lawful permanent resident, Form I-130 for petitioning family members, Form N-400 for naturalization, Form I-765 for employment authorization, Form I-90 for replacing a permanent resident card, and Form I-129 for nonimmigrant worker petitions. These forms address frequent needs like residency, citizenship, and work permits, with downloadable versions available at www.uscis.gov. Each form requires specific evidence and fees, detailed on its respective webpage.

 

How do I know if my USCIS form was received?

USCIS confirms receipt of a form by issuing a notice, typically Form I-797, sent via mail or available in a myUSCIS account for online filings. The notice includes a receipt number for tracking status online at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. Applicants filing Form G-1145 with their submission receive email or text notifications upon acceptance. Checking the Case Status Online tool with the receipt number verifies receipt if the status reads “Case Was Received.”

 

What happens if USCIS sends a Request for Evidence?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) indicates USCIS needs additional documentation to process an application. The notice specifies required materials and a deadline, typically 30 to 90 days. Applicants respond by submitting requested documents to the address listed in the RFE, using online uploads via a myUSCIS account when available. Failure to respond by the deadline may lead to case denial. Ensuring complete initial submissions reduces the likelihood of receiving an RFE.

 

Can I file USCIS forms online?

Many USCIS forms, such as Form N-400, I-765, and I-90, allow online filing through a myUSCIS account at myaccount.uscis.gov. Applicants create an account, complete the form, upload evidence, and pay fees electronically. Online filing offers faster receipt confirmation and status tracking. Some forms, like those requiring fee waivers or specific categories, mandate paper submission. Form instructions on www.uscis.gov specify online eligibility.

 

How do I contact USCIS for help?

USCIS provides assistance through its contact center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, with automated 24-hour support. International callers dial 212-620-3418. Online inquiries go through myaccount.uscis.gov for secure messaging, and technical support for accounts is available at my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp. The Ask Emma virtual assistant at www.uscis.gov answers common questions.

 

What is the cost of filing USCIS forms?

Filing fees vary by form, with examples including $710 for Form N-400 (online), $535 for Form I-130, and $455 for Form I-90, based on the USCIS Fee Schedule effective July 22, 2025. Fee exemptions apply for specific groups, like certain Afghan nationals for Form I-130 until September 30, 2025. Applicants confirm exact amounts using the USCIS Fee Calculator at www.uscis.gov/feecalculator and pay separately for each form to avoid rejection.

 

How can I expedite my USCIS application?

Expedite requests require meeting criteria like severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian situations, or government interests, as outlined on www.uscis.gov. Applicants submit requests post-receipt through the contact center at 800-375-5283 or via myUSCIS secure messaging, including supporting evidence like medical or financial documents. Premium processing, available for forms like I-129, guarantees action within 15 days for a fee, but expedite requests apply only to eligible scenarios without premium options.

 

 

Section J: Glossary

 

 

Section K: Glossary of USCIS Terms

 

Term	Definition
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – the federal agency under DHS responsible for processing lawful immigration and citizenship benefit applications.
DHS	Department of Homeland Security – oversees national security, immigration enforcement, and benefits administration through agencies such as USCIS, ICE, and CBP.
Green Card	Common term for a Permanent Resident Card, granting lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Naturalization	The legal process through which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
Form I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – used by eligible applicants in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
Form I-130	Petition for Alien Relative – filed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a relative for immigration purposes.
Form N-400	Application for Naturalization – used by eligible permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Form I-765	Application for Employment Authorization – used by certain noncitizens to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Form I-90	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card – used to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or expired green card.
Form I-129	Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker – used by employers to petition for a temporary foreign worker in various visa classifications such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.
EAD	Employment Authorization Document – proof of work eligibility in the United States, issued by USCIS.
TPS	Temporary Protected Status – temporary legal status for nationals of certain countries experiencing unsafe conditions, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
RFE	Request for Evidence – a USCIS notice requesting additional documents or information to continue processing an application or petition.
myUSCIS	The USCIS online account system for case tracking, electronic filing, and secure messaging.
Premium Processing	An optional service for certain forms that guarantees USCIS action within 15 calendar days for an additional fee.
Visa Bulletin	A monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State indicating immigrant visa availability in various categories.
ICE	Immigration and Customs Enforcement – DHS agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.
CBP	Customs and Border Protection – DHS agency responsible for securing U.S. borders and regulating entry of people and goods.