Step-by-Step Immigration Guides
How to Use These Guides
Each guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of major immigration processes. Follow the steps in order, gather required documents, and understand typical timelines for each stage.
Important: These guides are for general education. Your specific case may have unique requirements. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex situations.
Family Immigration Process
Complete Family-Based Immigration Process (I-130 to Green Card)
Determine Eligibility and Relationship
Confirm that you qualify to petition for your relative and that they qualify to receive a green card
Required Documents:
- •Evidence of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- •Evidence of qualifying relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
- •Any previous immigration documents
File Form I-130 Petition
Complete and submit the petition for alien relative with USCIS
Required Documents:
- •Form I-130 (completed and signed)
- •Filing fee ($535)
- •Two passport-style photos of beneficiary
- •Supporting relationship evidence
Wait for USCIS Decision
USCIS reviews your petition and makes a decision
Required Documents:
- •Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE)
- •Maintain current address with USCIS
- •Keep copies of all correspondence
Priority Date and Visa Availability
For preference categories, wait until priority date is current; immediate relatives proceed directly
Required Documents:
- •Monitor monthly Visa Bulletin
- •Maintain beneficiary's legal status if in U.S.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Apply for green card through USCIS (if in U.S.) or U.S. consulate (if outside U.S.)
Required Documents:
- •Form I-485 (adjustment) or DS-260 (consular)
- •Medical examination report
- •Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- •Financial and background documents
Family Immigration Key Points
- • Immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents) have no waiting period
- • Family preference categories may have multi-year waiting periods
- • Petitioner must meet income requirements (125% of poverty level)
- • Both petitioner and beneficiary must be admissible to U.S.
- • Medical exam and interview required for adjustment/consular processing
- • Check monthly Visa Bulletin for priority date movement
Adjustment of Status Process
Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident (Form I-485)
Confirm Eligibility
Verify you're eligible to adjust status and have an immigrant visa immediately available
Required Documents:
- •Approved I-130 or I-140 petition
- •Current priority date (if applicable)
- •Evidence of lawful entry to U.S.
Complete Medical Examination
Schedule and complete medical exam with USCIS-approved civil surgeon
Required Documents:
- •Form I-693 (completed by civil surgeon)
- •Vaccination records
- •Valid identification for appointment
File Form I-485 Package
Submit adjustment of status application with all supporting documents
Required Documents:
- •Form I-485 (completed and signed)
- •Filing fee ($1,440 including biometrics)
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Form I-693 (sealed by civil surgeon)
- •Copy of approved petition
- •Birth certificate with translation
- •Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (if required)
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Complete fingerprinting and background check process
Required Documents:
- •Biometrics appointment notice
- •Valid photo identification
- •Appointment confirmation
Respond to Any Requests
Provide additional evidence if requested by USCIS
Required Documents:
- •Any additional documents requested in RFE
- •Cover letter explaining provided evidence
Attend Interview (if required)
Complete adjustment of status interview with USCIS officer
Required Documents:
- •All original documents
- •Interview appointment notice
- •Updated financial evidence
- •Any requested additional documents
Adjustment of Status Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Lawful entry to the United States
- Immigrant visa immediately available (current priority date)
- Admissible to the United States
- No immigration violations that bar adjustment
Naturalization Process
Becoming a U.S. Citizen through Naturalization (Form N-400)
Confirm Eligibility Requirements
Verify you meet residency, physical presence, and good moral character requirements
Required Documents:
- •Green card (front and back copies)
- •Tax returns for required years
- •Travel records outside U.S.
Complete Form N-400
Fill out the naturalization application accurately and completely
Required Documents:
- •Form N-400 (completed)
- •Filing fee ($640) and biometrics fee ($85)
- •Two passport-style photos
Submit Application Package
File N-400 with USCIS along with all required supporting documents
Required Documents:
- •Completed N-400 form
- •Copy of green card
- •Copies of tax returns (usually 5 years)
- •Any required supporting documents for your situation
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Complete fingerprinting for background check
Required Documents:
- •Biometrics appointment notice
- •Valid photo identification
Complete Naturalization Interview
Meet with USCIS officer for eligibility review and civics/English testing
Required Documents:
- •Interview appointment notice
- •All original documents
- •Any additional evidence requested
Take Oath of Allegiance
Attend oath ceremony to complete the naturalization process
Required Documents:
- •Oath ceremony notice
- •Green card (to surrender)
- •Any requested documentation
Residency Requirements
- • 5 years as permanent resident (or 3 if married to U.S. citizen)
- • Physical presence in U.S. for 30 months (or 18 months)
- • Continuous residence (no trips over 6 months)
- • Residence in state/district for 3 months before filing
Test Requirements
- • English test (speaking, reading, writing)
- • Civics test (U.S. history and government)
- • Study materials available on USCIS website
- • Some applicants may qualify for exemptions
H-1B Work Visa Process
H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker Process
Employer Files Labor Condition Application (H-1B)
Employer obtains certified LCA from Department of Labor
Required Documents:
- •Form ETA-9035/9035E
- •Job posting evidence
- •Prevailing wage determination
Employer Files I-129 Petition
Employer submits petition for nonimmigrant worker to USCIS
Required Documents:
- •Form I-129 with H-1B supplement
- •Certified LCA
- •Educational credentials evaluation
- •Job offer letter and employer evidence
H-1B Lottery (if cap subject)
USCIS conducts random selection if applications exceed annual cap
Required Documents:
- •No action required from applicant
- •Wait for lottery results
USCIS Processing
Selected petitions undergo adjudication by USCIS
Required Documents:
- •Response to any RFEs
- •Additional supporting evidence if requested
Visa Application (if outside U.S.)
Apply for H-1B visa at U.S. consulate if currently outside the United States
Required Documents:
- •Form DS-160
- •Approved I-129 petition
- •Passport and photos
- •Supporting documents for interview
H-1B Important Dates and Limitations
Key Dates:
- • March 1: Registration opens
- • March 7-24: Registration period
- • April 1: Petition filing begins (if selected)
- • October 1: Employment start date
Annual Limits:
- • 65,000 general cap
- • 20,000 advanced degree cap
- • Universities and nonprofits exempt
- • Chile/Singapore have separate allocation
Document Checklists
Family-Based Green Card - Document Checklist
Employment-Based Green Card - Document Checklist
Naturalization (N-400) - Document Checklist
Preparation Tips
Document Organization
- Create a checklist for each required document
- Make multiple copies of original documents
- Get certified translations for foreign documents
- Organize documents chronologically or by category
- Use a document tracking spreadsheet
Timeline Planning
- Start document collection 2-3 months before filing
- Account for processing delays in your planning
- Renew expiring documents before they expire
- Plan travel around application deadlines
- Budget for all fees and unexpected costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use outdated form versions
- Ensure all signatures and dates are current
- Double-check all information for accuracy
- Include all required supporting evidence
- Pay correct filing fees (fees change periodically)
Additional Resources
Forms and Filing
Self-Assessment Tools
Important Legal Disclaimer
These guides are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
• Immigration law is complex and changes frequently
• Your specific situation may have unique requirements or complications
• Processing procedures and requirements can vary by USCIS office
• Always verify current requirements with official government sources
• Consider consulting with a qualified immigration attorney for your case