Learn more about various USCIS forms.
Instructions on how to access your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
As a foreigner, upon entering the United States you will receive the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. This document, issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, provides you basic information about your stay such as your arrival date, visa status, and the date you are required to leave the U.S.
There are now two formats in which you may receive your Form I-94 - paper and electronic - but as of April 30, 2013, most Arrival/Departure Records are created electronically. In this case, you will be given an annotated stamp in your passport instead of a paper form. If you are provided a paper Form I-94, a CBP officer attaches it to your passport and stamps your departure date on the form.
Although an electronic version cuts down on paper and drastically decreases the possibility of losing your document, it can be slightly more complicated to access, especially if it's your first time locating your record. Don't worry though - here's a guide on how to access your electronic Form I-94, along with a few useful tips and tricks.
To access your I-94 record, go to CBP's website. Once there, click on the Get Most Recent I-94 button. A page will then pop up requiring you to agree to the following terms before continuing: "By accessing this website, you understand and acknowledge that: You are declaring under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S. Code § 1746 that you: (1) are only seeking records about yourself, (2) are seeking records about someone for whom you are the legal guardian, or (3) you have the consent of the person whose records you are seeking. You are not authorized to access this website to retrieve records of another person unless you are the person's legal guardian or you have the person's consent." After consenting, you will see a page similar to the screen shot below. Enter the required information.
I-94 Website Travel Records for U.S. Visitors - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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I-94 Website Travel Records for U.S. Visitors - U.S. Customs and Border Protection[/caption]
Entering the data in the required fields, if done correctly, will allow you to access your electronic Form I-94. However, all information must be entered accurately; even one simple misspelling or formatting error will prevent you from accessing your record. If you're having trouble accessing your record, try the following troubleshooting tips.
Enter your name exactly as it is written on your passport. If this does not work, attempt to enter your name in a different format.
Consider multiple entry options for your passport number.
If you still cannot access your electronic Form I-94 after trying the above tips, the next step is to call or visit your local CBP deferred inspection office. Some offices can solve most problems over the phone, but others may require an in-person visit.
Understanding Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
The Form I-765 is a request for an Employment Authorization Document or EAD, which is more commonly known as a work permit.
If you will be in the U.S. temporarily and will need a job, you will likely have to file an EAD. Your “work permit”, as you can see below, will be a standard wallet-sized card with some basic information including your picture, full name, alien registration number, terms and conditions of your permit, and the expiration date.
Be careful not to get this confused with a green card. A green card is evidence of your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. An EAD may be obtained while your green card application is processing. This allows green card applicants to legally work before actually becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident. The EAD will also be used for temporary foreign workers who come for seasonal work or short term work assignments.
While the form is only 3 pages long, it comes with 25 pages of instructions. This form can be complicated. One of the most difficult parts of the I-765 is identifying which category of eligibility you are filing under. Consequently, the most common reason an I-765 is rejected is misidentifying eligibility. This article gives a brief outline of the I-765.
The EAD is proof of employment authorization. Immigrants who are eligible to work may file form I-765. Once approved for EAD, the applicant will obtain the identification card, which they can then use it to obtain employment. If you have previously filed this form but have lost your EAD or need to renew it, you should also file form I-765.
The Eligibility Category section of the form will ask you to identify how you are eligible for work authorization. It asks you to select from one of the following 8 sections of eligibility:
Within each section there are more specific sub-divisions. In order to accurately select your respective catagory, visit this USCIS page with I-765 instructions. These instructions will provide you with greater detail about each category.
If you fall into any of these three categories, you should NOT use this form:
The standard filing fee is $520 for paper filings. However, the filing fee may vary depending on the filing method used and the personal circumstances of the applicant. See Form I-1055, Fee Schedule or USCIS Fee Calculator for more specific fee information.
Any I-765 renewal requests associated with the original I-485 application are subject to a $260 filing fee if filed on or after April 1, 2024.
Previous to April 1, 2024, USCIS waived filing fees for Form I-765 applications filed concurrently with Form I-485 applications. However, a final fee rule that was implemented April 1, 2024 has since changed this. With this new rule, the fees for Form I-765 (and Form I-131) will no longer be waived when filing for adjustment (I-485). Rather, any I-765 filed concurrently with Form I-485 (on or after April 1, 2024) will be required to pay a Form I-765 filing fee of $520, unless eligible for a reduced fee.
Please note that in general, if you filed Form I-485 before April 1, 2024, and paid the required fee, you do not need to pay for Form I-765 or I-131 renewal filing fees while your Form I-485 is still pending.
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The Ultimate Guide on How to Get a Green Card
What is the Form I-765 filing fee?
Immigration Discussion Board
Learn about Class of Admission on Form I-90.
Last Updated: January 15, 2020.
Filling out government forms is never a walk in the park, and mistakes can lead to costs and delays. Confidence in what kind of information your I-90 application is asking for takes a lot of stress out of your submission. Off the tops of our heads, most of us don’t know what our “class of admission” is, so let’s start with that.
Your Class of Admission is asked on Item Number 14 on your Form I-90. Essentially this 3-digit code identifies the category of your lawful residence status. For example, you could be identified as a "Self Petition unmarried son/daughter - of US Citizen - Family Sponsored First Preference" aka B16, or a "Brother or sister of a country-region place U.S. citizen" (F41). There are hundreds of 3-digit codes that correspond with each of these categories, the complete USCIS list can be found here, but the best way to know how you were classified is to look at your Permanent Resident Card under Category. It is typically one or two letters followed by a single number.
To be clear, this states the status under which you were granted permanent residence, not the category that you entered the United States under. If you have more questions about form I-90, check out this article.
What you need to know about having a Self-Employed Sponsor fill out Form I-864.
Last Updated: January 15, 2020.
What you need to know about having a Self-Employed Sponsor fill out Form I-864. One of the requirements to get a green card is having a financial sponsor file the I-864, Affidavit of Support. This USCIS form is basically a contract between the financial sponsor, the immigrant applicant and the US government. As part of the contract, the sponsor must meet certain income requirements to qualify as a financial sponsor for the immigrant. Like every form on the green card application, several documents must be submitted as supporting evidence for the information provided in the application.
Submitting supporting evidence for a sponsor that is currently employed is fairly straightforward. The sponsor needs to attach their most recent federal tax return, a letter from their employer and pay stubs for the past 6 months. These requirements become useless when the sponsor is either self-employed or retired.
The USCIS actually has a few guidelines when it comes to proving an income amount for a sponsor that is self-employed or a business owner. The USCIS suggests that self-employed sponsors should attach the following photocopies of documents to their I-864, Affidavit of Support:
If the sponsor that is submitting the Form I-864, Affidavit of support is retired, a similar problem exists. Again, the goal for a retired financial sponsor is to simply provide independent evidence that establishes a steady flow of income matching the amount reported in the Form I-864. This can be accomplished by providing the following documents:
As you are working to complete your green card application and fill out a correct Form I-864, make sure that you are avoiding some of the other pitfalls of the financial sponsor for a green card. Making sure that you are calculating the household size correctly or including the accurate income amounts are a few of the important things to remember when working on this application. SimpleCitizen is a do-it-yourself tool to help you avoid these common mistakes. We are the only truly comprehensive service, guiding users from signup to citizenship while ensuring their application is correct and complete at every stage.
Understanding the steps that follow after submitting Form I-130.
Last Updated Jan 15, 2020.
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:
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.
After your I-130 is received, it will be reviewed. USCIS prioritizes the review of petitions from Immediate Relatives, which comprise:
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:
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.
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:
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Understanding some of the steps that following submitting Form I-90 to USCIS
Last Updated: January 15, 2020.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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This article outlines where to submit Form I-130.
Last Updated: June 6, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
USCIS
Attn: I-130
P.O. Box 21700
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1700
USCIS
Attn: I-130 (Box 21700)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
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:
USCIS
Attn: I-130
P.O. Box 4053
Carol Stream, IL 60197-4053
USCIS
Attn: I-130 (Box 4053)
2500 Westfield Drive
Elgin, IL 60124-7836
You are only filing Form I-130, and you live outside the United States*
USCIS
Attn: I-130
P.O. Box 4053
Carol Stream, IL 60197-4053
USCIS
Attn: I-130 (Box 4053)
2500 Westfield Drive
Elgin, IL 60124-7836
*You may request to file at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in certain limited circumstances. See the USCIS filing page for more info.
Understanding who you can petition for a green card using Form I-130.
There is a difference between citizens and lawful permanent residents (meaning residents with green cards) when it comes to whom you may file Form I-130 for. If you are a United States citizen you may file Form I-130 for numerous relatives, including:
However, if you’re a lawful permanent resident you may only file the Form for:
If you want to file for more than one relative, you must complete a separate Form for each individual. There is no limit to the number of Forms you can submit as long as each relative fits into the categories listed under “citizen” or “lawful permanent resident” above.[eligibility-quiz-green-card]
Read to learn more about how much it costs to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Last Updated: May 8, 2024.
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:
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.
What is Form I-485 used for?
Last Updated: February 5, 2020.
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used to either register for permanent legal residence in the United States or adjust to permanent resident status. Adjusting to permanent resident status simply means obtaining a green card (i.e. permanent legal residency) without having to return to your home country if you’re already in the United States.
While Form I-485 is a required step on your path to legal citizenship, it isn’t the only step. In fact, you will need other completed forms and evidence depending upon your unique situation. For example, you will need a completed Form I-130 if you are getting residency through a family member who is already a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
This Form is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While your family member is responsible for Form I-130 to establish a familiar connection that enables you to take the next step in the immigration process with Form I-485, you are responsible for the completion and filing of Form I-485.