Immigration Forms & Documents
Important Form Filing Information
Before Filing Any Form:
- • Check USCIS website for most current form version
- • Review current filing fees (fees change periodically)
- • Gather all required supporting documents
- • Make copies of everything for your records
- • Use certified mail or delivery confirmation
Fee Payment Options:
- • Personal check or money order
- • Cashier's check made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- • Credit card (for online filings)
- • Fee waiver available for certain forms if you qualify
Family-Based Immigration Forms
I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
Used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for qualifying family members
Fee: $535
8-33 months
Filing Method:
Online or Mail
Required For:
- •Immediate relatives
- •Family preference categories
Required Documents:
- •Evidence of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- •Evidence of qualifying relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
- •Completed Form I-130
- •Filing fee payment
I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Apply for a green card while in the United States
Fee: $1,440 (includes biometrics)
8-24 months
Filing Method:
Mail only
Required For:
- •Adjustment of status from nonimmigrant to permanent resident
Required Documents:
- •Form I-485 with all required evidence
- •Medical examination (Form I-693)
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Copy of birth certificate with certified translation
I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Financial support commitment required for most family-based and some employment-based cases
Fee: No fee
Submitted with other forms
Filing Method:
Mail with primary petition
Required For:
- •Family-based green card applications
- •Some employment-based cases
Required Documents:
- •IRS tax transcripts or tax returns for most recent year
- •Form W-2 or 1099 forms
- •Letter of employment on letterhead
- •Bank statements and other financial evidence
Employment-Based Forms
I-129 - Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
Used by employers to petition for temporary workers in various categories
Fee: $460 + $500 (fraud fee for H-1B)
2-8 months
Filing Method:
Mail only
Required For:
- •H-1B
- •L-1
- •O-1
- •TN
- •Other temporary work visas
Required Documents:
- •Labor Condition Application (LCA) for H-1B
- •Supporting letter explaining the petition
- •Evidence of beneficiary's qualifications
- •Evidence of employer's business
I-140 - Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Petition for employment-based permanent residence
Fee: $700 + $2,805 (premium processing, optional)
4-12 months
Filing Method:
Online or Mail
Required For:
- •EB-1
- •EB-2
- •EB-3
- •EB-4
- •EB-5
Required Documents:
- •Approved PERM labor certification (if required)
- •Evidence of beneficiary's qualifications
- •Job offer documentation
- •Company financial documents
I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization Document
Apply for work authorization in the United States
Fee: $410
3-5 months
Filing Method:
Online or Mail
Required For:
- •F-1 OPT
- •H-4 dependent spouses
- •Asylum applicants
- •Adjustment applicants
Required Documents:
- •Copy of I-20 (for F-1 students)
- •Copy of I-94 arrival record
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Supporting evidence based on category
Citizenship & Naturalization Forms
N-400 - Application for Naturalization
Apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization
Fee: $640 + $85 (biometrics)
8-24 months
Filing Method:
Online or Mail
Required For:
- •Naturalization eligibility after 5 years (or 3 years if married to USC)
Required Documents:
- •Copy of permanent resident card (front and back)
- •Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Tax returns and IRS transcripts for required years
- •Evidence of English and civics knowledge
N-600 - Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Apply for certificate of citizenship acquired at birth or through parents
Fee: $1,170
9-18 months
Filing Method:
Mail only
Required For:
- •Derivative citizenship
- •Citizenship acquired at birth abroad
Required Documents:
- •Evidence of parent's U.S. citizenship
- •Evidence of relationship to U.S. citizen parent
- •Evidence of parent's physical presence in the U.S.
- •Birth certificate with certified translation
Other Important Forms
I-131
Travel Documents
$575
Application for Travel Document
Apply for re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole
Download Form(opens in new tab)I-751
Conditional Residence
$595 + $85 (biometrics)
Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
Remove conditions on permanent residence obtained through marriage
Download Form(opens in new tab)I-90
Green Card Replacement
$455 + $85 (biometrics)
Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Replace lost, stolen, expired, or incorrect green card
Download Form(opens in new tab)AR-11
Address Change
No fee
Alien's Change of Address Card
Report change of address (required within 10 days of moving)
Download Form(opens in new tab)Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees
Fee Waiver Eligibility
You may qualify for a fee waiver if you:
- • Receive means-tested benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
- • Have household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- • Experience financial hardship preventing payment
Reduced Fee Options
Some forms have reduced fees available:
- • Form N-400: $320 (reduced from $640) if income at or below 200% of poverty guidelines
- • Form I-485: Reduced fees for certain categories
- • Some forms have no fee for asylum applicants
Important Filing Reminders
Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid:
- • Using outdated form versions
- • Incomplete or incorrect information
- • Missing required signatures
- • Insufficient filing fees
- • Missing supporting documentation
- • Incorrect filing address
After Filing:
- • Save receipt notice for case tracking
- • Check case status online regularly
- • Respond promptly to any requests for evidence
- • Keep address current with USCIS
- • Attend all scheduled appointments
- • Consult attorney if case is denied