U.S. immigration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is at uscis.gov. The State Department handles visas abroad at travel.state.gov.
Start here
Visa and permit forms must be complete, correct and on time. Small errors can cause long delays or denials.
This guide covers using official sources, reading instructions, gathering documents, filing, tracking your case and finding authorized help. We are not a government agency and cannot file anything for you.
Use official sources
Get forms and information only from official government websites.
Current forms
Forms change. Download the current version and check the edition date.
Fees
Fees change too. Check the official fee schedule before paying.
Avoid look-alike sites
Some websites look official but charge extra fees. Official U.S. government sites end in .gov.
Read the instructions
Every form has instructions.
Eligibility
Confirm you are eligible for the form you are filing.
Required documents
Instructions list documents and evidence needed.
Signatures
Unsigned forms are often rejected.
Where to file
Check the correct filing address or online filing option.
Gathering documents
Documents support your application.
Identity documents
Passports, birth certificates and IDs.
Translations
Documents in other languages usually need full English translations with a translator's certification.
Copies vs. originals
Send copies unless originals are specifically required.
Photos
Follow photo requirements exactly.
Deadlines and status
Timing matters.
Expiration dates
Track expiration dates of your visa, permit and passport.
Filing before expiration
Many renewals must be filed before the current document expires.
Processing times
USCIS publishes processing times online.
Tracking your case
Stay informed.
Receipt notices
Keep receipt notices with your receipt number.
Case status online
Check status on the USCIS website with your receipt number.
Address changes
Report address changes to USCIS as required.
Work and travel permits
Some forms allow work or travel.
Work authorization
Some people need an Employment Authorization Document to work.
Travel documents
Some applicants need advance permission to travel abroad.
Step-by-step: preparing an application
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Identify the right form
Use official sources to find the correct form.
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Check eligibility
Read the eligibility section.
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Download the current form
Check the edition date.
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Read the instructions
Read them all the way through.
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Gather documents
Collect required evidence.
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Get translations
Translate foreign documents with certification.
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Fill out the form
Answer every question accurately.
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Check fees
Confirm the current fee and payment method.
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Sign the form
Sign where required.
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Make copies
Copy everything before you send it.
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File correctly
Use the correct address or online system.
Step-by-step: after you file
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Keep the receipt notice
Store it safely.
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Check case status
Look up your case on the official status page every week or two, and save a screenshot of any change.
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Attend appointments
Go to biometrics or interviews on time.
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Respond to requests
Answer requests for evidence by the deadline.
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Update your address
Report changes as required.
Sample questions for an attorney consultation
An example of questions to ask.
You: Which form fits my situation?
Attorney: Based on what you told me, this form may fit.
You: What documents will I need?
Attorney: Here is a list.
You: What are your fees?
Attorney: My fee is listed in this agreement.
You: Are you licensed, and in which state?
Sample cover letter for a filing
Use this as a starting point if instructions allow a cover letter.
[Date] [Agency address] Re: [Form number], [Your name], [Date of birth] Enclosed please find: 1. [Form number], signed 2. Filing fee payment 3. Copy of [document] 4. Copy of [document] Please contact me at [phone] or [email] with any questions. Sincerely, [Your name]
Example document tracker (illustrative)
This sample tracker uses made-up entries.
| Document | Status (example) | Expires (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid (example) | 2030 (example) |
| Visa | Valid (example) | Next year (example) |
| Work permit | Renewal filed (example) | Next month (example) |
| Translations | Done (example) | Not applicable (example) |
Example monthly budget worksheet (fill in your own numbers)
This blank-style worksheet shows one way to make room for visa and permit paperwork costs. The sample amounts are examples only; replace them with your own.
| Category | Example amount | Your amount |
|---|---|---|
| Take-home income | $3,000 (example) | $____ |
| Housing | $1,100 (example) | $____ |
| Utilities and phone | $250 (example) | $____ |
| Food | $450 (example) | $____ |
| Transportation | $300 (example) | $____ |
| Insurance | $200 (example) | $____ |
| Debt payments | $250 (example) | $____ |
| Savings for surprise costs | $150 (example) | $____ |
| Everything else | $300 (example) | $____ |
| Left over (income minus all costs) | $0 (example) | $____ |
Follow-up schedule
Use this schedule as a rough guide for staying on top of a visa and permit paperwork issue. Adjust it to any deadlines in your paperwork, which always come first.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gather your documents and write a short summary of the problem. |
| Day 1 to 3 | Contact the other side and ask for what you want, in writing. |
| About 1 week later | Follow up if you have not heard back, and note the date. |
| About 2 weeks later | Send a firmer written follow-up with a clear deadline. |
| After the deadline | Escalate to a manager, a complaint office or another outside option. |
| Ongoing | Keep every reply and update your notes after each contact. |
Helpful tips
Before filing
- Use official websites.
- Check edition dates.
- Read instructions.
- Check fees.
Filing
- Sign every form.
- Make copies.
- Use trackable mail.
- Keep receipts.
After filing
- Check case status.
- Update your address.
- Respond to requests quickly.
- Keep documents safe.
Keeping a paper trail
Good records are the single most useful tool in any visa and permit paperwork problem. They turn "he said, she said" into facts you can point to.
Use one folder
Keep a paper folder or one digital folder for this issue only. Put every bill, letter, receipt and screenshot in it, named with the date first so it sorts in order.
Write things down the same day
After every phone call, write the date, time, the person's name, what they said and what happens next. Notes made the same day are much more believable than memories weeks later.
Prefer writing over talking
When something important is agreed on the phone, send a short email that says "To confirm our call today..." and repeat the key points. That creates a record the other side can correct if they disagree.
Take photos and screenshots
Photos show condition and dates. Screenshots capture web pages, prices and account screens that may change later.
How to write a clear complaint
If you need to complain about a visa and permit paperwork issue, a short, calm, specific message gets better results than a long angry one.
- Say who you are and give any account, order or reference number.
- Describe what happened in a few sentences, with dates.
- Say exactly what you want: a refund, a repair, a correction or an explanation.
- Give a reasonable deadline, such as 10 or 14 days.
- List what you attached, and send copies, never your originals.
Read it once more before you send it. Remove anything insulting, and keep a copy of what you sent and when.
Where to escalate if you get nowhere
If the business or person does not fix the problem, there are usually outside places to turn. Which one fits depends on the issue and where you live.
Your state attorney general or consumer protection office
Most states take consumer complaints online. They may contact the business for you, and complaints help them spot patterns.
Federal agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) handles complaints about banks, credit cards, loans and debt collectors. The Federal Trade Commission takes fraud and scam reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Licensing boards
Many trades and professions are licensed by the state. A licensing board can look into complaints about a licensed business.
Small claims court
For smaller money disputes, small claims court is built for people without lawyers. Dollar limits and filing fees differ by state, so check your local court's website.
Your card issuer
If you paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute a charge for goods or services you did not receive as agreed. Contact your issuer quickly, because there are time limits.
Staying calm and organized
Money and paperwork problems are stressful. A simple routine makes them feel smaller.
- Set one short time each week to work on it, instead of worrying about it every day.
- Do the hardest call first, while you have the most energy.
- Write down your next single step before you stop for the day.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to read important letters before you send them.
- Celebrate small wins, like getting a reference number or a written answer.
Call log template
Copy this into a notebook or a notes app and fill in one block for every call about your visa and permit paperwork issue.
Date and time
Write the date and the start time of the call, and how long you were on hold if it was long.
Who you spoke with
Get a first name, a department and, if they have one, an employee or agent ID.
What was said
Summarize what you asked for and what they told you, in your own words.
Reference number and next step
Ask for a reference or ticket number every time, and write down who is doing what next and by when.
Protecting yourself from scams
Scammers often target people who are already dealing with a stressful visa and permit paperwork problem. A few habits protect you.
Slow down
Scammers push urgency, saying you must act today or lose out. A real business will give you time to read and think.
Check who you are dealing with
Look up the business's phone number and website yourself instead of using a number from a text, email or pop-up. Call that number to confirm.
Watch how they want to be paid
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps to strangers or cryptocurrency are strong warning signs. These are hard or impossible to get back.
Guard your personal information
Do not give your Social Security number, bank login or one-time passcodes to anyone who contacted you first. Real companies do not ask for your passcodes.
Report it
If you think you were targeted, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If money was taken, call your bank or card issuer right away.
Free and low-cost help
You do not have to figure out a visa and permit paperwork problem alone. Many sources of help cost little or nothing.
211
Call or text 211, or visit 211.org, to find local help with bills, food, housing and other needs in many parts of the country.
Legal aid
Legal aid organizations give free legal help to people with lower incomes. Search for legal aid plus your state, or visit LawHelp.org.
Public libraries
Librarians can help you find forms, print documents, use computers and locate local services.
Nonprofit credit counseling
Nonprofit credit counselors can help you make a budget and look at your options. Look for agencies affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and ask about fees up front.
Government websites
Official sites end in .gov. They offer free forms and guides, so be cautious of sites that charge for things the government gives away.
Reading the fine print
Contracts and terms for visa and permit paperwork matters often hide important details in small type. These are the parts worth slowing down for.
Automatic renewal
Look for words like "renews automatically" or "continuous service." Note the renewal date and exactly how to cancel.
Fees and penalties
Search the document for "fee," "charge" and "penalty." Late fees, cancellation fees and processing fees add up.
Cancellation terms
Find how much notice you must give, how you must give it and whether any money is refundable.
Arbitration clauses
Some contracts say disputes must go to private arbitration instead of court, and may limit group lawsuits. Know whether yours does before you sign.
Changes to terms
Some agreements let the company change terms with notice. Check how they will notify you.
Signatures and blanks
Never sign a document with blank spaces. Draw a line through empty spaces or write "N/A," and get a copy of what you signed.
Questions to ask yourself first
Before you act on a visa and permit paperwork problem, a few minutes of thinking helps you choose the right path.
What outcome do I want?
Decide whether you want money back, a repair, a correction, more time or just an answer. A clear goal makes every message shorter and stronger.
What is my deadline?
Look for dates in your paperwork, such as due dates, response windows or warranty end dates. Deadlines decide what you must do first.
What proof do I have?
List the documents, photos and messages that support your side. If something is missing, ask for copies now.
What is it worth to me?
Weigh the money involved against the time and stress. Sometimes a quick partial fix is worth more than a long fight.
Who can help?
Think about who you could ask for advice, from a knowledgeable friend to a free local help program.
Visa and permit checklist
Use this list.
- ☐ Correct form identified
- ☐ Eligibility confirmed
- ☐ Current form downloaded
- ☐ Instructions read
- ☐ Documents gathered
- ☐ Translations done
- ☐ Fee confirmed
- ☐ Form signed
- ☐ Copies made
- ☐ Receipt notice saved
Questions to ask before you agree to anything
Asking these questions before you sign or pay can prevent most visa and permit paperwork surprises.
- ☐ What exactly is included in the price?
- ☐ What is not included, and what could make the price go up?
- ☐ Can I have that in writing?
- ☐ What happens if I cancel or change my mind?
- ☐ Is there a warranty or guarantee, and what does it cover?
- ☐ Who do I contact if there is a problem later?
- ☐ When is payment due, and what payment methods are accepted?
- ☐ Are there any fees for paying late or paying early?
- ☐ How long will this take?
- ☐ Can I take a day to think it over?
Documents to keep
Keep these safe.
| Document | Why it matters | How long to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Copies of filings | Show what you filed | Permanently |
| Receipt notices | Track cases | Permanently |
| Approval notices | Prove status | Permanently |
| Passports | Identity and travel | Permanently |
| Translations | Support documents | Permanently |
Red flags
Be careful.
- Notarios offering legal advice.
- Websites charging for free forms.
- Guarantees of approval.
- Requests to lie on forms.
- Calls claiming to be immigration officers demanding payment.
When to get professional help
Get help in these cases.
- You have a past denial.
- You have a criminal record.
- You received a request for evidence.
- You face removal proceedings.
- USCIS
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Receipt notice
- Confirmation that a filing was received.
- Edition date
- Form version date.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints and photos.
- Request for evidence
- A request for more documents.
- EAD
- Employment Authorization Document.
- Accredited representative
- DOJ-authorized helper at a recognized organization.
- Notario fraud
- Unauthorized immigration legal advice.
- Certified translation
- Translation with translator's certification.
- Processing time
- How long a case takes.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get forms?
From official websites like uscis.gov.
Are forms free?
Forms are free from official sites; filing fees may apply.
Can a notary help?
A notary cannot give immigration legal advice.
How do I check my case?
Use your receipt number online.
What if I move?
Report your address change.
Do I need translations?
Foreign documents usually need certified translations.
What if I miss a deadline?
Get help quickly.
Can I travel while my case is pending?
Some cases require permission. Get advice first.
What is biometrics?
Fingerprints and photos.
How long do cases take?
Check processing times online.
Who can give legal advice?
Attorneys and accredited representatives.
What is a request for evidence?
A request for more documents.
Careful, complete paperwork is the fastest path through the process.