Popular USCIS Forms

Popular USCIS Forms

A variety of USCIS immigration forms are available for people seeking permanent residence in the United States and for the people who wish to enter the United States temporarily. Among hundreds of USCIS forms, there are few forms that are very popular. Forms such as Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status are certain forms that are commonly filed.

Form I-90 - Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

USCIS Form I-90, is generally known as the Green Card renewal form. This form is more common and popular among the Green Card holders because all the holders of this card must use Form I-90 to renew their expiring Green Cards. Immigrants who are granted lawful status in the United States are issued Green Cards to establish the legal status of the holder in America. These Green Cards or permanent resident cards are not valid for a lifetime and those cards expire every ten years. Hence the lawful permanent residents, to establish their status in America must always hold a valid Green Card and they must apply for Green Card renewal before the card could expire. Though their lawful permanent resident status in America does not cease on the expiration of their Green Cards, the immigrants are required by the US immigration laws to hold a valid Green Card. Hence the permanent residents must apply for renewal before six months from the date of expiration of their Green Cards.

Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Non US citizens who are in America on some other non-immigrant status may use this USCIS form to change their status to permanent resident status. They may become lawful permanent residents through adjustment of status, if they are sponsored by their US citizen family members or if they are offered jobs by US employers. Besides, some people become Green Card holders by holding asylum or refugee status and they may file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident status, one year after being granted asylum or refugee status. Applicants in the United States on some other status, may file Form I-485 after an immigrant visa become available in their particular category.

Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization

A non US citizen may become a US citizen through naturalization for which Form N-400 must be filed with the USCIS. A non-American citizen above age 18, who is a lawful permanent resident in the United States for five years and more, may be eligible for US citizenship through naturalization, on meeting the eligibility requirements for naturalization. Though the United States grants certain rights to lawful permanent residents, certain citizenship rights such as the right to vote are granted only to US citizens. Hence by becoming a US citizen, a foreign national will be granted the rights as that of a native US citizen. A foreign citizen who is married to a US citizen, may become a US citizen on holding a valid Green Card for 3 years and more.

What Is The Best Way To Get A Green Card Renewal Online?

Green card renewal involves the filing of Form I-90 either through mail or online. The Online process of Green Card Renewal is known as Electronic filing and it involves the following three steps

Step 1:Going to the E-filing Log in Page on the USCIS website. After logging in, the applicant should file in the I-90, after which a checklist of all the required supporting evidence will be provided to him/her.

Step 2:Mailing the documentations to the Nebraska Service Center. One important thing to be noted here is that until and unless the applicants send in their documents, their green card renewal application will not be processed.

Step 3: Receiving an appointment to appear for the biometrics test. The applicant should go to the biometrics test along with the following

• Biometrics appointment notice
• Photo Identification – Passport, Driver’s License, Military Photo Identification or Identification card issued by the State

Who is eligible to go in for E-filing of Green Card Renewal Application?
Green Card holders who fall under any of the below mentioned situations can go in for the E-filing

• Having a Green Card that is about to expire within the next six months or has already expired or an older version
• Replacing a lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed card
• Going in for an update due to a name change or biographic data change.
• Having taken up commuter status
• Taking up actual residence in the US after being commuter for so long.
• Automatic conversion of status to that of a permanent resident

Filing Fee for E-filing of I-90
The total filing fee for the submitting the green card renewal application online is $ 450 - $ 365 is the application processing fee and $85 is the biometric fee
How to make changes in the E- filed application?
In case the applicant has an address change to be made on the E-filed I-90, then he/she can access the ‘Change of Address’ tab on the USCIS website and follow the instructions given. Applicants who are going in for a Green Card renewal due to changes in name or biographic data need to bring along a copy of the document with their changed name (marriage certificate) and proof to establish that the new data is correct respectively. The USCIS advises the applicants to bring in their proof to support any information change in person while coming to the Application Support Center. Written Correspondence will not be accepted by the USCIS.

Make a note of the following while going in for E-filing

The application should not be submitted more than once as the fee will be debited from the applicant’s bank account for every submission. Receiving a Confirmation receipt number is an indication that the application has been successfully submitted. Before clicking the ‘Finish’ tab, the applicant should note down the receipt number. An electronic PDF copy of the green card renewal application and the confirmation receipt number will be automatically generated at the end of the application process. It is advisable to take copies of this and save it for future reference.
                                                 
How to withdraw the I-90?

A written request should be sent to the Nebraska Service Center if an applicant wants to withdraw or cancel the Green Card renewal Application. No refunds or return of the filing fee will be done.

Who cannot go in for E-filing of green card renewal application?

Persons who are conditional residents; who live outside the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; who are applying for a fee waiver cannot use this option. When applicants are filing in I-90 due to the reason that they never received the issued Green Card or the issued card was with incorrect data due to the USCIS error, mailing the application is the only available option. Similarly individuals who are filing in I-90 to renew their card within 30 days of becoming a 14 yr. old and the existing green card will/will not expire, they need to file in a paper I-90 form.

Steps To Become a Naturalized Citizen

Naturalization is the process of becoming a US citizen purely on a voluntary basis when that person is not born in the US. It is by far the easiest way for those, who do not have the birthright citizenship or who cannot acquire it from their parents. For example, if an immigrant from the Philippines wants to become a US citizen, then he/she should use the form N-400 to become a naturalized citizen. Filing this application alone will not make you a US citizen. There are so many ‘must know facts’ before going on to the naturalization process.

How to become a naturalized citizen?

Not everybody who immigrates to the US wants to become its citizen. They are quite content and happy with the privileges offered by the green card, that they do not want to spend money or time on the citizenship application process. At times, the thought of becoming a US citizen fascinates a part of the immigrant community who would cherish the title and a US passport (which is possible only by becoming a US citizen). Many questions pop up on your minds, when you think of the naturalization process. Getting a clear idea of the process is half the job done.

Q: Am I eligible to become a naturalized citizen?

The most basic requirement for this is you should be 18 yrs of age or above. In addition to this, you need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria.

• Establish 5 yrs as a permanent resident of the US, 3 yrs in the case of conditional residents – This is referred to as the ‘continuous residence criteria’
• Accumulate at least 30 months of permanent residence in the US, 18 months in the case of conditional residents – This is the ‘physical presence’ criteria
• Be a resident of the address that you are filling in on the form for 3 months, prior to the submission
• Possess good moral values
• Have sufficient knowledge about the ancient history and the constitution of the country as you will be required to clear a Citizenship test and interview

If your status confirms with all the above mentioned, then you can go ahead with the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.

Q: What if I want to go to my native country for a short visit? Will it break my continuous residence?

When you undertake trips out of the US that are less than six months, you do not have to worry about it becoming an issue. But if they are between 6-12 months, then your continuous residence will be deemed to be broken unless you can prove otherwise to the USCIS (it is really difficult!). So it is better to cut short your trips if you so badly want to become a naturalized citizen without any problems.

Q: What if I conceal information about my criminal history or charges that were filed on me on the application?

USCIS is not happy with untruthful applicants who try to conceal their shady past and act like a good person. What you should know is that how much ever clever you may be in concealing these facts, the FBI will dig out everything during their routine name check (part of the naturalization process).

These are some of the most common queries that may trouble you during the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.

What next after filing in N-400?

Once you are clear with all those that are troubling your mind, proceed with the submission of the application (N-400). This should be accompanied by 2 passport size photographs, documents for proof and the filing fee. When the application is approved by the USCIS, you will be asked to appear for a biometrics test. When this is cleared by the FBI, you will be scheduled the citizenship test and interview. Some may get through this easily and may become a naturalized citizen at the end of it.  But there is the other side of it where you have to wait to receive a date for the oath ceremony so that you can become a naturalized citizen finally. Taking the Oath of allegiance and returning the green card marks the end of the naturalization process.

Steps To Become a Naturalized Citizen

Naturalization is the process of becoming a US citizen purely on a voluntary basis when that person is not born in the US. It is by far the easiest way for those, who do not have the birthright citizenship or who cannot acquire it from their parents. For example, if an immigrant from the Philippines wants to become a US citizen, then he/she should use the form N-400 to become a naturalized citizen. Filing this application alone will not make you a US citizen. There are so many ‘must know facts’ before going on to the naturalization process.

How to become a naturalized citizen?

Not everybody who immigrates to the US wants to become its citizen. They are quite content and happy with the privileges offered by the green card, that they do not want to spend money or time on the citizenship application process. At times, the thought of becoming a US citizen fascinates a part of the immigrant community who would cherish the title and a US passport (which is possible only by becoming a US citizen). Many questions pop up on your minds, when you think of the naturalization process. Getting a clear idea of the process is half the job done.

Q: Am I eligible to become a naturalized citizen?

The most basic requirement for this is you should be 18 yrs of age or above. In addition to this, you need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria.

• Establish 5 yrs as a permanent resident of the US, 3 yrs in the case of conditional residents – This is referred to as the ‘continuous residence criteria’
• Accumulate at least 30 months of permanent residence in the US, 18 months in the case of conditional residents – This is the ‘physical presence’ criteria
• Be a resident of the address that you are filling in on the form for 3 months, prior to the submission
• Possess good moral values
• Have sufficient knowledge about the ancient history and the constitution of the country as you will be required to clear a Citizenship test and interview

If your status confirms with all the above mentioned, then you can go ahead with the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.

Q: What if I want to go to my native country for a short visit? Will it break my continuous residence?

When you undertake trips out of the US that are less than six months, you do not have to worry about it becoming an issue. But if they are between 6-12 months, then your continuous residence will be deemed to be broken unless you can prove otherwise to the USCIS (it is really difficult!). So it is better to cut short your trips if you so badly want to become a naturalized citizen without any problems.

Q: What if I conceal information about my criminal history or charges that were filed on me on the application?

USCIS is not happy with untruthful applicants who try to conceal their shady past and act like a good person. What you should know is that how much ever clever you may be in concealing these facts, the FBI will dig out everything during their routine name check (part of the naturalization process).

These are some of the most common queries that may trouble you during the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.

What next after filing in N-400?

Once you are clear with all those that are troubling your mind, proceed with the submission of the application (N-400). This should be accompanied by 2 passport size photographs, documents for proof and the filing fee. When the application is approved by the USCIS, you will be asked to appear for a biometrics test. When this is cleared by the FBI, you will be scheduled the citizenship test and interview. Some may get through this easily and may become a naturalized citizen at the end of it.  But there is the other side of it where you have to wait to receive a date for the oath ceremony so that you can become a naturalized citizen finally. Taking the Oath of allegiance and returning the green card marks the end of the naturalization process.

U.S.Citizenship – What Forms Should I File?

The United States government recognizes three possible ways in which individuals can become U.S. citizens:

• Being born in the United States (Right of Birth)
• Being born outside of the United States to a parent or parents who hold U.S. Citizenship (Right of Blood)
• Meeting the citizenship eligibility requirements set by the government (Naturalization)

Any child born in the United States is automatically granted U.S. citizenship regardless of the nationality of his or her parents, and children born abroad to American citizens automatically acquire citizenship through their parents.

If a person is born abroad to parents who are not U.S. citizens, he or she may obtain U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization, as long as the eligibility requirements for naturalization are satisfied.

If you have been born abroad, you can either apply for citizenship through naturalization (if you have been born to parents who are not U.S. citizens) or claim citizenship through your parents (if you have been born to parents who are U.S. citizens). Both methods require you to submit the appropriate form with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Applying for Citizenship by Filing a Form N400 (born abroad, to non-U.S. parents):

Individuals who have been born abroad to parents who are not U.S. citizens may obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalization by filing an application for naturalization form N400. You may use this form if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You are at least 18 years of age, with a physical presence in the United States.
• You are a permanent resident of the United States who has maintained a continuous U.S. residence for at least five years.

• You have remained within your USCIS district or state for the required amount of time, and you possess good moral character.

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, then you only need to have maintained your U.S. residence for at least three years, but you also must be living with your spouse.

Applying for Citizenship by Filing a Form N600 (born abroad, to U.S. parents):

Individuals who are claiming U.S. citizenship by being born to parents who are U.S. citizens must file the application for certificate of citizenship form N600. You may use this form if you meet the following criteria:

• At least one of your parents is a U.S. citizen, whether by birth or by naturalization.
• Your parent, who is a U.S. citizen, must have physically resided in the United States for a minimum of five years.
• You were born to a U.S. citizen parent outside of the United States, and you have fulfilled the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen prior to your 18th birthday.

If you are disabled, an immediate relative or legal guardian may file Form N600 for you.

In the case of minor adopted or biological children under 18 years of age qualifying for citizenship under section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the application must be filed by the U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian with legal and physical custody.

Form I-130 USCIS Filing Location Changes

On 12.29.11, In Immigration Direct Blog, By Immigration Direct

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that there will be a change in the filing location of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative from January 1, 2012. Persons filing the stand-alone form I-130 should mail their applications to either the Chicago or Phoenix Lockbox facility depending on their place of residence in the U.S.

USCIS will update the details of the states and corresponding filing addresses on their website on January 1, 2012. People filing Form I-130 on or after that date are requested to mail their applications to the appropriate Lockbox in order to avoid delays in processing. Applicants who have any doubts or questions may contact USCIS’ Customer Service Center.

There is no change in the filing location for persons who are filing Form I-130 along with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Such applicants should continue sending their applications to the Chicago Lockbox facility.

Persons filing the petition from abroad may continue to send their applications to the Chicago Lockbox address if they are filing from a country which does not have a USCIS office. Persons filing from countries that have a USCIS office may file their petitions at the USCIS office having jurisdiction over their country of residence or may mail them to the Chicago Lockbox.

Only till the end of 2011 petitioners can send their applications to the Chicago address. Their petitions will be forwarded to and adjudicated at the appropriate USCIS Service Center.