Passports and visas are official travel documents that all foreign citizens coming to the United States must have to show one's country of citizenship and legal status in the U.S., as well as to enter and leave the country. Losing these important documents can be very stressful - here's a short guide to help relieve some of that stress and move forward.

First of all, don't worry. Your visa is needed only to enter the United States; it has no relevance to your stay here after entry. In other words, if you happen to lose your visa while already in the country, you may remain the entire length of your authorized stay (as shown on your admission stamp or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record) without any problems. You will, however, need a valid passport to depart the United States and enter another country. For information on how to replace your passport and visa, follow the steps outlined below.

Search

Make sure your passport/visa are actually lost and not just misplaced. Search your home, luggage, wallet/purse, and anywhere else you may have stored them. Ask family members and travel partners if they have any knowledge of the documents' location.

File a Police Report

If you still cannot find your passport/visa, go to your local police station and report your document(s) lost or stolen. If you have copies of the original documents, bring them with you. You will then be issued a police report detailing the incident. Make a copy of the report for your own records.

Report Loss of Your Passport

Contact or visit your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. to notify them of your missing passport and for instructions on how to obtain a new one. If you think your passport has been stolen, reporting this will help guard against fraudulent use. It is extremely important that you perform a thorough search before you report it lost or stolen, because once reported, your passport is no longer valid for travel. However, if you find your passport after having reported it lost or stolen, it may still be used as a valid form of personal identification.

• If you do not have another form of photo identification, contact your country's embassy/consulate to find out what alternate documents you may need.

Report Loss of Your Visa

To report your visa lost or stolen, email the U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States that issued your visa. Go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website to locate the corresponding email address and contact information. Be sure to include your full name, date and place of birth, current address in the United States, and your email address. Clarify whether your visa was lost or stolen, and if you have a copy of it include it in the email. If you know the category of visa you have or your passport number, include these too.

Like your passport, if you have already reported your visa as lost or stolen to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate but later find it, your visa will be invalid for future use, and you will have to apply for a new one.

Applying for a Replacement U.S. Visa

For future travel into the United States, you will need a new visa. Unfortunately, lost or stolen visas cannot be replaced in the United States. For replacement, you must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. When you apply for a visa replacement, you will need:

• A written account documenting the loss of your passport and visa
• A copy of the police report

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Again, you won't have any problems remaining as long as originally authorized, but you will need a new passport before you return home. The replacement process can take time, so begin as soon as possible to ensure that you have a new one in time for your return trip.
• Some embassies and consulates may offer faster processing procedures, so ask if them if there is a way to process the new passport quickly.
• Traveling while you wait for your new passport can be risky, so try to postpone travel plans until you receive your new passport.
• If you need to complete an I-9 for employment (employment verification form), wait until you have your new passport before processing the form.

One Last Tip

We recommend making copies of all travel documents in your possession as soon as possible after arriving in the United States. These include your passport biographic page, visa, and admission stamp or Form I-94. That way, if you do lose one or all of these important documents, the recovery/replacement process will be that much easier. Remember to stay calm, follow the procedures outlined here, and respond to all questions and embassy/consulate employees honestly and accurately - before you know it, you'll be along your way as if nothing ever happened. Safe travels!

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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The biometrics appointment sounds technical and is often intimidating for people, but it's usually a very straight-forward appointment! In order to confirm your unique identity, the USCIS collects data for many reasons, one is to ensure that whenever YOU sign a document in the future, it really is you! It also helps deter people with criminal records from applying for USCIS benefits for which they are not eligible. Here are some of the most common questions about the appointment, as well as some common problems and how to prepare for them.

What exactly does “biometrics” mean?

Biometrics is the process of capturing your unique features by putting your fingerprints, photograph, and signature on file so that the USCIS can confirm your identity in the future.

Who has to attend the biometrics appointment?

The USCIS can require biometrics from any applicant, sponsor, or beneficiary living in the US for any immigration or naturalization purposes. After filing your application, petition, or request you will receive a notice telling you where and when you need to go for the appointment.

If you are under the age of 14, you may choose to sign if you are able to, or a parent or legal guardian may sign on your behalf.

How should I prepare for the biometrics appointment?

It is a good idea to make copies of your application, petition, or request. You may bring a copy (as the USCIS will not provide you with one), but you should also do this to keep for your records and to review your forms before the appointment.  Your personal appointment notice will include specific instructions on what you need to bring. Everyone MUST bring the ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C) and a valid photo ID (like a green card, passport, or driver’s license).

For most people, the biometrics appointment is nothing to be worried about! If you think you have a criminal background, you may want to contact a lawyer for further advice.

What should I expect at the biometrics appointment?

You will first be asked to reaffirm the following “Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center” statement:

I declare under penalty of perjury that I have reviewed and understand my application, petition, or request as identified by the receipt number displayed on the screen above, and all supporting documents, applications, petitions, or requests filed with my application, petition, or request that I (or my attorney or accredited representative) filed with USCIS, and that all of the information in these materials is complete, true, and correct.

If you cannot reaffirm that this is true, your appointment will be rescheduled until you can refile your paperwork.

Given that everything you submitted was true, the USCIS will capture your fingerprints (either 2 or all 10, depending on the type of ASC notice you received), your photograph, and your digital signature.

What if I am applying from outside the United States?

The process is a bit different in this case. When you file your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) you have to include your completed fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) and two passport style pictures. For specific instructions and details regarding those, look here and here, respectively.

If you are active duty military or are applying under sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and you live outside the U.S., look here for more information.

What if I require assistance?

Many people require assistance for the appointment. Here are some of the common issues people may have, and the solutions provides by the USCIS to make this process as easy as possible.

Common Concerns

I can’t speak English.

You may bring someone with you who can translate for you.

I can’t read English.

For the “Acknowledgment of Appointment” statement, you should go here to select the language you can read and review the translation before your appointment.

I have a disability that prevents me from signing my name.

They will accept any mark (such as an “X”) as a signature. If you cannot provide this, there are other procedures in place to capture your biometrics.

I have a disability that will require further assistance.

You may bring a family member, attorney, or accredited representative to assist you.

I have a disability that will require further accommodation.

As soon as you arrive you should speak to the ASC immigration services officer for help. There are tons of accommodation services available, but you will likely need to request them in person. You can also try contacting your local Application Support Center before the appointment. Their contact information should be on your appointment notice.

Why might I have additional biometrics appointments?

Because biometrics data is only considered valid for 15 months, you may be required to attend more than one if your application is pending for longer than 15 months. You will also have to attend a new appointment should you apply for a different USCIS benefit.

What if I am uncomfortable with the government having my fingerprints and other personal data?

Unfortunately, if you refuse to provide anything that is asked of you during the biometrics appointment, your application will more than likely be refused. Biometrics are being used increasingly around the world and seem only to be gaining popularity by international law enforcement and immigration services, so you will likely be asked to provide similar levels of data to obtain a visa or green card in most countries.

Updated: October 1, 2021

What is a "Request for Evidence?"

What is a Request for Evidence and what does getting a letter of Request for Evidence mean for your application?

The letter means USCIS needs more information to process your application. RFEs are fairly common but are serious in nature. They must be responded to in order to keep your application on track. But don't worry, getting an RFE does not mean your case is denied and preparing a response can be fairly simple. Keep reading to learn what to do if you receive an RFE.

What happens if I get a Request for Evidence?

USCIS will send a letter to the address you've provided that explains what additional information they need from you in order to move forward with your case. For tips to avoid an RFE click here.

The RFE will have a deadline. You must respond by the deadline. This deadline is usually in the first paragraph and in BOLD. The typical time to respond is about 87 days, but USCIS will sometimes give a specific date or timeframe for you to respond.

Example: An RFE may say something like, “you must submit the information within 87 days”. Treat this timeline seriously and do not delay submitting the necessary information or evidence that they are requesting.

When you are getting ready to send in the requested information indicated in the RFE, make sure to review the letter carefully. You must respond to all information requested at one time. USCIS will not allow you to send more evidence later. You only get one response. Make sure that you attach a cover letter explaining what you are sending in, why you are sending it in and any other information that might be helpful.

The RFE will include instructions for where to send the response. In some cases you'll need to include the original RFE letter with your response, while in other cases USCIS only requests a copy of the RFE letter.  Whether you are required to send the original or the copy, attach it to the very top of your response. Make sure that it is the first page and the first thing that the USCIS officer sees when they open your application.

The RFE should include an address for you to send the response packet to. Make sure that you send the RFE response to the address listed. It will be different than the original USCIS address that you sent your application to.

Let us know

Immigration issues can be tricky. If you have any questions about your specific Request for Evidence or your immigration case, there are experienced professionals that can help.  

If you are a customer of SimpleCitizen and you've received an RFE please reach out to us via live chat, email or phone. RFE responses are included with the Professional package we offer. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

Last Updated Jan 15, 2020.

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The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first form you must submit in order to obtain lawful permanent residence (green card) for a family member. After submitting this form, there are three key steps which must occur to receive a green card:

1. Confirmed Receipt of I-130

Within 2-3 weeks of submitting your I-130, you should receive a Notice of Action (also known as Form I-797). It is vital that you read the information on this notice, as it will tell you if your I-130 has been received, rejected, or requires more information from you. The Notice of Action will contain a priority date and a receipt number can be used to check application status.

If you haven't received a Notice of Action within a few weeks, you should make an inquiry here.

2. Approval Process of I-130

After your I-130 is received, it will be reviewed. USCIS prioritizes the review of petitions from Immediate Relatives, which comprise:

• spouses of citizens
• unmarried children (under age 21) of citizens
• parents of citizens 21 years of age or older.

USCIS issues an unlimited number of immigrant visas (green cards) to Immediate Relatives. Thus, processing time is faster for Immediate Relatives than other relatives.

Other relatives are categorized as Family Preferences:

• Unmarried children of U.S. citizens age 21+, and their minor children (F1)
• Spouses, minors and unmarried children age 21+ (F2)
• Married children of U.S. citizens, their spouses and minor children. (F3)
• Siblings of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, if age 21+ (F4)

Congress permits a limited number of Family Preference visas per year. Therefore, people who fall into this category often wait longer for a visa number to become available. Priority depends on when the I-130 was submitted. The wait time can be anywhere from 6 months to 6 or more years.

3. Filing for a Green Card

Once your I-130 is approved, you may be permitted to file for a green card and hopefully obtain lawful permanent residence. The filing process depends on relative status and where you are currently living.

Immediate Relatives:

• Inside the US: Immediate relatives inside the US can submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) while the U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-130. Relatives may file I-485 applications any time after a Form I-130 has been submitted if it has not been denied, although relatives must submit a copy of their Notice of Action along with Form I-485 in order to prove that Form I-130 is in process.
• Outside the US: Immediate relatives outside the US obtain green cards through consular processing. The USCIS will work to schedule a visa interview with a U.S. consulate in the relative's country. The Department of State will notify the relative when he or she is may apply for an immigrant visa, which must be applied for within one year of this notification. Once the Department of State issues an immigrant visa, the relative may travel using the visa and will obtain permanent residency when they reach a U.S. port of entry.

[eligibility-quiz-green-card]

Family Preference:

• Inside the US: Once Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is approved, one must wait for the priority date in one's immigrant visa category to become current (see the date listed in the Notice of Action, and check when it is current by adjusting the following June 2017 URL to reflect the current month and year uscis.gov/visabulletin-Jun-2017). When the date listed is current, it is time to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the required form for becoming a Permanent Resident.
• Outside the US: Family Preference relatives outside the US also obtain green cards through consular processing. See those details above.

Remember...

• In most cases, children's ages are “frozen” as the ages listed when Form I-130 was filed.
• If unmarried children of U.S. citizens get married before obtaining green cards, they may cause serious delays in processing. Children of U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of any change in marital status after submitting Form I-130.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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You've just submitted your Form I-90, but you are curious what happens after submitting your form I-90. There are just a few more steps before actually receiving your new green card. Depending on the current USCIS wait times, you can expect to receive your new green card about 6-12 months after submitting your I-90. This guide outlines the post-application process, making it smooth and stress-free.

1. Receipt of Application

The first thing that will happen after submitting your I-90 is you will receive a Receipt of Application from the USCIS aka Form I-797C, Notice of Action usually takes up to 3 weeks to arrive. This means the USCIS has received your application. If the USCIS needs more information or your application has a mistake, the I-797 may have additional instructions. Follow the instructions in these letters carefully.

2. Appointment Notice

The appointment notice informs you when and where to go for your Biometrics appointment. The purpose of the Biometrics appointment is simply for the USCIS to confirm your identity and run a standard background and security check. Save the appointment notice because you will need to bring it with you along with a valid photo identification. This could be a green card, drivers license, passport or a national photo identification issued by your country. It could also be a military photo identification or other state-issued photo id card.

*Note: Its also good idea to bring a copy of your application, because they cannot provide you with one at the regional USCIS office.

3. The Biometrics Appointment

As mentioned above, the date, time and location of the Biometrics appointment will be mailed to you in the Appointment Notice. Show up to scan your fingers, sign an attestation and have a photo taken. It takes most people only 15-30 minutes.

Digital Signature

• Be ready to sign an attestation that reaffirms that on the application you provide correct information (at the time of filing). The only exceptions apply to those with certain physical impairments or mental disabilities. Otherwise you must sign. You can read more about this process here.
• If you would like, you may bring an attorney, interpreter, family or friend to stay with you throughout the process. However, even if your attorney prepared your paperwork, they are not required to attend your biometrics appointment.

Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule follow the directions in your Appointment Notice as soon as possible. If the biometric information is not fulfilled soon enough your application will be at risk of denial. After you've made a reschedule request, the regional USCIS office will assign you another date within 30 days of your reschedule request.

4. The Finish Line

Generally, the whole process takes about 6 months. If you are getting nervous you can always check the status of your application here using your application receipt number.

When your application is accepted your green card will be mailed to the U.S. address you gave the USCIS in your application. You'll also get a letter if your application was denied explaining the reason for its denial. There are two ways to get another chance if your application is denied.

• Motion to Reopen - if you have new evidence that you want the USCIS to consider with your application.
• Motion to Reconsider - this motion is if your application's denial was incongruent to law or immigration policy. This must be established based around the information that you have already submitted.

Note: You cannot file an appeal regarding your I-90 application. Meaning that there is not a way to request a higher authority to review the decision. It will be the same office that reopens or reconsiders your application.

Other Resources

• USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC): 1-800-375-5283. Have specific information about your application ready, including your receipt number, Alien Registration Number, name and date of birth.
• Find accredited legal help here.
• Locate an USCIS office here.
• For more information about the green card renewal process, click here.

SimpleCitizen makes software that simplifies the green card renewal process. We’ll guide you through every step of the application, and you can even have it reviewed by a professional immigration attorney. When you’re finished, we can even print out the forms and mail them to you. To get started, click here.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Medium.com featured the tell-all, behind the scenes tale of one mans struggles through life and the intimidating US immigration process.

Vikram Babu tells his story of going from Indian immigrant to Canada to undocumented alien in the US to full-fledged green card holder. His story mirrors the same plot points of millions of other families in the U.S. that find a pathway to citizenship via the green card program.

He tells the beautiful story of love found, then love lost. The mini-challenges of learning the difference between a Form I-130, Form I-485, supporting documents and the Form G-325A. A natural Do-It-Yourself inclined man, Vikram spent months putting the application together himself, following the instructions carefully. This process can be very stressful as millions of immigrants end up paying lawyers billions of dollars every year to avoid rejections or delays by the government due to a simple mistake on their application.

Vikram explains the feeling of relief as he successfully completes the green card process with the USCIS. As he establishes himself, makes progress in his career, moves to a new city, he is struggling with the same challenges that everyone faces as we navigate life, US citizen or not. He deals with the added difficulties of the anti-immigration sentiment that existed in 2009-2012 and continues on today.

Vikram's story is particularly important because most American citizens have a similar story in their family be it from their grandfather, great-grandmother or beyond. These immigration stories are not only important moments in the lives of each of these families, they have also been important moments in the story of America.

Read the entire story (10 min read) with pictures via Medium.com here

Last Updated: June 6, 2025.

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Once you have filled out Form I-130 and gathered all supporting documentation, you’re ready to send it in to USCIS! But where you send the form is different depending on where you live and whether or not you are filing Form I-130 with any other forms.

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Please be aware that USCIS updates this information frequently, so be sure to check the USCIS Form I-130 Direct Filing Address page for the most up-to-date mailing information. If you are filing Form I-130 concurrently (at the same time) as Form I-485, please defer to the USCIS Form I-485 Direct Filing Address page instead.

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USCIS Phoenix Lockbox Facility

If you live in any of the following states or territories, and are ONLY filing Form I-130, you will send your Form to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox facility.

• Alaska
• American Samoa
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• Florida
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Puerto Rico
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Virgin Islands
• Washington
• Wyoming

If you are sending the form through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130

P.O. Box 21700

Phoenix, AZ 85036-1700

If you are sending the form through Express mail or through a commercial courier, please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130 (Box 21700)

2108 E. Elliot Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

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USCIS Elgin Lockbox Facility

If you are only filing Form I-130 and live in any of the following states or territories, you will send the form to the USCIS Elgin Lockbox facility:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Armed Forces Americas
• Armed Forces Europe
• Armed Forces Pacific
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Marshall Islands
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Micronesia
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Palau
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

If you are sending the form through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130

P.O. Box 4053

Carol Stream, IL  60197-4053

If you are sending the form through Express mail or through a commercial courier, please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130 (Box 4053)

2500 Westfield Drive

Elgin, IL 60124-7836

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USCIS Elgin Lockbox Facility (International)

You are only filing Form I-130, and you live outside the United States*

If you are sending the form through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130

P.O. Box 4053

Carol Stream, IL  60197-4053

If you are sending the form through Express mail or through a commercial courier, please address the envelope:

USCIS

Attn: I-130 (Box 4053)

2500 Westfield Drive

Elgin, IL 60124-7836

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*You may request to file at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in certain limited circumstances. See the USCIS filing page for more info.

Last Updated: May 8, 2024.

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Filing Form I-130 costs $675 and it can be paid with a check or money order. No matter how you pay, the following two guidelines must be followed:

1. The payment must come from a bank or financial institution in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars.
2. The payment must be made payable to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This must be spelled out and cannot be abbreviated.

Memo:

If you are paying by check, write the full name of the applicant in the memo line followed by the title of the form associated with the payment. For example, "Tom Smith, I-485".If you choose to pay by check, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will use your account information on the check to electronically take the money from your account. Typically, the debit will take 24 hours and will show up on your regular account statement.Please note that you will not receive your original check back. Instead, it will be destroyed and the government will keep a copy of the check on file.

Updated: March 19, 2020

Once you have filled out all necessary fields on Form I-130 and answered each question to the best of your ability you must find and attach supporting documentation. The purpose of the documentation is to prove that you and your family member are related.

You can upload all your required supporting documents in your SimpleCitizen account. If you don't have digital copies of your documents you can take a picture of them with a mobile device.

The documents should be copies of the original documents and will differ depending on whom you are filing for.

A Spouse

When filing for your spouse, you must include:

• A copy of your marriage certificate;
• Proof that any marriages before your current marriage was legally ended;
• 2 passport-style color photos of you and your spouse. Each photo must be taken within 30 days of filing the petition, have a white background, be glossy, un-retouched, and measure 1 inch from your chin to the top of your hair;

In addition to these required documents, you must include proof of at least one of the following:

• Joint Assets and Co-Mingling of Funds
• Birth certificate(s) of any child(ren) born to you and your spouse;
• Letters of support completed by third parties confirming any of the bullet points listed above. Each Affidavit must include each person's full name, address, date and place of birth their relationship to you, and details of their knowledge of your relationship, include a valid form of ID for each letter of support; and
• Any additional documentation that shows proof of your marriage/relationship.

A Child

If you are the mother of the child, you must include a copy of their birth certificate that shows both your name and the name of your child.

If you are the father of a child, you must include their birth certificate that shows your name and your wife’s name and your marriage certificate.

If the child was born out of wedlock and you are the father, you must include copies of evidence of your relationship with your child before they reached the age of 21. Some examples of evidence include proof that you lived with the child, supported the child, or otherwise showed continued interest in the child’s welfare.

A Brother or Sister

When filing Form I-130 for a brother or sister, you must include:

•   A copy of your birth certificate;
•   A copy of your brother’s or sister’s birth certificate that indicates that you share at least one common parent.

If you share a common father but have different mothers, you must include marriage certificates of each marriage and documents showing that any previous marriages of both your fathers and mothers were ended legally.

A Mother

You must include a copy of your birth certificate showing both your name and your mother's name.

A Father

You must include your birth certificate that shows the names of both parents. You must also include your parents’ marriage certificate that shows your parents were married before you were born. If either your mother or father was married prior to their marriage to each other, you must include documents showing their marriages were legally ended.

Stepparent/Stepchild

If you are filing Form I-130 for a stepparent or stepchild, you must include a copy of the marriage certificate between the stepparent to the child’s natural parent to prove that the marriage happened before the child turned 18.

You must also include documents that show any previous marriages were legally ended and a copy of the stepchild’s birth certificate.

Adoptive Parent or Adopted Child

If you are related to your relative by adoption, you must include the adoption decree showing that the adoption happened before the child turned 16.

If you also adopted the sibling of an adopted child, you must include the adoption decree showing that the adoption happened before the child turned 18.

If either of the two instances above apply to you, you must also show that each child resided with you, the adoptive parent, for at least 2 years before or after adoption and was in legal custody of the child during this time.

What is Form I-130 Used For?

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Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used to establish a relationship between you, a citizen or lawful permanent resident (i.e. green card holder) of the United States, and a relative who wants to immigrate to America. This is the first step in a two-part immigration process for individuals looking to bring relatives into the United States.You will file the Form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Unlike many immigration forms, you are responsible for completing and submitting the form rather than your relative him or herself.If approved, your relative doesn’t automatically become a lawful permanent resident of the United States and aren’t automatically able to live and work in the country.Instead, the Form’s approval confirms that you have a qualifying familial relationship that your relative can use to apply for permanent residence. Often, this second step is completed at a United States consulate in your relative’s country or through a separate process, should your relative already be in the United States.