US immigration and citizenship

U.S. immigration law provides aliens with a variety of ways to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) through employment in the United States. These employment-based (EB) “preference immigrant” categories include: This page provides specific information for aliens in the United States who want to apply for lawful permanent resident status …

Alert: On Nov. 2, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule (84 Fed. Reg. 41,292 (Aug. 14, 2019), as amended by Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds; Correction, 84 Fed. Reg. 52,357 (Oct. 2, 2019)) (Public Charge Final …

If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) based on your family relationship if you meet certain eligibility requirements. You are an immediate relative if you are: If you are a widow or widower of a U.S. …

Adjustment of status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status (also known as applying for a Green Card) when you are present in the United States. This means that you may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country …

Once you are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, there are two ways to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). If you are outside of the United States, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State …

Concurrent filing of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status is when an adjustment of status application (Form I-485) is filed prior to the approval of the underlying immigrant visa petition.  To be considered concurrently filed, the immigrant visa petition and the adjustment of status application (Form I-485) are filed at …

This page will help you understand how the U.S Department of State (DOS) allocates immigrant visas, the DOS Visa Bulletin process, and specific ways to adjust status depending on your situation. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets the number of immigrant visas the U.S. Department of State (DOS) can …

Depending on your immigration status (including lawful permanent residents) or if you have an application for an immigration benefit pending, you may need to carry different types of travel documents if you wish to return to the United States lawfully after traveling abroad. In certain cases, you should apply for …

U.S. employers must check to make sure all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin, are allowed to work in the United States. Having an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD) is one way to prove that you are allowed to work in the United States for a specific time period. …

Medical examinations and vaccinations in the United States are typically required for anyone who files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If we require you to undergo an immigration medical exam, see the myUSCIS Find a Doctor page for help finding a designated physician (also known …

ALERT: On Feb. 2, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, which revoked a May 23, 2019, presidential memorandum issued by former President Trump. Consistent with this executive order, on March 19, 2021, the …

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines a child as a person who is both unmarried and under 21 years old. If someone applies for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status as a child but turns 21 before being approved for LPR status (also known as getting a Green Card), that …

After you become a permanent resident, we mail you a welcome notice. Then we mail your new Permanent Resident Card(Green Card). If you move before you get your card, change your address online or call the USCIS Contact Center. You should also call the USCIS Contact Center if any of the following …

A conditional permanent resident receives a Green Card valid for two years. To remove the conditions on your permanent resident status, you must file a petition within the 90-day period before your conditional Green Card expires. Use our Filing Calculator to determine your 90-day filing date. You cannot renew your …

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country.  In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department …

Once you become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you maintain permanent resident status until you: Apply for and complete the naturalization process; or Lose or abandon your status. There are several ways that you can lose your status as a lawful permanent resident. Section 216 of the Immigration …

The following sections will help you learn more about replacing your Green Card. Lawful Permanent Residents If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must replace your Green Card if: Conditional Permanent Residents If you are a conditional permanent resident, you must replace your Green Card if: If you are …

Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.  Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. Immigrants have helped shape and define the …

Citizenship is a unique bond that unites people around civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions an immigrant can make. Depending on your situation, there may be different ways …

Naturalization is the way that an alien not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. For more information on determining the earliest accepted filing date for …

To be eligible for naturalization under section 319(a) of the INA, you must: For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization. For information relating to spouses of military members, see our Citizenship for Military Family Members page. For information about becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or petitioning for …

Citizenship Through U.S. Parents There are two general ways to obtain citizenship through U.S. citizen parents: at birth, and after birth but before the age of 18. Congress has enacted laws that determine how citizenship is conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) to children born outside of the …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

If USCIS approves your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, we will schedule you to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. The naturalization ceremony is the culmination of the naturalization process. As USCIS safely resumes in-person services, some naturalization ceremonies may be conducted differently than in the past. To …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.    For more information visit the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance. You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

Many community organizations and social service providers offer citizenship classes and assistance with the naturalization process. Classes are often held in the evenings and on weekends. In many cases, these programs provide additional support and referral services as well. If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but …

Learn about two new competitive funding opportunities under the Fiscal Year 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.  Since 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has been a part of a multifaceted effort to provide citizenship preparation resources, support, and information to immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations. The program has awarded more …

USCIS grant recipients have demonstrated impressive creativity and innovation to promote citizenship and immigrant integration in their local communities. These success stories feature best practices and tips to help enhance any program that provides the important work of immigrant integration undertaken by USCIS grant recipients throughout the country.  Learn about creative ways to expand …

On May 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting applications for two competitive funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. Through these two opportunities, USCIS will offer up to $10 million in competitive funding for programs that help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization and …

To help new lawful permanent residents (LPR) integrate to life in the United States, check out the links below. USCIS offers helpful information about education, child care, employment, what to do in case of an emergency, and a number of popular topics that will help new immigrants settle in the U.S. First, begin with ‘About the United States’ to …

The United States has a long history of receiving immigrants from all over the world, and local communities play an important role in welcoming and supporting them. People in the United States also have a strong tradition of volunteerism and engagement in civic life and institutions. The links below will …

The Outstanding Americans by Choice initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans. USCIS will recognize naturalized citizens who have …

The Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign promotes awareness of the rights, responsibilities, and importance of U.S. citizenship, and the free citizenship preparation resources available to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and immigrant-serving organizations. The goals are to: Invite LPRs to learn more about U.S. citizenship. Ensure that LPRs and stakeholders have …

Thank you for your interest in the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit. Until our inventory comes in, we cannot accept new registrations at this time. In the meantime, links to the publications in the toolkit are below, including civics test materials for the 2008 version of the test.  Sign up to receive …

OMB No. 1615-0120; Expires 12/31/2020 Registration is subject to review to ensure eligibility. If eligible, organizations will receive one copy of the Toolkit on a first-come, first-served basis. Resources are limited. See below for information on purchasing additional copies. Registration will be open while supplies last. PERSONAL REQUESTS BY INDIVIDUALS …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the Civics Test Beginning on April 19, 2021, USCIS is administering only the 2008 civics test to N-400 applicants at their initial interview appointment, regardless of their filing date. USCIS will no longer offer the 2020 civics test at the initial interview, but will continue to provide …