Immigration Forms
Complete Guide to U.S. Immigration Forms: Family, Work, Citizenship & Travel
Understanding U.S. immigration forms is essential for individuals seeking lawful status, work authorization, family reunification, or citizenship. This guide provides accurate, USCIS-backed information on key forms, including family-based petitions, employment visas, naturalization applications, and travel documents. Whether you're applying for a Green Card, work permit, or citizenship, our resources and legal tools simplify the process with trusted guidance every step of the way
Family-Based Immigration
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-130 is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign relative. It’s the first step in helping them apply for a Green Card. While approval alone doesn’t provide legal status, it enables the beneficiary to pursue immigrant visas or adjustment of status. Accurate documentation is critical.
🔗 More on Family-Based Immigration 🔗 USCIS I-130 Info
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Form I-485 allows eligible individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). It is often filed based on an approved Form I-130 or I-140. Supporting documents include proof of eligibility, medical exam results, and background checks.
🔗 Green Card Services 🔗 USCIS I-485 Info
Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
Form I-751 is for conditional residents who received a two-year Green Card through marriage. This petition removes the conditions, granting a 10-year Green Card. It’s typically filed jointly with your spouse but waivers are available for abuse, divorce, or death. File during the 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires.
Employment-Based Immigration
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 lets eligible individuals request a work permit while in the U.S. Categories include asylum seekers, DACA recipients, F-1 students with OPT, and applicants with pending Form I-485. A valid EAD allows you to work legally while your immigration process is ongoing.
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Form I-140 is filed by U.S. employers to sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residency under EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5 categories. It typically follows labor certification unless exempt. Once approved, beneficiaries may pursue a Green Card.
🔗 Employment-Based Green Cards 🔗 USCIS I-140 Info
Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Form I-129 is used by employers to bring foreign workers to the U.S. temporarily under visa classifications like H-1B, L-1, and O-1. It’s also used to extend or change a worker’s nonimmigrant status. Each visa type has specific requirements.
🔗 Work Visas & Sponsorship 🔗 USCIS I-129 Info
Citizenship Forms
Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
Form N-400 is the application used by lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens. Eligibility includes meeting residency and physical presence requirements, demonstrating good moral character, and passing an English and civics test.
🔗 Apply for U.S. Citizenship 🔗 USCIS N-400 Info
Form N-600: Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600 is used to obtain official documentation of U.S. citizenship for individuals who either automatically acquired citizenship at birth from a U.S. citizen parent or derived citizenship through the naturalization of a parent while they were minors. This form is commonly filed by individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents or by those who became citizens through their parents' naturalization process before turning 18. Applicants must provide documentation of their parentage, the parent's citizenship or naturalization status, and their own legal status.
Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Form I-90 is used to renew or replace a Green Card due to expiration, loss, theft, or name changes. It does not apply to conditional residents (who must file Form I-751). Keeping a valid Green Card is essential for legal proof of status.
Travel Documents
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document
Form I-131 is used to request a travel document such as Advance Parole (specifically for individuals with a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), a Refugee Travel Document, or a Reentry Permit. These documents allow certain non-citizens to travel abroad and return to the United States without jeopardizing their immigration status. The application must be filed while the applicant is physically present in the U.S.
🔗 U.S. Travel Visa 🔗 USCIS I-131 Info