{"id":163,"date":"2012-02-21T11:58:40","date_gmt":"2012-02-21T11:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/?p=163"},"modified":"2024-03-04T11:17:26","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T11:17:26","slug":"immigration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/immigration","title":{"rendered":"Immigration Forms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-are-immigration-forms\">What are Immigration Forms ?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#common-types-of-immigration-forms\">Common Types of Immigration Forms<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#form-i-485\">Form I-485<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#form-i-90\">Form I-90<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#form-i-129\">Form I-129<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#form-i-130\">Form I-130<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#form-i-140\">Form I-140<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#form-i-601\">Form I-601<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#immigration-form-procedure\">Immigration Form Procedure<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#submitting-the-immigration-forms\">Submitting the Immigration Forms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#application-receipt\">Application Receipt<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#processing-time\">Processing Time<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-visa-interview-at-uscis\">The Visa Interview at USCIS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Depositphotos_124611388_S.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3553\" style=\"width:773px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Depositphotos_124611388_S.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Depositphotos_124611388_S-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Depositphotos_124611388_S-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the basic definition of a US immigration form might seem obvious, the different kinds and procedures can be a bit confusing. This is true for anyone, let alone people who have had very little experience with American immigration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll look at exactly what we mean by immigration form, some basic information on filling them out, and some of the most common forms immigrants will come across.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-immigration-forms\">What are Immigration Forms ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, an immigration form is a document filled in by someone who isn\u2019t a US citizen in relation to living or traveling in the US. Depending on the type of immigration form, it could cover anything from work permits and Green Cards to temporary visas and requests for asylum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The US has codes for all its official forms. Helpfully, immigration forms start with the letter I, which should help you tell whether you\u2019re dealing with one. If you\u2019re looking to move to the United States and you\u2019re not a US citizen, you\u2019ll have to fill it at least one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common-types-of-immigration-forms\">Common Types of Immigration Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Unsurprisingly, USCIS has a form for literally any kind of immigration query you could imagine. As such, finding the correct one for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. Below is a list of some of the more common immigration forms that people fill in when moving or traveling to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-485\">Form I-485<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-485\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Form I-485<\/a> is the Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status. In short, it\u2019s the Green Card application form. So, anyone who wants to move to the US permanently, whether for work or family reasons, must complete this form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-90\">Form I-90<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Form I-90 is the Green Card replacement form. Although your permanent resident status never expires, the Green Card itself does. It lasts for 10 years, after which point you\u2019ll need a new one. This form is also used if you lose your Green Card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-129\">Form I-129<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker form covers all temporary worker visas, such as H-1 and H-2, O-visas, P-visas, and more. Completing this immigration form is the first step to receiving a work visa for the United States. Like other nonimmigrant visas, this process is done before you enter the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-130\">Form I-130<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative. It\u2019s the form US citizens or permanent residents use to confirm their relationship to an eligible relative. For example, if you were a Green Card holder and you wanted your children to come live with you, you\u2019d fill in Form I-130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-140\">Form I-140<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This immigration form is used to convert a temporary work visa into a Green Card. However, it doesn\u2019t apply to all work visas. Instead, it\u2019s only for E-visas, which relate to people with extraordinary abilities or skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"form-i-601\">Form I-601<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Form I-601 is an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. In short, you\u2019d file it alongside your main immigration form if you were inadmissible for any reason. Being inadmissible essentially means you don\u2019t meet the criteria for immigration for some reason, such as criminal convictions or fraudulent entry. Form I-601 is used to explain why you should be allowed in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"immigration-form-procedure\">Immigration Form Procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br>You can complete an immigration form both from within the United States and your home country. For example, in the US, you might want to file an application for adjustment of status. In your home country, however, you\u2019d file things like visa applications. You\u2019d do this with your nation\u2019s US embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to mention that some of the immigration forms can become quite complex. If you are uncertain about being able to complete the form correctly then it\u2019s worth getting help from someone who is familiar with the procedure. Of course, you should ensure they\u2019re reputable and qualified. So, an immigration lawyer would be a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of how complex the actual immigration form is, they all follow the same basic procedure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"submitting-the-immigration-forms\">Submitting the Immigration Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After completing your immigration form and gathering all the correct evidence, you must first submit it. As mentioned, this would either be direct to USCIS or to your country\u2019s American embassy or consulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, you can submit most forms physically, either in the mail or hand delivered. This is because you need to sign them and attach copies of things like your passport or ID. There is also a fee associated with submission, and this varies depending on the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"application-receipt\">Application Receipt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your immigration form is submitted, you must wait to receive an Application Receipt Notice. The receipt contains a number that acknowledges USCIS has received your immigration form. You must retain this number since it will be used in the future to check your application status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"processing-time\">Processing Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you retain your receipt number you can check the status of your application form on the USCIS website. The processing time will vary, and the system is prone to delays. As such, your application could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete. Having your receipt number will provide you with a better idea of your status. Without it, you will only be able to review approximate processing times on the USCIS website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, anyone with access to your application number (and with your permission) can check the status of your form. This could include your lawyer or potential employer, or anyone else involved in your immigration case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-visa-interview-at-uscis\">The Visa Interview at USCIS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you are notified that your immigration form has been processed, you will be scheduled for an interview with USCIS or American consulate in the country where you reside. You will be given a reasonable amount of time to prepare for your immigration interview. During the interview, you\u2019ll be asked questions related to the information on your immigration form along with other details about your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend&nbsp;that you apply for the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/apply\"><strong>Green Card Lottery<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;even if you are waiting for a decision from the Immigration office. Applying for a Green Card through the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/apply\"><strong>Green Card Lottery<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;does not affect any other applications you may have filled. Importantly, it gives you another route into the country and, while it still requires an immigration form, it\u2019s less complex than other kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get in touch with US Green Card Office for help on your Green Card Lottery application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although the basic definition of a US immigration form might seem obvious, the different kinds and procedures can be a bit confusing. This is true for anyone, let alone people who have had very little experience with American immigration rules. In this article, we\u2019ll look at exactly what we mean by immigration form, some basic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-the-usa-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=163"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4988,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/163\/revisions\/4988"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}