Updated: March 5, 2020

Receipt Notices

Once you've mailed your application, it can take 2-3 weeks until the USCIS accepts your application and sends the receipt letters to you.

If you sent the USCIS personal checks, then you can check your bank account to see if those checks have been cashed. If so, then that means that the USCIS has started processing your application and will be mailing Forms I-797C, Notice of Action. 

These letters will include your receipt numbers. The receipt numbers are in the upper left-hand corner, next to the date. When the receipt letters arrive, make sure to add them to your SimpleCitizen account under step 5. With these numbers, we can keep you up to date on the status of your case. Keep in mind this will help you avoid delays and roadblocks. Here are a few next steps in your application process:

Biometrics Exam

1. The first step after getting your Forms I-797C, Notice of Action is the biometrics exam. The USCIS will send you a letter with the time and location of the appointment. Arrive early and bring a copy of your passport and the appointment letter from the USCIS. The USCIS will take your photo and fingerprints as part of the background check for the application process. 

If you are unable to make your biometrics appointment, please call the USCIS asap to get it rescheduled. Missing the biometrics appointment can cause serious delays.

Employment Authorization Document

2. The next step in the application process will be getting your EAD ( Employment Authorization Document) and AP (Advanced Parole/travel authorization) combo card. The USCIS is currently taking 6-8 months to process and approve the combo card. 

USCIS Interview

3. The next step is having your interview scheduled. It can take a long time for the USCIS to get around to finally scheduling your interview. Based on your local USCIS processing and wait times, we estimate your interview to happen about 10 - 20 months after your biometrics.

Request For Evidence (RFE)

If you get a Request for Evidence, please notify SimpleCitizen here.

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Typical Green Card Timeline

If your application and interview are approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail approximately 8 to 14 months after you initially filed.

Here’s a breakdown of the processing times for each step:

Approx. 2 to 3 weeks after filing

‍You receive your application receipt from the USCIS

If you prepared and submitted your application correctly, the USCIS will typically respond 2 to 3 weeks later with a letter in the mail. This receipt letter is called the Form I-797C, Notice of Action.

Save this letter! You need the receipt number to check your USCIS status.
Have your receipt? Check your status here.

Approx. 3 to 5 weeks after filing

You receive your appointment notice for biometrics

Typically 3 to 5 weeks after filing, you will receive a notice for your biometrics appointment. This will include your appointment date, time, and location. Most of the time, the location will be the closest USCIS office.
Do not miss your appointment!

Approx. 5 to 8 weeks after filing

Go To Your Biometrics Appointment

During your biometrics appointment, the USCIS will check your fingerprints, take your photo, and ask for your signature. This appointment is usually pretty short and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Bring these items to your biometrics appointment:
* Your Passport or photo identification issued by your country
* Your Driver's License
* Military Photo Identification (if you have it)
* State issued Photo Identification Card

Approx. 12 to 16 weeks after filing

You receive your EAD Card (if you filed for it)

If you included the form I-765, application for employment authorization, and form I-131, application for travel, in your application, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Also known as a work permit. The EAD and advance parole travel document are both combined into 1 single card.

If you receive this card, it means the USCIS considers you an adjustment of status applicant who may work in the United States and travel outside the United States according to the criteria of advance parole.

Approx. 4 to 10 months after filing

You receive your notice for your USCIS interview

It's time to prepare for your interview! Don't worry or be scared, the interview is a normal part of the application process and typically happens at your nearest USCIS office. The USCIS may require your petitioner to attend with you, or they may not. Your interview notice will arrive by mail via the Form I-797, Notice of Action.
Do not miss your interview!

Approx. 6 to 12 months after filing

Go to your USCIS interview!

Adjustment of status interviews usually take around 30 minutes at your nearest USCIS office. It's a good idea to properly prepare, make sure to bring the following items:
* A complete copy of your entire application.
* Originals of any documents that you sent along with your application.
* Advance parole document and/or employment authorization card (if you have one)
* Your passport

Approx. 8 to 14 months after filing

You receive your Green Card!

Applicant or Immigrant Documents

Here is a list of some of the general documents the Applicant/Immigrant should provide as part of the green card application. Keep in mind that the employment/tax documents are only required if the applicant's income will be supporting the petitioner/sponsor's income.

• Applicant's Birth Certificate
• Applicant's Form I-94 (Last Admission Record)
• Applicant's Passport - Identification Page
• Applicant's U.S. Visa
• Applicant's Letter from Employer
• Applicant's Federal Tax Return Most Recent Year
• Applicant's Pay Stubs for the Last 6 Months
• Applicant's W2's for the Most Recent Tax Year
• Applicant Employment Authorization Card

"Good Faith" Marriage Documents

These are the documents you should provide as evidence of a "good faith" marriage:

• Marriage Certificate
• Wedding/Ongoing Marriage Evidence
• Joint Assets and Co-Mingling of Funds
• Joint Financial Responsibilities
• Joint Ownership, Lease or Tenancy
• Letters of Support from Friends & Family

Petitioner or Sponsor Documents

These are the documents that the Petitioner/Sponsor/U.S. Citizen should provide:

• Petitioner's Birth Certificate
• Petitioner's Passport
• Petitioner's Federal Tax Return Most Recent Year
• Petitioner's Letter From Employer
• Petitioner's Pay Stubs for the last 6 months
• Petitioner's W2's for the Most Recent Tax Year

My sponsor is self-employed, what documents will they need?

• Include Tax Records
• Record of bank statements that show income has been deposited into your account over the past year.
• If you have set up an entity, you should include all the entity paperwork.
• A letter outlining your self-employment and your projected income.

Click here to learn how to upload your documents to your SimpleCitizen account and prepare your Green Card application.

Last Updated: March 25, 2025.

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What is sponsorship?

If you found your way to this article, it’s likely that you have been asked to be a joint sponsor. Everyone who immigrates to the United States needs a sponsor. The only exceptions are:

1. Immigrants who have received credit for 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States. Credit is earned for each quarter when you receive the minimum income required by the Social Security Administration. For 2025, the minimum income per quarter is $1,810. Additionally, immigrants can receive credit for quarters earned by their spouse during marriage and by their parents while the immigrants are under 18 years of age.

2. If you are an immigrant who receives citizenship through section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you do not need a sponsor. This condition applies to children born outside of the United States who:

• Are under 18 years old
• Have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, by birth or naturalization
• Are living in the United States under the care of their citizen parent
• Received lawful admission for permanent residence

3. Self-petitioning widows, widowers, battered spouses and children who have an approved Form I-360 are also exempt from sponsorship.

4. If you are applying through your status as an asylee or refugee.

For all other immigrants, a sponsor is necessary to receive permission to live in the United States.

Why is sponsorship necessary?

Prior to allowing an immigrant to enter the United States, the government wants to make sure that each immigrant will be taken care of financially. Immigrants may be found “inadmissible” (unable to enter the United States) if there is any concern that they may become a public charge, and as such will require additional government support. The solution is to assure that each potential immigrant is sponsored by a person or organization with the means to support them upon entering the United States.

How much do I have to make to be a sponsor?

For those who are planning to sponsor a family member, an income greater than or equal to 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is required for government approval. These income requirements vary based on the size of one’s household and other factors like location. The exact income levels for 2025 for most locations can be found in the following table:

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If a potential sponsor’s income is lower than 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline, there are still options for them to help their loved ones. These additional values could help them still qualify for sponsorship.

1. The incomes of any relatives or dependents living in your household or dependents listed on your most recent Federal tax return can also be counted towards your total household income. If you intend to include the value of any additional members of household in your income, make sure you fill out the I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.

2. The income from the intending immigrant can additionally be counted towards your household’s income. For this to happen, the intending immigrant must:

• Continue to receive their income from the same source after immigration
• Be currently living in your residence

If both of these conditions are not met, the immigrant’s income cannot be counted. The only exception to these requirements is if the intending immigrant is your spouse, in which case their current residence does not have to be the same as yours.

3. The value of your assets, the assets of any household member who has signed the I-864A, or the assets of the intending immigrants may count. Assets include any property that can be converted to cash within one year and without undue harm (physical or financial) to the sponsor or his or her family members.

4. If none of the above options work in a situation, then a joint sponsor may be necessary to help satisfy the income requirements.

What is a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor is someone who helps the primary sponsor to satisfy the financial requirements of sponsorship. A joint sponsor must be:

• 18 years or older
• A U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national
• Earning an income that is 125 percent of the Federal Policy Guidelines, either through their own income, the income of their household, or their assets.
• Willing to be held liable with the primary sponsor for the support of the intending immigrant

How do I become a joint sponsor?

Each joint sponsor must fill out a separate I-864 form. In their form, they will include the names of all immigrants that they will personally be sponsoring. In the case of two joint sponsors, each sponsor will only list the intending immigrants for which they will take legal responsibility.

Since this is a very important and technical form, it is very important that it is completed correctly.

Included here are the steps to complete this document. Feel free to fill out the form with me as I explain the different steps of this form.

How do I fill out the I-864 as a Joint Sponsor?

The I-864 consists of 11 parts. This will walk you through how to fill out each step.

Part 1: Basis for filing Affidavit of Support

Every sponsor, no matter what kind, will fill in their own name in the first box of the section.

As a joint sponsor, you will have two options to fill out the rest:

If you are the only joint sponsor, mark the 1.d. Option.

If you are one of two joint sponsors, mark the 1.e. Option. In this situation, each sponsor must be labeled as either the first or second sponsor.

Part 2: Information about the Principal Immigrant

The information in this section will be about the principal immigrant that you are sponsoring.

In items 1.a., 1.b., and 1.c., include the complete name of the principal immigrant

In items 2.a. - 2.i., include the address of the principal immigrant.

Items 3-7 consist of additional information about the immigrant. Only items 3,4 and 7 (the Country of Citizenship or Nationality, date of birth, and telephone number) are required. Items 5 & 6 (Alien Registration Number and USCIS Online Account Number) are not required, but will make the process easier for the immigration officials if they are included.

Part 3: Information about the immigrants you are sponsoring

If you are the only joint sponsor, or you are the joint sponsor for the principal immigrant, you will mark Yes on item 1.

If you plan to sponsor additional immigrants who will immigrate more than 6 months after the principal immigrant, mark item 3.

In items 4-28, you will include the information of any additional immigrants on top of the principal immigrant who you personally will be sponsoring. If you are only sponsoring the principal immigrant, you do not need to include their information again.

In item 29, you will enter the total number of immigrants that you will be sponsoring.

Part 4. Information About You (Sponsor)

In item 1, you will include your own name.

Items 2-4 will consist of your mailing and physical address. If they are the same, then you can simply mark Yes in item 3, and skip item 4 completely.

Items 5-10 are all required information about you. If your address from items 2-4 are outside of the United States, but your country of domicile is the United States, you must include a written explanation.

For item 11, specify if you are a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.

Since you are not a petitioning sponsor, you will not fill in item 14.

Part 5. Sponsor’s Household Size

In this section we will establish your household size. Therefore, all the inputs you add in this part will be numbers.

Item 1 will be the total number of immigrants that you are sponsoring. This should be the same quantity that you entered on Part 3, item 29.

Item 2 should be 1, to represent yourself.

If you are married, you will add a 1 for item 3. Otherwise, add a 0.

If you have any dependent children (unmarried and under the age of 21), add the number that you have in item 4. Otherwise, add a 0.

If you have any other dependents living in your household, write down the number for item 5. Otherwise, add a 0.

If you have sponsored any other immigrants, mark the number for item 6. Otherwise, add a 0.

In item 7, you will include the number of any additional household members who are not dependents, but that you will be including in the total household income.

Item 8 is the total of items 1-7.

The total found in item 8 is the quantity that use to refer to the chart at the beginning of this article to find the exact amount that you must be making to be financially responsible for the immigrants that you plan to sponsor. Keep this value in mind while we calculate your household income in the next part.

Part 6. Sponsor’s Employment and Income

Items 1-6, will show how you receive your income.

If you are employed, mark item 1 and include your employer’s name in item 2. If you have a second employer, you can add that in field 3.

If you are self-employed, mark item 4.

If you are retired, mark item 5.

If you are unemployed, mark item 6.

In item 7, write your total annual income. This should be the same amount shown on your employer letter and pay stubs. Do not include anyone else’s income in this amount.

In items 8-19, you will include the information of any additional members of household who you will count towards the total household income.

Item 20 will be your total household income. You will add up your own annual income and the incomes of any other members of household listed in items 8-19.

Mark item 21 if the additional members of household filled out a Form I-864A.

Mark item 22 if one or more of the household members who are adding their income to the total are intending immigrants. They will not need to fill out a Form I-864A.

Items 23-25 deal with tax returns.

If you filed a tax return during the last three years, mark item 23.a.

You must include a copy of the past year’s tax return. The two previous years are optional. If you include them, mark item 23.b.

Item 24 will include the past three years’ Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Make sure to put your exact AGI found on line 37 of the 1040 and line 21 of the 1040EZ.

If you were not required to fill out a tax return, mark item 25.

Part 7. Use of Assets to Supplement Income

Items 1-4 consist of the value of your assets.

In item 1, put the value of your savings and checking accounts.

In item 2, include the net value of your real estate holdings (net value is the total value minus any mortgage debt).

In item 3, include the value of any assets not already listed.

Item 4 will be the sum of items 1,2 and 3.

In item 5, you will include the assets of any other relative who you are including in your total. This person must have filled out a Form I-864A.

Items 6-9 will be the value of assets of the principal immigrant.

Item 10 is the total value of assets calculated in Part 7.

Part 8. Sponsor’s Contract

Part 8 goes into detail about the specific responsibilities. Most of the details discussed here were mentioned at the beginning of this article. You are encouraged to read through this section prior to signing the Form I-864, as this is the exact contract that you must follow.

In item 1, you will state whether or not you received assistance from an interpreter.

Item 2 concerns whether or not you received help from a preparer.

In item 3-5, you will include your contact information.

Item 6 is your signature. This is the most important part of the form. This is what will validate the entire affidavit. Make sure you clearly understand what is expected of you before you sign this part of the form.

Part 9. Interpreter’s Information

If you did not receive the help of an interpreter in filling out this document, you can skip ahead to the next part.

If any part of this form was interpreted for you, you must include the contact information of the interpreter in items 1-6.

The interpreter will then sign item 7, which states that they correctly explained every part of this form to you.

Part 10. Preparer’s Information

This section is only necessary if you had another individual’s help in completing this form. If you completed it by yourself, you can move on to the next part.

If you received help in completing this form, then you need to include their contact information in items 1-6.

In item 7, the preparer will state whether or not they are an attorney.

The preparer must sign in item 8, stating that they prepared this document for you to the best of their ability.

Part 11. Additional Information

The space given in Part 11 is specifically for the purpose of giving you extra space in case you were not able to complete one of the previous questions in the space given. You can print out as many of this form as you need to complete each part.

If you have reached this point, congratulations! You have finished filling out the I-864 document!

What else should I know about the Form I-864?

There are some questions that come up frequently about filling out the Form I-864. Here are some of these questions.

How long am I held responsible?

Your obligation as a sponsor will continue until:

• The sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen
• You or the sponsored immigrant passes away
• The sponsored immigrant loses their permission to live in the United States

It is important to note that if you are sponsoring your spouse and go through a divorce, you will still retain your sponsorship responsibility.

How does sponsorship affect the public benefits received by immigrants?

One thing to keep in mind when sponsoring an immigrant is that they may become ineligible to receive “means-tested public benefits”. At the federal level, the benefits that they may not be able to receive include:

• Food stamps
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

Additionally, each state provides other benefits that are included in the “means-tested public benefits” category, and these may also be denied to immigrants. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific list for your state before signing the I-864 document.

In some circumstances, the immigrants access to public benefits may not be denied by the government. This does not mean that those benefits will come free of cost to the sponsor. Some sponsors may be asked to repay the cost of the benefits used by the immigrant. Failure to repay the cost of these benefits may result in a lawsuit. Again, we encourage you to check with an attorney before allowing your sponsored immigrant to receive government funded benefits.

What documents do I need to include with my application?

There are several documents that should be included with your application.

The first document is one that would validate your right to sponsor someone. This could be anything that proves you have U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or lawful permanent resident status. (i.e. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization)

You should also include evidence of your current employment. This can be done through providing 6 months of pay stubs and a letter from your employer. The letter from your employer should show your time at the company, current salary, and position. It can be provided by HR or your manager.

If you are unemployed, you should still find a way to prove you have the means to support the immigrants you are sponsoring. If you are counting on the incomes of other members of your household, you can include their pay stubs with your application. Additionally, if you are including the values of specific assets, such as your house, you can include an appraisal of the asset to prove its value.

All of these documents will help prove the validity of your claims. Including them will help prevent against USCIS filing an RFE (Request for evidence). If the government feels that not enough information is supplied, they may put a hold on your process until you provide additional evidence. These documents will provide that proof for them.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide is helpful in filing your own joint sponsorship paperwork. Now, please do not use this guide as your only source of information. This is a very complicated document, and it would be wise to consult an attorney to make sure that all the information is complete prior to filing the I-864.

SimpleCitizen includes the Form I-864 in their complete green card immigration paperwork service. Go to https://start.simplecitizen.com/ to start your application today.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Many times, businesses require employees to take part in international work. It can be hard to maneuver all the paperwork, and to know which visa to apply for. As such, this article is about the L1 visa, what you need to know about it, and how to move from the L-1 visa to Green Card.

What is an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 is a work visa that allows a U.S. employer to temporarily transfer an employee from one of its foreign offices, to one of its offices in the United States. It is a non-immigrant working status.

There are two types of L-1: the L-1a and L-1b. The L-1a may be used by U.S. companies to transfer executives or managers into the United States. It also allows a foreign company that does not yet have a U.S. office, to send an executive or manager to the United States, with the purpose of establishing one. The L-1b may be used for the transfer of an employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests, from a foreign office to an office in the United States. The L-1b also permits a foreign company without a U.S. office to send an employee with special knowledge to the United States to help establish one.

L-1 Requirements

In order for an employee to qualify for an L1, the employer must:

• Have a qualifying relationship with a foreign company.
  • (Qualifying organizations include: parent companies, branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates.)
• Currently be, or will be doing business as an employer in the United States, and in at least one other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States. In this context, doing business is defined as regular, systematic, and continuous providing of goods and/or services by a qualifying organization.

The presence of an agent or office of the qualifying organization in the United States and abroad is not enough for this requirement. The company must be doing business in the US and in another country as well for the duration of the L1 recipient’s stay. Along with these requirements for the employer, there are different requirements for each the employees and the two types of L-1 visas.

For the L-1a the employee must:

• Have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States.
• Be seeking to enter the United States to provide service in an executive, or managerial capacity for a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations.

Executive capacity usually refers to the employee’s ability to make decisions within a wide scope of the company without negligence. Managerial capacity is the ability of the employee to supervise and control the work of professional employees, and to manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization. It may also refer to the employee’s ability to manage an essential function of the organization at a high level, without direct supervision of others.

The L-1b has a few different requirements for the employee. They need:

• To have been working for the company abroad for one continuous year within three years of applying to work in the United States.
• To be providing specialized knowledge to a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations instead of seeking to enter the US to provide managerial or executive services.

Specialized knowledge is an individual’s knowledge of the organization’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organization’s processes and procedures.  Examples of people with specialized knowledge include doctors, engineers, architects, surgeons, teachers and professors.

L-1 Application Process

To start the application process, an employee must meet the requirements of years working for the company as stated above. Then an employer must file a Form I-129, known as a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with a fee, on behalf of the employee so they can be considered for an L-1. With that, they must determine which type of L-1 to file for: L-1a for executives and managers, or L-1b for employees with specialized  knowledge. If you are only coming for meetings, conferences, trainings, or other such events, these are not considered productive employment. Apply for a business visa instead.

You do not need to be a full time US employee to obtain an L-1 visa. You may be principally employed outside the U.S. and receive one if you come to the U.S. to work on a short term basis.

L-1 Duration:

For both an L-1a and L-1b, qualified employees coming the United States to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of one year. For all other employees, the max initial stay is up to three years. For all L-1a employees, requests for extensions may be given in increments of up to an additional two years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years. For the L-1b, it is the same. The only exception being that only two extensions are allowed, resulting in a limit of five years in the United States.

L-1 Processing Time

After your employer has filled out Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, it usually takes about six months to a year to process the petition and issue the L1 visa. The processing time is about the same for both L-1a and the L-1b.

L-1 Rules

During the time that the L-1 recipients stay in the United States, the organization must continue to do business in the United States and at least one other country. The L-1 is not limited to specific countries. For family members of L-1 recipients, like spouses and unmarried children under 21, they can receive an L-2 visa and accompany their family member to the United States.

From L1 to Green Card

Many people with an L-1 eventually apply for a green card. Just like there are different L-1 visas, there are also different Green Cards.

Employment Based Green Cards

A Green Card is a permanent residence card for immigrants living in the United States. It allows permanent residency and employment in the United States. There are different avenues through which one can get a green card.

One way is through employment in the United States. These are Employment Based or “EB” Green Cards. There are three different levels or categories. The first one is called “First Preference” or “EB-1” for priority workers. These are for immigrants with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, outstanding professors and researchers; or certain multinational managers and executives.

The second group is “Second Preference” or EB-2. This is for immigrants who have a profession that requires an advanced degree, have exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, or are seeking a national interest waiver. The third level is the “Third Preference” or EB-3. This is for for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. The level or category of Green Card you apply for depends on the category you fall under within the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3.

L-1a To Green Card

For those with with an L-1 visa, the best Green Card to apply for is the EB-1. This is because they are most likely executives or managers within their company. A major advantage of acquiring your green card through the EB-1 category is that you can avoid the complex labor certification process. In the EB-1 category, the employer of the immigrant files Form I-140, Petition for Immigrant Worker. However, the petition must be filed with certain documentation that proves that the employee is eligible for a green card. It must be filled out by their employer in the US, which also has to be their same employer in their home country.

Once the EB-1 status has been approved, then you must submit a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residency, or Adjust Status, which is the basic Green Card application form.

Processing Time from L-1a to Green Card

Generally, the processing time for an EB-1 Visa is about 8 months. Once the EB-1 has been approved, it takes approximately 6 months to be issued permanent residence after the I-485 has been filled out and submitted. For help on how to fill out the I-485, check out SimpleCitizen. With them, the I-485 process becomes faster, and much more user-friendly.

L1-b to Green Card

The process from an L1-b to a green card is a little more difficult. First, you can choose to apply for either an EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card based on your skill set. The EB-2, as stated earlier, is an employment based Green Card that is for L1 holders who have exceptional ability. In order to qualify for the EB2 status, one must meet three of the following:

• Official academic record showing you have a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to your area of exceptional ability.
• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in your occupation.
• A license to practice your profession, or certification for your profession or occupation.
• Evidence that you have commanded a salary, or other compensation for services that demonstrates your exceptional ability.
• Membership in a professional association(s).
• Recognition for your achievements, and significant contributions to your industry or field. by your peers, government entities, professional or business organizations.
• Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

If you meet at least three of these requirements, then you can file for an EB-2. To qualify for an EB-2 visa, your employer must file a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. Along with the Form I-140 Form and under PERM Labor Certification, EB-2  petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-750. Once the EB-2 status is approved, you can apply for a Green Card by using form I-485. Allow for extra processing time for both the EB2 and the green card.

Now let’s talk about the EB-3. This is the category for those who fall under the skilled worker, professional, or other worker status. Skilled workers are those whose jobs (that are temporary or seasonal) require a minimum of 2 years training or work experience. A professional is someone whose job requires at least a U.S. Bachelor's degree, or foreign equivalent, and are a member of that profession. An unskilled worker is someone performing unskilled labor (that is not temporary or seasonal) requiring less than 2 years training or experience.

In order to qualify for an EB-3, each category has different requirements.

Skilled workers must:

• Be able to demonstrate at least 2 years of job experience or training.
• Be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

Professionals must:

• Be able to demonstrate possession of a U.S. Bachelor’s  degree, or foreign degree equivalent. That Bachelor’s degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation.
  • Education/experience may not be substituted for a baccalaureate degree.
• Be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

Unskilled workers must:

• Be able (at the time the petition is filed on your behalf) to perform unskilled labor that isn’t temporary or seasonal (requiring less than 2 years training or experience),  for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

Along with the requirements for each of these categories, ALL of the above parties must provide evidence of  labor certification, and a permanent, full-time job offer. Generally, these also must be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089. The above encompasses the labor certification process.

Processing Time for L-1b to Green Card

The PERM labor certification usually takes about 8 months. This includes a 30-day job order requirement, an extra 30-day waiting period after the job order, and a 6-month processing time for the ETA-9089 application.

Once you have your PERM labor certification done, your employer will need to sponsor you by filling out Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. The date that the USCIS receives your petition will become your “priority date”. You will have to wait until your priority date becomes current with final action dates given by the Department of State. The amount of time that you will to wait depends on the kind of green card that you apply for and your country of origin.

The I-140 has an average processing time of 6 months depending on the Service Center that is processing your I-140 form. Most EB-3 cards waiting period ranges from a few months to several years.

Once your priority date is current, you can submit your I-485 form to have your status adjusted to legal permanent resident. The I-485 once completed has an average wait period of 6 months as well. Once it has been approved and processed, you are officially a permanent resident. However, it might take a few months to receive the physical copy of your Green Card. As previously mentioned, to fill out the Form I-485 faster, look at SimpleCitizen which helps to simplify and speed up the I-485 process.

Helpful links and other info:

• https://simplecitizen.com
• https://learn.simplecitizen.com

Congratulations on submitting your I-485, Adjustment of Status application! While waiting to hear back from USCIS about the status of your green card application, let’s examine whether you can travel domestically in the United States without a valid green card, and before you obtain your driver’s license or EAD (employment authorization document, work permit, or Form I-766).

What documentation do I need to fly domestically within the U.S.?

If you do not have an unexpired green card or an unexpired EAD, you may use a border crossing card or a foreign government-issued passport to fly domestically within the U.S.

According to Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers (age 18 and over) must show at least one of the following forms of identification in order to travel by plane. While many of these forms of identification apply only to U.S. citizens, the items in bold apply to non-U.S. citizens.

• Driver's license or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card (green card)
• Border crossing card (for Mexican citizens)
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766/EAD/work permit)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Need to apply for a green card? - The Ultimate Guide on How to Get a Green Card.

What documentation does my child need to fly domestically within the U.S.?

According to TSA, children under age 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling with a companion domestically within the U.S.

Can I use my Form I-797 as a form of identification for air travel?

You cannot use the Form I-797 alone as your only form of identification for air travel. However, it can be used as a secondary form of identification in addition to other forms of valid identification.

The Form I-797 is not considered by the U.S. government to be a travel document. It is considered a secondary form of identification for air travel, not a primary form of identification, which means that you can only use it to supplement primary forms of identification for air travel.

Primary forms of identification for non-U.S.-citizens include green cards, EADs, border crossing cards, and foreign government-issued passports. If you have one of these documents, bring it to your airport security screening. You should also bring any other forms of secondary identification you have. Bring the original documents, as well as photocopies and pictures of the documents on your cell phone or a camera, in case TSA officers request to see the original documents.

If you do not have proper primary identification, bring at least two forms of secondary identification to your airport security screening. These documents must have any identifying information such as your name, photo, address, phone number, social security number, or date of birth. Secondary forms of identification include:

• Temporary paper IDs
• Expired IDs
• Credit cards
• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Bank statements or bills
• Any other ID you have available

What if I arrive at the airport without valid ID, because it’s lost or left at home?

You may still be allowed to fly if you do not provide valid identification, but this may not be allowed if you intentionally choose to not provide proper identification.

• A TSA officer will likely ask you to complete an identity verification process, during which you will provide information such as your name, current address, and other personal information.
• If TSA can confirm your identity, you will be allowed to enter the security screening checkpoint. TSA may require you to undergo additional screening, such as a pat-down and screening of carry-on luggage.
• TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight due to potential extra screening time requirements and wait times.
• If TSA cannot confirm your identity or if you decline to undergo the identity verification process, you will not be allowed to enter the security screening checkpoint.

What do I do if TSA discriminates against me in the security screening process?

If you feel TSA security screening has discriminated against you because of your race, color, national origin, sex/gender (including gender identity, sexual orientation and parental status), religion, and age, you may do any or all of the following actions:

• File a complaint with the TSA Multicultural Branch
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses the TSA, through their Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• Apply for traveler redress through the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

You may apply for for DHS Traveler Redress if you experienced one or more of the following:

• You are unable to print a boarding pass.
• You are denied or delayed boarding a plane.
• You are denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint.
• You are continuously referred for additional screening at the airport.

What types of Form I-797 could be issued to me?

Form I-797, Notice of Action: Issued when an application or a petition submitted to the USCIS has been approved.

Form I-797A, Notice of Action: Issued to an applicant as a replacement Form I-94.

• As of January 2018, foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to fill out a paper version of the Form I-94, the Arrival and Departure Record, with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer in order to enter the U.S.
• CBP now gathers air and sea travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records.
• Upon arrival to the U.S., a CBP officer will stamp the travel document of each arriving non-immigrant traveler with the admission date, the class of admission, and the date that the traveler is admitted.
• If you need the information from your Form I-94 admission record to verify immigration status or employment authorization, the record number, and/or other admission information, you can get your I-94 number here.
• If you would like a paper Form I-94, you can request a form during the inspection process.
• You can learn more about the I-94 updated procedure here.

Form I-797B, Notice of Action: Issued for approval of an alien worker petition.

Form I-797C, Notice of Action: Issued to communicate receipt of payments, rejection of applications, transfer of files, fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments, and re-open cases.

Form I-797D, Accompanies benefit cards.

Form I-797E, Notice of Action: Issued to request evidence.

I-797F, Transportation Letter: Issued overseas to allow applicants to travel.

How can I get more information about the status of my applications?

If your green card application (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and/or Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization have been pending with USCIS for 75 or more days, you can either call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 800-767-1833 (TTY) to inquire about the status of your application, or check your case status online.

Last Updated: May 8, 2024.

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Wondering what a green card is? How long it lasts? Keep reading! For more information on how to fill out a green card application read, “The Ultimate Guide on How to Get a Green Card.”

Do I need a Green Card to become a U.S. Citizen?

Yes. You can become a United States citizen in one of two ways:

1. Born to a United States Citizen

You may become a U.S. citizen when you are born to a U.S. citizen. This usually happens when you receive a U.S. birth certificate. If you are a U.S. citizen and are abroad when your child is born, a U.S. embassy or consulate may issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. In this case a green card is not required.

2. Naturalization

If you would like to become a U.S. citizen, you must go through a naturalization process. You will need a green card to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. These are the steps of naturalization:

• Be 18 when you file for naturalization. (Form N-400)
• Be a lawfully admitted permanent resident. (Have a legal green card.)
• When you are filing:
  
  • Have been a permanent resident (proved by green card) for 5 years, OR
  • Have been a permanent resident for 3 years and meet eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrate continuous permanent residence.
• Demonstrate physical presence in the U.S.
• Have lived within the state or district (in which you are filing) for 3 months before filing.
• Demonstrate good moral character.Demonstrate belief (and support) in the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.Demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English.Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic principles.Take an oath of allegiance to the US.Receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

For more information read “How to Become a United States Citizen”.

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What is a Green Card?

A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, is issued as proof that you are authorized to live and work in the U.S.

Who is Eligible for a Green Card?

You are eligible to get a green card through one of eight categories:

• Family
• Employment
• As a Special Immigrant
• Refugee or Asylee Status
• Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
• Victims of Abuse
• Other Categories
• Registry

If you Apply for a Green Card through Family:

You may be eligible to apply for a green card based on family if you are:

• The immediate relative of a U.S. citizen
  
  • A spouse
  • Unmarried child under 21
  • Parent of a child who is at least 21
• The relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  
  • Relative:
    
    • Unmarried child and 21 or older
    • Married child
    • Sibling and 21 or older
  • Lawful Permanent Resident:
    
    • Spouse
    • Unmarried child under 21
    • Unmarried child 21 or older
  • The fiancé of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé’s child
    
    • Admitted to U.S. as fiancé (K-1 nonimmigrant)
    • Admitted as child of fiancé (K-2 nonimmigrant)
    • Widow(er) of a U.S. citizen
    • You must have been married to your spouse at the time of their death
  • A VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioner, victim of battery, or extreme cruelty
    
    • Abused spouse
    • Abused child, unmarried and under 21
    • Abused parent

Apply for a Green Card through Employment as:

• An Immigrant Worker
  • 1^st preference immigrant worker
    • Extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
    • Outstanding professor or researcher
    • Multinational manager or executive (who meets certain criteria)
  • 2^nd preference immigrant worker
    • Member of a profession that requires an advanced degree
    • Exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
    • Seeking a national interest waiver
  • 3^rd preference immigrant worker
    • Skilled worker (requires 2-year training/ work experience at a minimum)
    • Professional (requires US bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent)
    • Unskilled worker (less than 2 years of training/ experience)
  • Physician National Interest Waiver
    • To qualify you must agree to work full-time in an underserved area for a set amount of time and meet other eligibility requirements.
  • Immigrant Investor
    • Have invested or in the process of investing in the United States. At least $1 million in a new commercial enterprise or $500,000 in a targeted employment area. The investment must create at least 10 full-time positions.

Applying as a Special Immigrant:

• Religious worker
  • Member of a denomination coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization
• Special immigrant juvenile
  • If you are a child and you have been abused, abandoned, or neglected you have SIJ status
• Afghanistan or Iraq national
  • Served as an Afghan or Iraqi translator for the U.S.
  • Employed by U.S. government in Iraq for at least 1 year on or after March 20, 2003
  • Employed by the International Security Assistance Force as an Afghan
• International broadcaster
  • Coming to work as a member of the media in the U.S.
• Employee (or family member) of an international organization OR employee (or family member) of NATO-6
  • A retired officer or employee of certain international organizations or NATO and certain family members

Applying through Refugee or Asylee Status:

• Asylee
  • Must have been granted asylee status at least 1 year ago.
• Refugee
  • Must have been granted asylee status at least 1 year ago.

Applying as Human Trafficking and Crime Victim:

• Human trafficking victim
  • Must have a T nonimmigrant visa
• Crime victim
  • Must have a U nonimmigrant visa

Applying as Victim of Abuse:

• A VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioner, victim of battery, or extreme cruelty
  • Abused spouse
  • Abused child, unmarried and under 21
  • Abused parent
• Special immigrant juvenile
  • If you are a child who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected you have SIJ status.
• An abused spouse (or child) under the Cuban Adjustment Act
  • Must be an abused spouse or child of a Cuban native or citizen.
• An abused spouse (or child) under Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)
  • Must be an abused spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident who has received their green card based on HRIFA.

Applying through Other Categories:

• Diversity immigrant visa program
  • Must have been selected for a diversity visa in the Department of State’s diversity visa lottery.
• Cuban Adjustment Act
  • A Cuban native/ citizen
  • Spouse or child of Cuban native/ citizen
• Abused spouse/ child under the Cuban Adjustment Act
  • Must be the abused spouse or child of a Cuban native/ citizen.
• HRIFA Dependent status
  • Spouse or child of someone who received their green card under HRIFA
• Abused spouse/ child under HRIFA
  • Abused spouse or child of someone who received their green card under HRIFA
• Lautenberg parolee
  • Paroled into the U.S. as a Lautenberg parolee
• Indochinese Parole Adjustment Act of 2000
  • A native/ citizen of Vietnam, Kampuchea, or Laos paroled under the Orderly Departure Program on or before Oct. 1, 1997. Or you are from a refugee camp in East Asia or a UNHCR displaced person camp in Thailand.
• American Indian born in Canada
  • 50% or more American Indian and born in Canada
• Person born in the U.S. to a foreign diplomat
  • Born to a foreign diplomatic officer stationed in the U.S. at your time of birth.
• Section 13 (diplomat)
  • Were stationed in the U.S. as a foreign diplomat and unable to return home.

Applying through Registry:

• Continuous registration
  • If you have resided in the U.S. constantly since before Jan. 1, 1972 and registered each year you’ve lived in the U.S. you may qualify to get a green card even if you are currently in the U.S. unlawfully.

How do I get a Green Card?

The process will vary case to case. But in general, these are the steps you will need to follow:

• Someone must file an immigrant petition for you. In some cases, you may be eligible to file this yourself.
• You must either file a green card or a visa application. File this after your immigrant petition is approved.

For more information on how to apply for a Green Card, read this: “The Ultimate Guide on How to Get a Green Card.”

How do I find the Status of my Application?

You can check the status of your green card application online here. This tool will also let you sign up for text message and email alerts if USCIS updates your status.

How long does a Green Card last?

There are two types of green cards:

• 10-year Permanent Resident Card
• 2-year Conditional Permanent Resident (typically through family petitions)

How do I renew my Green Card?

To renew a 10-year green card:

• Prepare and File Form I-90. Do it online here.

Note: You should apply for your renewal within 6 months of your green card’s expiration date.For more information read “How to Renew Your Green Card.”

Renew a 2-year green card:

It is not possible to renew a conditional permanent resident card. You must either file to remove your conditions 90 days before your card expires. Or lose your permanent residency.You can remove your conditions through marriage, Form I-751. Or through entrepreneurship, Form I-829.Remove the conditions from a 2-year green card here.

How much does it Cost to get a Green Card?

Fees vary depending on what type of green card you are filing for (under which eligibility). And on how much it cost you to get other requirements done. For example, photos, medical exams, and mailing costs.As of April 2024, if you are filing for an immigrant visa:

• On a family relationship – Form I-130 costs $675
• As a fiancé – Form I-129F costs $675
• On an employment-based case – Form I-140 costs $715

Then the filing fee for Form I-485 (the application for your green card) costs:

• Under 14 filing with at least 1 parent - $950
• Under 14 not filing with a parent - $1440
• Most other applicants - $1440
• Filing based on refugee status - $0

Optionally you can file for work and travel authorization:

• Form I-765 - $260
• Form I-131 - $630

What is the Green Card Lottery?

The Green Card Lottery is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.The DV Program randomly selects up to 50,000 applicants from qualifying countries to immigrate to the US. You must apply to be in the lottery and you must be from a country that has low immigration rates into the U.S.Most winners are from outside the U.S. and must immigrate through a consulate. But a few winners are already in the U.S. and must apply through USCIS.If you live in the U.S. and win the Green Card Lottery, you must:

• Have been selected by the lottery for a diversity visa
• Have an immigrant visa ready when applying for a green card
• Be admissible to the U.S.

You will then need to file Form I-485 to get a green card.For more information on the Green Card Lottery, click here.

Do I need a Lawyer to apply for my Green Card?

No.When filing for your green card you generally have 3 options:

1. File by yourself

This may be confusing and time consuming as you try to figure out what forms you need to file.

2. Hire an immigration attorney

The attorney will help you file your forms. But you will also need to pay your attorney.

3. Use SimpleCitizen

SimpleCitizen makes the application process easy. We'll guide you step-by-step through your entire application. You will also have the option to have your application reviewed by an attorney before you submit it.

Get Started Today

Online with SimpleCitizen Includes:

Immigration Attorney ReviewForm I-485 | Adjustment of StatusForm I-130 | Alien PetitionForm I-131 | Travel PermitForm I-765 | Employment AuthorizationForm I-864 | Financial SponsorForm I-693 | Medical ExaminationForm G-1145 | E-Notification+ All Supporting Documents+ Printing & ShippingStart My Green Card Application

Print & Fill Out Paper Forms

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

Find a legal professional to complete the forms.Visit AILA.com

Helpful Links

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Green CardImmigration Discussion Board

How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Applicant)

The I-693 includes 10 parts. As the Applicant you only need to fill out Part 1 before your doctor appointment. You will also need to write your name and Alien Number (when you have one) at the top of each page of the form. This should be an 8 or 9 digit number starting with the letter A and can be found on any letters or notices you may have received from the Department of Homeland Security.To fill out Part 1 you will need:

• Your full name (your legal name)
• Your address – the place you live, PO boxes will not work
• Your sex
• Your date of birth
• The city, town, or village in which you were born
• The country you were born in
• Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you have one
• Your USCIS online account number, if you have one

As the Applicant you will also need to fill out Part 2. This part is where you give some contact information and sign the form. You MUST fill out this section with the civil surgeon present to witness you filling it out. Form I-693 is included in Green Card Application Builder

Doctor Appointment

To find a USCIS certified surgeon:

• Go to uscis.gov‍
• Select “Find a Doctor”
• Enter your ZIP Code
• Click “Search"

A list of doctors in your area should appear. Select one and make an appointment by calling the number next to it.

How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Interpreter

You will be required to fill out Part 3. This includes:

• Your name
• The name and address of the business or organization (when applicable)
• Your daytime telephone number
• Your mobile telephone number (if you have one)
• Your email address (if you have one)
• Your signature and the date

How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Civil Surgeon)

As a USCIS certified civil surgeon you are required to report true and accurate results from your examination.To do this you will need to take down the information from the Applicant’s government-issued identification. You will also be responsible for witnessing that the Applicant fills out and signs Part 2.You will need to follow the most recent Department of Health and Human Services regulations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Those guidelines can be found here.You may also be asked to make referrals and file case reports. These processes can also be found in the CDC guidelines.When filling out the I-693 you will need to:

• Verify the Applicant’s Identification Information
• Give a summary of the medical examination, after the exam and any follow-ups necessary are completed
• Give your contact information and sign the form after the examination is complete, certifying that you are a legal civil surgeon. (If you are performing the assessment for a refugee adjustment applicant you will need to include the licensed physician that was present during the examination and the official stamp or raised seal of the health department. If you are a military physician performing the examination for a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard or certain eligible dependents, the licensed military physician’s signature – who is operating under the blanket civil surgeon – is required as well as the official stamp or raised seal of the military treatment facility.)
• Fill out the worksheet included in the I-693
• Include the results of any lab work or other studies that were required to determine whether the Applicant is inadmissible to the U.S. on health-related issue
• If a referral is required, fill out Item 5 in the worksheet found in Part 7. The physician referred will then need to fill out Part 8. (If a referral is not necessary, leave Item 5 in the worksheet blank.)

Is there a filing fee?

There is no filing fee for the I-693.

How to file the I-693

• Make an appointment with a civil surgeon certified by USCIS.
• Fill out Part 1. In your I-693. (Do not sign it yet. You must sign the form in front of the civil surgeon.)
• Keep your appointment with the civil surgeon. If more visits are necessary, attend all of those as well. Make sure to bring proof of your identity and any medical records you may have with you to your appointment. For proof of identity bring a valid government-issued photo identification (i.e. valid passport or driver’s license). If you are under 14 documents must show your name, place of birth, parents’ full names, and any other information that can identify you (i.e. birth certificates or affidavits, include translations when necessary).
• The civil surgeon should complete the I-693, witness you signing it, and make a copy. The civil surgeon should seal the original I-693 in an envelope and give it to you to submit to USCIS and give you the copy they made.
• You should then submit the sealed letter to USCIS. If you are filing the I-693 because you are applying for and adjustment of status you may do this in one of three ways:
• Mail it with your Form I-485 to the address that matches your reason for filing the I-485. A list of reasons for filing the I-485 and the address needed can be found here.
• Mail the I-693 after you’ve mailed the I-485 to the address specified in your latest communication with USCIS.
• Submit the I-693 in person when you go in for an interview at a USCIS field office.

If you are not applying for an adjustment of status, follow the instructions given by the office requesting the medical examination.

Ways to fill out the Form I-693

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer. Download PDF

SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Form I-131 is included with SimpleCitizen.
‍Get Started* Includes Attorney Review

Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.
‍Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

Find a legal professional to complete the form.Visit AILA.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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You need to submit the Form I-131 when you are applying for: a Reentry Permit, a Refugee Travel Document, or an Advance Parole Document. In addition to the form, you also need to submit various supporting documents. This form I-131 checklist will help figure out which documents you need to include.

There are some basic items you will need to include when submitting the Form I-131 regardless of your situation. There are also some additional items you may need to submit based on the reason for your application (Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole Document).

Let's get started with the basic form I-131 checklist you need to include:

Basic Form I-131 Checklist:

• A copy of your filled out Form I-131
• Identity documentation: a copy of an official document which shows your photo, name, and date of birth. For example, a current Employment Authorization Document, a valid driver’s license, the passport identity page, Form I-551, or a Permanent Resident Card.
• Photographs
• Biometrics Services (Please note: there is a biometrics services fee for those applicants between 14-79 seeking Reentry Permits and/or Refugee Travel Documents..)
• Filing Fee

Reentry Permit Checklist:

You need to attach a copy (front and back) of your Form I-551.

If you do not have your I-551 you have 2 options:

• Include a copy of the biographic pages of your passport and the visa page that shows your initial admission as a lawful resident; OR
• A copy of your Form I-797

Refugee Travel Document Checklist:

Attach a copy of the document showing your refugee (or asylee) status. This document should have been issued to you by the USCIS. It should include the expiration date of your refugee status.

If you are younger than 16 your filing fee will be $105. If you are 16 or older it will be $135.

Note: The application fee may not be required. This is true if you payed the fee and filed Form I-485 on or after 30 July 2007 and your I-485 is still pending. You must also now hold US refugee or asylee status.

Advance Parole Document Checklist:

The following requirements only apply for individuals who are currently in the US. You will need to attach:

• A copy of a document showing your current status in the US, issued to you by USCIS
• An explanation (or evidence) for the circumstances that prove why you qualify for an Advance Parole Document; OR
  • If you are seeking an adjustment of status – a copy of the receipt from USCIS. This receipt proves you filed the adjustment application; OR
  • If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa – a copy of the appointment letter from the US consular; OR
  • If your case has been deferred – under DACA by USCIS, include a copy of your I-797. If your case has been deferred by ICE, include a copy of your approval order, notice, or letter issued by ICE.
• You must also complete Part 4 for the I-131, and include evidence to support your claim. There are 3 accepted purposes:
  • Educational: include a letter from the school describing the purpose of travel and why your travel is necessary. OR include a document showing your in enrollment in a program that requires travel.
  • Employment: include a letter from your employer or conference host describing the need for travel.
  • Humanitarian: include a letter from your physician explaining your medical condition, the treatment you are seeking, and why your travel is medically necessary. OR include documentation of a family member’s illness or death.
• Your filing fee will be $575.

If you are seeking an Advance Parole Document and you are outside the US you have a couple of options. You make file under a Family Reunification Parole policy or not.

• Under one of the Family Reunification Parole policies you will need to attach:
  • For HFRP: the completed document described by the HFRP Program in the application instructions of their invitation letter
  • For CFRP: the completed document described by the CFRP Program in the application instructions of their invitation letter
  • For the FWVP Program:
    • A copy of your I-797 or a printout from Case Status Online
    • Your completed Form I-134
    • Evidence that the WWII service from the Filipino veteran was previously recognized by the US Army. This service is to be defined by section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990, as it is amended.
    • Evidence of your marriage and a copy of your spouse’s death certificate. If you are the surviving spouse of the Filipino WWII veteran
  • If you are not filing under one of the Family Reunification Parole polices listed above you will need to include:
    • For humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons:
      • A detailed description of why such a situation requires an Advance Parole Document
      • An explanation of the length time for which you are requesting the parole
      • Copies of evidence that show the basis of your request.
    • Your Form I-134
    • A statement explaining why you cannot obtain a US visa. This statement should include when and where you have tried to obtain a visa. Or an explanation for why you did not seek a visa when entering the US.
    • If it applies to you, include a statement explaining why a waiver of inadmissibility cannot be obtained. Include when and where you a have attempted to obtain a waiver, and a copy of any DHS decisions about your waiver request. Or an explanation for why you have not sought a waiver.
    • A copy of any decision on an immigrant or non-immigrant petition or application and evidence regarding a pending petition or application.
    • And, unless the evidence submitted showing your photo, name, and date of birth was your passport, you will need to include:
      • A copy of the biographical page of your beneficiary’s passport. If their passport is not available, provide an explanation for why and include a different government-issued identity document that shows the beneficiary’s citizenship.
      • Copies of your and your Form I-134 sponsor’s official identity documents and evidence of your sponsor’s citizenship or US immigration status. This could be a copy of a US passport, lawful permanent resident card, or birth certificate.

Note: If you are filing for an Advance Parole Document, the application fee may not be required. This is true if, you payed the fee and filed Form I-485 on or after 30 July 2007 and it is still pending. You must also be returning to the US after temporary foreign travel. In this case, you may file your I-131 with your I-485. Or you can submit your I-131 later. You will then need to submit a copy of your I-797 to show you paid your I-485 fee.

Ways to fill out and submit Form I-131:

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Print & Fill Out Paper Form

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Last Updated: July 9, 2020.

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What is Form I-765?

Form I-765 is the application for employment authorization.

What is employment authorization?

Employment authorization is when USCIS gives temporary authorization for employment to non-citizens. Immigrants can use Form I-765 to request an employment authorization document (EAD). This document grants the non-citizen temporary employment authorization in the United States.

Do I have to submit the Form I-765?

You must apply for an EAD with Form I-765 if you:

• Are approved to work in the United States due to your immigration status (asylee, refugee, or nonimmigrant) and need evidence of that employment authorization.
• Need to apply for permission to work, or to request employment authorization. You may have a:
  • pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
  • pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
  • a nonimmigrant status that does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student).

You do NOT need to apply for an EAD if you are a lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, or nonimmigrant. Your Green Card provides sufficient proof of your employment authorization. You also do NOT need to apply for an EAD if you possess a nonimmigrant visa that authorizes you to work for a specific employer (for example, an H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visa).

Can I work while my Green Card application is processing?

Processing Timeline: USCIS previously issued work authorization within 90 days, but their current processing time averages 4-7 months. While it can be frustrating to wait that long to receive work authorization, these processing times are shorter than the current green card wait times and are meant to make the wait time for the green card a little easier.

Required Supporting Documents

You will need the following documents in order to submit I-765:

• Your application with the filing fee.

If you are mailing your application to USCIS, you must also submit the following documentation, according to USCIS:

• A copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record (front and back), if available. If you are filing Form I-765 under the (c)(9) category, Form I-94 is not required.
• A copy of your last EAD (front and back). If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a government-issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name, and date of birth; a birth certificate with photo ID; a visa issued by a foreign consulate; or a national ID document with photo and/ or fingerprint. The identity document photocopy must clearly show the facial features of the applicant and the biographical information. If you are filing under the (c)(33) category, additional documentation is not required.
• You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and un-retouched. The passport-style photos must be 2” by 2”. The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1 3/8” from top to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8’ to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious order of which you are a member. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and Alien Receipt Number on the back of the photo.”

What is the Form I-765 filing address?

If you're filing the form directly, the address depends on the eligibility category you entered in Question 16 of Form I-765. If you are filing I-765 with another form, file both documents at the location required by the other form. Use the addresses found on the USCIS website only when you are not submitting I-765 with another form.

How much is the Form I-765 filing fee?

There are multiple different fee categories for Form I-765 depending on the circumstances of the filing. In general, the filing fee of Form I-765 ranges from $0-$520.

If an applicant submits the Form I-765 with a family-based green card application (Form I-485), then typically it would cost $520 for paper filing and $470 for online filing. Subsequent Form I-765 renewals associated with the pending Form i-485 have a fee of $260, whether filed by paper or online method.

Can I get the fee waived?

You may qualify for a fee waiver if you provide documentation for any of the following eligibility criteria:

• You, your spouse, or the head of household living with you, are currently receiving a means-tested benefit.
• Your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Check the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for this year to see if your household income qualifies.
• You are currently experiencing financial hardship that hinders you from paying the filing fee, such as unexpected medical bills, emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.

You may file for a fee waiver by filling out Form 912 (Request for a Fee Waiver).

• There is no filing fee for this form.
• You cannot file online if you are requesting a fee waiver. You will need to file paper versions of the fee waiver request and the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver, together. Do not file the two forms separately.
• Each person applying for a fee waiver must sign and date the Form I-912.

Instead of filing Form-912, you may also file for a fee waiver by writing a letter with all the necessary information that states your request for a fee waiver, is signed by everyone requesting the fee waiver, and includes all the necessary supporting evidence.

For further information on proof of documentation and eligibility, check the USCIS Fee Waiver information sheet.

How do I renew my I-765?

If your EAD has expired or will be expiring soon, you can submit a new Form I-765 and filing fee (unless a fee waiver has been requested and granted) to file for a renewal EAD. Do not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your initial EAD expires.

How do I request a replacement EAD?

You may follow the renewal process listed above to request a replacement EAD for lost, stolen, or destroyed documents. If your EAD contains incorrect information that is not due to a USCIS error, you must submit a new I-765 form, a filing fee, the required documentation, and the card containing the error.

If your EAD contains incorrect information that is due to a USCIS error, you do NOT need to submit a new I-765 form or a filing fee. USCIS will process your replacement request at no cost. In this case, you must send the original card containing the error, a detailed written explanation of the card error, and supporting documentation on the correct information. Submit this information to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved your latest Form I-765.

What if my documentation is in a language other than English?

Any document containing foreign language must be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate. You must also include the translator’s certification that he or she is adequately able to translate from the foreign language into English.

Do I receive updates when USCIS has accepted my Form I-765?

Yes. To do so, fill out Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) and attach it to the first page of your I-765 application.

Don't Forget:

1. You must complete all sections of the form. The form will be rejected if any of these fields are missing:
   • Number 1 – Full Name
   • Number 3 – U.S. Mailing Address
   • Number 6 – Date of Birth
   • Number 20 – Eligibility Category
2. Remember to sign your form! USCIS will reject and return any unsigned form.
3. Biometrics Services Appointment: After receiving your application and ensuring completeness, USCIS will inform you in writing when to go to your local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for your biometrics services appointment. This appointment is to gather physical data by which a person can be uniquely identified. At your biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and have you sign your name for electronic capture. If you do not attend the appointment, your application may be denied.

People ask us all the time how to fill out the I-864 as a joint sponsor. So we decided to help answer this question in this detailed guide. Most immigrants enter the country on a family-sponsored visa. In this case, a family member who is a lawful permanent or U.S. citizen will file a visa petition for the hopeful applicant. In order to enter the U.S., the applicant must not be inadmissible. One way an immigrant can be inadmissible is if she is a “public charge.” If an immigrant is a public charge then, generally speaking, she or he is viewed by the government as being at risk of becoming a burden on society. An applicant must prove that they will not be a public charge.This is done by acquiring financial sponsors, and in some cases joint sponsors, and having your sponsors file an I-864 verifying that you will not be a public burden. Joint sponsors are very similar to regular sponsors. First we'll discuss regular sponsors, and then we'll discuss  joint sponsors.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

Section 213(a) of the INA requires an affidavit of support. USCIS has created this affidavit in the form of the I-864. This is a form filled out by the sponsors of a hopeful immigrant and is submitted with most family-sponsored applications. Its purpose is to show that there is sufficient financial support for the immigrant and that there will not be a need for financial assistance from the U.S. Form I-864 is supported and included with SimpleCitizen.

Ways To Fill Out Form I-864

The I-864 comes with its own instructions, but those can be confusing. There are a few ways this form can be tackled:

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer.Download PDF

SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Form I-864 is included with SimpleCitizen.

Get Started *Includes Attorney Review

Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

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What is a Sponsor?

Obligations of an I-864 Sponsor

To become a sponsor is to accept a legal obligation with the U.S. government and with the intending immigrant. A sponsor agrees to financially support the intending immigrant. Essentially, the sponsor agrees to provide the difference between the wages earned by the immigrant and 125 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).This has a couple legal implications. First, if the immigrant does not make 125% FPL on their own, they can request or even sue a sponsor for that amount. Second, if the immigrant receives financial public assistance from a government agency, the sponsor may be requested to provide or sued for the amount equal to that assistance. This assistance may take the form of welfare, public housing, non-emergency Medicaid but does not include emergency Medicaid and short-term, non-cash emergency relief.Additionally, a sponsor must inform USCIS within 30 of any changes of address after the application until the obligation ends.

Qualifying as a Sponsor

To qualify as a sponsor, there are four basic requirements. A sponsor must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be living in the US
• Have an annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level

Oftentimes, the main discussion regarding sponsorship focuses on whether a sponsor’s income is sufficient, specifically, whether it’s 125 percent of the FPL. As shown, This is dependent on two factors:

• Household size,
• Location, and
• Income.

These income requirements vary based on the size of one’s household and other factors like location. The exact income levels for 2025 for the contiguous US can be found in the following table:

Sponsor’s household size100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines2$21,150$26,437 3$26,650$33,312 4$32,150$40,187 5$37,650$47,062 6$43,150$53,937 7$48,650$60,812 8$54,150$67,687

Please note that active duty military need only meet 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and the levels are different for Alaska and Hawaii.(These numbers come from the Form I-864P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support. Take a look if your household is larger than 8 people.)

Determining household size

The basic idea of household size is determining the number of people in your home. It seems simple, but it can become technical. To determine household size count:

• You
• Your spouse
• Any children you have under the age of 21
• Any other dependents you claimed on your most recent Federal income tax return
• All lawful permanent residents you are currently sponsoring
• All lawful permanent residents you are applying to sponsoring
• (Optional) Other relatives living in your residence. Only include other relatives if you need to include their income.

Calculating Income

Again, the basic idea behind income is simple: it’s how much money a sponsor makes in a year. But it can become technical quick. To calculate a sponsor’s income add:

• Annual income earned by the sponsor
• Annual income earned by spouse
• Annual Income earned by other dependents in the household
• (Optional) Annual income earned by other relatives living in the sponsor’s residence
• (Under limited circumstances)  Annual income earned in the U.S. by the intending immigrant and joined by a "Contract with Household Member."

Income can include:

• Wages
• Salaries
• Tips
• Taxable interest
• Ordinary dividends
• Alimony or child support
• Business income
• Capital gains
• Taxable IRA distributions
• Taxable pensions and annuities
• Rental income
• Unemployment compensation
• Workers compensation and disability
• Taxable Social Security benefits

Means-tested public benefits like food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF and CHIP can not be included.In order to include the other relatives living at the sponsor’s residence, those members must complete a Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.  Each one of these individuals must be over 18 years of age.

Last resort: Assets

If, after adding together all the incomes of all the household members of the sponsor, the income is still insufficient, then assets can be considered.To qualify, an asset must be convertible into cash within one year without being too difficult for the owner. Substantial evidence is required for assets to qualify. The net value of a house can be considered an asset; this equal to the appraised value of the home, minus all loans. The net value of a car may also be included, but the sponsor must show they own another car that is not included as an asset.For assets to work, they must equal at least five times the difference between a sponsor’s total household income and the 125 percent mark.Note: if your sponsor who filed the visa petition died, then you need to get a substitute sponsor to fill out I-864.If your sponsor does not have sufficient funds to sponsor you financially, you need to find a joint sponsor.

Adding a Joint Sponsor with Form I-864

So, once financial sponsors have counted the people in their household, added up their annual income, and made the calculation to determine whether their income is at least 125 percent of the federal poverty level, they might find that their income just isn’t over 125 percent, no matter how it’s calculated.If that’s the case, it is time to find a joint financial sponsor.A joint sponsor is very similar to a regular financial sponsor. A joint sponsor must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be living in the US
• Have annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level (FPL)

A joint sponsor does not need to be a relative of the primary sponsor or of the intending immigrant. The joint sponsor must fill out an additional I-864.A joint sponsor’s income must independently be equal to 125 percent of the federal poverty level. The sum of the primary sponsor’s income and the joint sponsor’s income is unimportant. However, there can be up to two joint sponsors if more than one immigrant is coming; in that case, the incoming immigrants can be divided between the household sizes of the sponsors.In most ways, a joint sponsor is treated very similarly to a sponsor. Joint Sponsor forms are supported by SimpleCitizen.Applying for a Green Card? Read this.

The end of the obligation

Financial sponsors aren’t obligated to care for the immigrant for the rest of existence. The obligation ends when the sponsored immigrant:

• has worked ten full years
• becomes a U.S. citizen
• leaves the U.S. and no longer has permanent residence
• dies
• is deported and returns under a different sponsor.
• Or, the sponsor dies.

What happens if my sponsor becomes unemployed after submitting the I-864?

If your sponsor or joint sponsor becomes unemployed after submitting the I-864 and before the intending immigrant's approval, that is unfortunate. Technically, if after unemployment, the sponsored income is no longer above 125 percent, then USCIS will deny the application because the intending immigrant would become a public charge.But don’t despair yet; if income is no longer sufficient because of a change, the intending immigrant can ask for additional time to find additional income or for the sponsor to find a new job. The Consulate or USCIS will generally give an additional six months to a year before an application is declared dead.So, if possible, keep your job as a sponsor. Ideally, a sponsor will be able to show a stable work history, one suggests a sufficient income for the next 3-5 years. Switching jobs frequently or losing a job will place the intending immigrant in a “high risk” category, which may lead to a request for evidence or simply a denied visa.