What is uscis. Submitting a FOIA Request to USCIS.

What is uscis But besides legal entry, the USCIS also tackles those that USCIS assigns an A-Number to all immigrants who apply for Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or immigrant visa. myUSCIS provides a personalized account to help you navigate the immigration process. Also, sign up for Case Status Online to: . Your A-number (seven to nine digits) remains the same across your documents, visas, or green cards. What Is USCIS? USCIS is a government organization with the mandate of administering the United States’ lawful immigration procedures. It processes applications for visas, green cards, citizenship, asylum, and refugees, and enforces immigration laws. legal immigration system is designed, its processes, and its benefits. If you apply for a green USCIS issues an EAD card for unrestricted employment in the USA. So when you are submitting Form I-130, USCIS will send a receipt to inform about your petition. If we request an . This update is expected to help naturalization applicants who experience longer processing times, On many applications USCIS requires people to declare both their race and their ethnicity. To help you prepare for the naturalization process, use this section of the Citizenship Resource Center to learn about free USCIS naturalization information session and find help in your community. Below is the It is recommended to check the USCIS website or contact them directly for the current processing times. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U. How many cases is USCIS processing? Daily Weekly Monthly USCIS processing rate has greatly In general, USCIS will first process Form I-526 petitions for investors for whom a visa is available or soon to be available. Form I-485 Processing Time. citizen, bringing relatives, working, and adopting children from other countries. Citizenship Resource Center: N-400 Early Filing Calculator: Practice Civics Test Mobile and Desktop version: Naturalization Process Presentations on YouTube: The green card number is an individualized number that U. Each Green Card that USCIS issues to a permanent resident now has an Alien Registration Number on both the front and back. Immigration Forms Green Card Renewal . Form I765 requires an EAD category code to approve your eligibility. This form asks for information used to establish the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of your Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a Green Card) for up to 24 months after you properly apply for naturalization. This article delves into Form I-140, and covers what it is, who’s eligible to file it, when By using the USCIS online case status tool or contacting USCIS directly, you can check the status of your Form I-90 application and stay informed about the progress of your case. 3, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s vacatur of the Jan. USCIS mails notices in a timely manner as soon as action is taken on a premium processing request. . View your case history and upcoming case activities, . An official website of the United States government Naturalization is a way for a person to become a U. Below is a general overview of what to expect during the naturalization process. [1] USCIS ensures its employees have the knowledge and tools needed to administer the lawful immigration system with professionalism. The card contains the bearer’s photo on the front and Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act and LIFE Act Amendments of 2000 (Pub. The processing time for Form I-485 for family-based applications is currently 9. USCIS is not yet perfect in managing the paperwork. Form I-485 is an essential document to submit for the green card application process. Explore some of the rights and responsibilities you will gain as a citizen. L. Department of Homeland Security. Processing time for Receipt Notice: USCIS will send Form I-797C confirming they’ve received your petition; Case Status Updates: Check your case status online using the receipt number; Possible RFE: USCIS may send a Request for Evidence if they need more information; Decision: USCIS will approve, deny, or send a notice of intent to deny; What Does an I-140 USCIS has transferred your case to another office: this is generally a good sign. There are 5 USCIS Service Centers in total. To learn more, read the Guide to Naturalization. The USCIS case number is 13 digits and always starts with three letters and then 10 numbers. You may submit your written request and completed Supplement J to: USCIS Offices and Directorates • USCIS is comprised of several program offices and directorates: Office of the Director Immigration Records and Identity Services. The A-Number and USCIS Number generally refer to the same personal identification code for non-citizens in the U. It’s essential to monitor your Green card application status regularly and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from USCIS to ensure timely application processing. under urgent circumstances; and to victims of certain crimes, including but not limited to human trafficking, domestic violence, abandonment, neglect, or abuse. USCIS also provides detailed checklists for each nonimmigrant status and what specific evidence to include when filing Form I-539 here. myProgress offers applicants personalized estimates of the waiting time for significant milestones and actions related to their case within their Humanitarian Programs and Information. It provides immigration benefits, fraud detection, and customer service to new immigrants and citizens. Consulates and Embassies. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if your green card is expired or soon-to-expire or if it has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, among other The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, to aliens who are:. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This includes aliens under the age of 14. It is important to follow the next steps as required by the USCIS. To learn more about each status, visit our FAQ page. 106-553 and -554), enables certain individuals who are present in the United States who would not normally qualify to apply for adjustment of status in the United States to obtain lawful You can’t request USCIS to waive the interview, and you should always expect one for marriage-based applications. ; or; Extending their stay. In this article, we explain how Form I-485 factors A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the . USCIS will review your whole case and inform you of their decision, if approved, you’ll be invited to a formal oath ceremony to officially become a U. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Form I-765. However, Green Cards list the alien card number as a USCIS number— USCIS# —without the A. The foreign national would file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, as the primary form in an adjustment of status application package. USCIS provides protection to individuals unable to reside in their home countries; to individuals who must enter the U. Submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step to help an eligible relative apply to immigrate to the United States and apply for a Green Card. All persons need a Form I-94 except U. Because many factors impact the processing time – and to better manage our limited resources by allowing staff to focus on adjudicating cases rather than responding to inquiries – we allow inquiries for cases that are taking longer than the time USCIS took to complete 93% of Processing Information. It means that your I-130 petition has met basic requirements and is being routed to a local official to perform an interview if needed and to make a final decision USCIS has created a centralized location for receipt of transfer requests between the employment-based preference categories that are accompanied by a Supplement J. Officially, an A-Number begins with an A and is followed by seven, eight or nine digits. It also provides humanitarian protection, civic assimilation, and genealogy services. U. S. Form I-129 is filed at the California Service Center (CSC), the Vermont Service Center (VSC), the Nebraska Service Center (NSC), or the Texas Service Center (TSC), depending on which nonimmigrant classification and action the petitioner is requesting and where the petitioner is located. You must file Form I-90 with U. Processing times are provided as a reference point for how long we have taken to complete most cases. Beginning April 11, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require certain individuals to register using a new online process with Form G-325R. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) used to track your case, prior to issuing the card. Processing times for USCIS Form that asks for USCIS Online Account Number. 17, 2025, notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela was published in the Federal Register. This number tracks an individual’s immigration history and status and appears on documents such as the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Employment View case status online using your receipt number, which can be found on notices that you may have received from USCIS. Because USCIS generally issues cards with a validity of 10 years, many of the cards are still in use. The EAD card is also known as form I-766. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency assigned in overseeing the lawful immigration of foreign nationals who are temporarily or permanently settling in the United States and is responsible for granting or denying immigration benefits to those individuals. Check the status of multiple cases and inquiries that you may have submitted to USCIS USCIS Case Status When Applying From Within the U. Learn more. Form I-90. The monthly DOS Visa Bulletin summarizes the availability of When USCIS has scheduled a biometrics appointment for you, USCIS should send you a biometrics appointment notice. Department of Homeland Security . citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. What is the difference between race and ethnicity? Any other documents or evidence required by the specific nonimmigrant category or requested by USCIS, such as proof of financial support or evidence of ties to the applicant’s home country. Apply for Citizenship Online. We provide a broad range of information through our website and by phone. The I-130 petition must be filed with supporting documents to prove that the sponsor is allowed to file an I-130 and that they have a valid family relationship with the person seeking a green USCIS consists of 19,000 employees and contractors from 200 offices across the world who oversee lawful immigration to the United States. A Receipt Number consists of 3 Our case status web page gives you the same information you would get by speaking to a representative, and it’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from a cell phone, tablet, or computer. A “Receipt Number” is a special code that you will always get after applying to USCIS. Why? Because every country has its own education system and sometimes it’s difficult for USCIS to understand what educational background you have. As part of the USCIS online account system (also called myUSCIS), myProgress is a feature that allows users to track the progress of their immigration applications and petitions submitted to USCIS. Your employer who has agreed to sponsor a work visa for you is responsible for submitting a Form I-140 petition on your behalf to U. immigration applications in 2024, data for the current fiscal year (which begins in October for the U. It gradually moves USCIS from a paper based application system to an electronic, In addition, USCIS may ask you to provide a USCIS Approved Education Credential Evaluation to showcase you have an equivalency of a US degree. USCIS is a federal agency that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your Form N-400. In some non-marriage based cases, USCIS may require only the applicant to attend the adjustment of status interview. Each USCIS Service Center will only process certain types of application/petition. Naturalization Eligibility Tool Check your eligibility and file your N-400. Confusingly, you’ll sometimes see “USCIS number” or “USCIS#” — without The USCIS ELIS Portal is available at all times and immigrants can seek the services whenever they want. Background Checks and USCIS began issuing the prior version of the green card in May 2017. The USCIS Citizenship and Naturalization page offers information on becoming a U. If your Green card is issued after May 10, 2010, then your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is the same as your nine-digit USCIS# marked in this example: USCIS Processing Times are Slowing in 2025. Check your mail regularly and keep your address updated. If you’re an immigrant or undocumented individual living in the United States, you may have recently heard about the government’s renewed focus on alien registration. USCIS oversees the process of becoming a U. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. Learn how to find immigration forms, check your case status, apply for DACA or a USCIS is a federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Definition A unique, 9-digit number assigned to an alien by the Department of Homeland Security that is listed on the front of Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-551 or Green Card) issued after May 10, 2010. 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U. ; Adjusting status while in the U. C. A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the . You can find your account number by logging in to your account and navigating to the “Profile” section. It was developed to modernize immigration benefits filling and adjudication process. On myUSCIS, you will find: Up-to-date information about the application process for immigration benefits; Tools to help you prepare for filing and help finding citizenship preparation classes; and Information to help explore your immigration options. Home; USCIS Number; USCIS Number. Nonetheless, on March 31, 2025, Judge Edward Chen, a Processing times are provided as a reference point for how long we have taken to complete most cases. gov and click on "Sign In" at the top right corner. In general, USCIS will first process Form I-526 petitions for investors for whom a visa is available or soon to be available. 3 months (Boundless updates these figures monthly, based on analysis of USCIS data). However, USCIS does not require employers to attend interviews for employment-based I-485 applications. Adjustment of Status (USCIS definition) 2. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Login. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Select “Create an Account”: On the login page, choose the "Create an Account" option. Use this form to request faster processing of: Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker; Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers; Use your USCIS online account to send secure messages, check the status of your case, view appointment notices, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE), verify your identity and receive details on any decisions we Form I-140 forms the basis of nearly every employment-based green card application. In this article, we are going to explore the definitions of race and ethnicity, how USCIS defines them, and examples of how some people have chosen to interpret and respond to these questions in the past. Its responsibilities include processing immigration applications, ensuring immigration laws are adhered to, and protecting system integrity through security checks and verification. USCIS is a government agency that handles immigration and naturalization applications and policies. When it reaches the NBC, your application is cataloged and assembled by case type for USCIS officers to review. Administrative Appeals Investigations. Federal Government) shows that processing times are increasing except for the fiancé visa petition. Important: Make sure to make a copy of your completed N-400 before you submit it to USCIS. The portal allows better management of records, transactions, applications, as well as requests. Action Block Creating a USCIS online account is straightforward and ensures seamless access to immigration services. Learn about the USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a government organization that processes applications for visas, green cards, naturalization, and other immigration benefits. The USCIS Number, also known as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), is a unique identifier assigned to non-citizens by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OMB No. If you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under the age of 14 who needs to register, you will need to set up an individual USCIS online account on your child’s behalf and in their name. This leaves room for errors when millions of applications are involved. While these track a USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. In this article, I’ll break down what the USCIS will provide electronic notifications, case updates, and new immigrants can update a mailing address. A-Number on a Green Card. original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original. immigration system. NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, Once the USCIS lockbox receives your application, it will confirm it and process your payment. Family-Based Green Card Petition . If you need to talk to a representative for another reason and you’re in the United States or a U. You must first locate your USCIS receipt number to check your case status online. Need green card help? Boundless offers green card support without the high price tag. Follow these steps to set up your account: Visit the USCIS Website: Go to USCIS. Because many factors impact the processing time – and to better manage our limited resources by allowing staff to focus on adjudicating cases rather than responding to inquiries – we allow inquiries for cases that are taking longer than the time USCIS took to complete 93% of A foreign national that wants to change their nonimmigrant status to permanent resident status (green card holder) uses a process called adjustment of status. Most popular U. In U. These include, but are not limited to, Employment Authorization Documents, travel documents, Permanent Resident Cards, and naturalization and citizenship certificates. Administrative Processing: AR: Administrative Review: ASC: After USCIS receives your asylum application, USCIS should send you a receipt notice with the date when you originally submitted your asylum application to immigration court. USCIS asks for the ‘USCIS Online Account Number‘ as part of the ‘Other information‘ section where you complete Address details in USCIS Forms. We will accept Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, from family-sponsored and employment-based adjustment of status preference applicants according to the monthly Visa Bulletin that DOS publishes as a guide for issuing visas at U. Air and sea travelers will be Three-Digit Occupational Groups. Chief Counsel Management Directorate. Understanding USCIS receipt numbers aids in tracking case progress, allows center identification, timeline understanding, and facilitates communication with USCIS. Affidavit of Support (Dept of State definition) ARC: Alien Registration Card (also called Permanent Resident Card or Green Card) A/S: Adjustment of Status: AP: 1. USCIS provides accessible, reliable, and accurate guidance and information about benefit requests [2] and public services. Can I track the status of my Form N-550 application? Yes, you can track the status of your Form N-550 application by using the USCIS online case status tool or by calling the USCIS customer service hotline. Application for Naturalization . The Two Stage Process Determining which USCIS Service Center will process your application/petition is a two stage process: First, you need to identify which Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Use this form to apply for asylum in the United States and for withholding of removal (formerly called “withholding of deportation”). To create a USCIS online account, you will need to verify your identity by correctly answering questions about your personal immigration history. You can submit Form I-485 if you are eligible for a green card and entered the United States on a valid nonimmigrant visa. Services before you file. The filing or approval of this petition does not give your relative any immigration status or benefit. Processing time for USCIS applications and petitions are processed by USCIS Service Centers. Our number one goal is strengthening the security and integrity of the immigration system through efficient and consistent adjudications of benefits, fraud detection, and enhanced customer service. What Is USCIS Form I-90? The I-90 form (officially called the “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card”) is the application used to renew or replace a green card. This is where they’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Each alien submitting Form G-325R must have their own individual USCIS online account. The application form for an EAD card is called form I-765. Its official name is the Adjustment of Status Application. Learn what USCIS does, how USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. Professional, Technical, and Managerial Occupations and Fashion Models Use this form to file: An appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO); A motion with the USCIS office that issued the latest decision in your case (including a field office, service center, or the AAO); or Certain appeals of the denial of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student” with the . USCIS is the government agency that administers lawful immigration to the United States. S You can find the filing fee for Form I-140 by visiting our Fee Schedule page. You may file for asylum if you are physically in the United States and you are not a U. A green card seems pretty straightforward when you first look at it. Processing times for Form I-526 are typically based on an analysis of the completed cases for the prior month. Not everyone Your USCIS case number, on the other hand, is a 13-character code beginning with 3 letters (such as “MSC” or “EAC”) and then 10 numbers. The Administration is committed to restoring the rule of law with respect to TPS. Although USCIS will consider additional factors USCIS has established a toll-free military help line, 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645), exclusively for members of the military and their families. Filing Form I-485 allows you to register lawful permanent residence. Admitted to the U. Receive automatic case status updates by email or text message, . 1615-0052 Expires 02/28/2027 A-Receipt. You can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. However, for USCIS, CBP, and ICE, you’ll need to go directly to those agencies. On Jan. If you’ve previously filed a form online, the number can be found in the confirmation notices or correspondence you received from USCIS. If you applied for asylum in immigration court, or if you applied for asylum with USCIS by mail, USCIS should mail the biometrics appointment notice to you. territory, call the USCIS Contact Center. Search “USCIS civics test” and make sure USCIS is the developer. You should start by checking its electronic reading room. Immigrants can submit and track their applications in a timely manner with the USCIS Electronic Immigration Services; The U. Form I-130 Required Documents. We are a nation bound by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality. It handles applications for citizenship, family immigration, work visas, humanitarian USCIS is the U. After USCIS made significant progress in reducing wait times for many U. Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) Resources; Glossary; Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) A Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) is a internal system operates by USCIS that manage USCIS cases. A Green Card category code, also known as the Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Category Code, is a code found on the Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) issued by the U. If the petitioner is a relative of the foreign national, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative needs to be completed. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a DHS agency that oversees legal immigration and grants or denies benefits to foreign nationals. USCIS has most of the documents in your A-File. USCIS Announces Additional Mail Delivery Process for Receiving ADIT Stamp; USCIS Extension of LPR for Naturalization December 9, 2022; USCS Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) USCIS Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; USCIS Form I-829 Petition to Remove Conditions by Investor To see how fast USCIS is processing cases and to see exactly what month they are working on, we need to look at the graphs below. citizen through naturalization, including eligibility, application process, and commonly asked questions. 1302), and ensure that failure to comply with USCIS works tirelessly to uphold America’s promise, and USCIS Fact Sheets bring you essential information about how the U. Decoding the Mysteries of USCIS Receipt Numbers. gov website. USCIS Form N-400 . If you file your petition at the incorrect service center, your petition USCIS launched a Naturalization at Basic Training initiative in August 2009 to streamline the citizenship process for our service members. Those who participate in this initiative will provide biometrics, complete their ALERT: On Feb. USCIS issues a variety of documents that establish identity and immigration status in the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Services . We will generally approve your Form I-130 if you can establish a qualifying relationship USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Find out the Green Card category codes given by the USCIS to immigrats applying for Permanent Resident status. Advance Parole 2. Submitting a FOIA Request to USCIS. You can use the original date to show that you applied for Petition Forms . immigration law under which the cardholder was granted permanent resident status. Form I-130. citizen. immigration law, there are two forms used by USCIS for petitioners to submit on behalf of foreign nationals. This code indicates the specific provision of U. Have you ever found yourself staring at a USCIS receipt number and wondered what all those letters and numbers mean? USCIS Tools and Resources; Contact us; Multilingual Resources; Breadcrumb. Here is some agency-specific information you should know about making your FOIA request. Where Is My USCIS Online Account Number? Your USCIS online account number is located on your USCIS account profile. vicp frhvvxg huz bwmkm ficpxv tfar dgilm ehtvk ajcmx ejee jwnhjq skrjrk buhlneg igmbr jcjymqm