USCIS publishes its forms and instructions free of charge. Always begin with the current page for the exact form because editions, fees, filing methods, and filing locations can change.
What USCIS handles
USCIS administers many immigration-benefit processes, including naturalization, Green Card renewal and replacement, family and employment petitions, employment authorization, humanitarian requests, and changes of address for people with covered USCIS matters. The correct agency and form depend on the benefit and the person’s circumstances.
What USCIS does not handle
- The Department of State issues visas at U.S. embassies and consulates and issues U.S. passports.
- Customs and Border Protection decides inspection and admission at ports of entry.
- Immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals are within the Department of Justice, not USCIS.
- USCIS does not provide personal legal advice or choose an immigration category for a person.
Use the form’s official page before filing
Open the USCIS page for the exact form and review the accepted edition, instructions, filing fee, eligibility for online filing, evidence, signatures, and filing location. Do not rely on an old downloaded form, an OMB expiration date alone, or a third-party address.
Manage a pending case
Keep the receipt notice and use its receipt number in the official case-status tool. A USCIS online account may show history, notices, and secure messages for eligible cases. Check the form and office in the official processing-times tool; an estimate is not a promised decision date. Report an address change through the official USCIS route when required.
Offices and appointments
Use the USCIS office locator for field offices, asylum offices, application support centers, and international offices. Service centers do not provide walk-in service. Follow the appointment notice and current office instructions rather than mailing a filing to a local office unless the form instructions specifically direct it there.
Getting appropriate help
Only an attorney authorized to practice law or a Department of Justice–accredited representative may provide immigration legal advice. USCIS warns against notarios and other unauthorized practitioners. Verify a representative before sharing records or paying for legal services.