USCIS - US Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS provides links to all immigration forms that can be filed with that agency, free of charge, along with instructions forms, the current filing fee and links to the address where the form should be filed. Type the form number into the search box to reach that form's landing page.
Other useful USCIS links:
- Check case status -- if you have already filed your application or petition and have received a formal I-797 receipt, you can use the receipt number to check on the status of the case. Receipt numbers are three letters followed by 10 digits: e.g, XXX1234567890.
- Check processing times for a typical application or form -- you can check the approximate amount of time USCIS is reportedly taking to process a given type of application or petition. You will need to know what service center or field office will be responsible for your case. If you have already filed your form, and if it hasn't been transferred to another processing center, you can use the first three letters to determine the service center. The main ones are: WAC - California Service Center, LIN - Nebraska Service Center, SRC - Texas Service Center, EAC - Vermont Service Center, MSC - National Benefits Center, YSC - Potomac Service Center. If your receipt number begins with IOE, you will want to check the bottom of your receipt notice Form I-797 to see which service center has received the case.
- Change of Address -- most foreigners in the US, including lawful permanent residents, are required to update USCIS with their current residential address within 10 days of moving. That process can be completed through a USCIS account, by filing the change of address online, or by completing and mailing a Form AR-11 to USCIS. The failure to timely register a new address with USCIS is a misdemeanor and can have signfiicant adverse consequences. US citizens and nationals who have submitted an affidavit of support must also maintain change of addresses to USCIS, but using a different form, Form I-865, and must do so within 30 days of moving.
- Online Tools - USCIS offers several online tools to assist people who have filed applications or petitions including an online chat/virual assistant, Emma, and links to request case assistance and inquire about documents that were not received in the mail.
DOS is responsible for the issuance of visas at US Embassies and Consulates abroad, and is also tasked with running the J-1 Exchange Visitor program.
- Trave.state.gov -- provides detailed information on nonimmigrant (temporary stay) and immigrant (permanent stay) visas.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Program -- landing page for the J-1 program that allows foreign nationals to visit and potentially work in the US in various capacities including: au pair, camp counselro, post-secondary student, research scholar, and teacher. Many, though not all, J-1s must complete a two-year home residency requirement after the conclusion of their J-1 status before being eligible for many other common statuses including H-1B and lawful permanent residence.
- J-1 Waiver Information -- information for J-1s who would like to request that their two-year home residency requirement be waived.
CBP - US Customs and Border Protection
CBP is responsible for inspecting foreign nationals seeking admission to the US and, upon admission, generating an electronic Form I-94.
- Form I-94 Information -- The period of lawful stay for any nonimmigrant (i.e., people authorized to be in the US for only a temporary period for a specific purpose) admitted to the US by CBP is governed by the period authorized on Form I-94 not by any date listed on a passport stamp, or I-797 approval notice. It is critical that foreign nationals returning from a trip abroad download and check their new I-94 promptly.
- Form I-94 and Travel History Landing Page