Archive for February, 2010
Which Immigration Form Do I Need?
There are many US immigration forms available through USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). If you are making an immigration request, make sure that you use the correct USCIS form. Keep in mind that while INS forms are available online and through some services, the INS has been inactive since 2003 and all INS forms are invalid. Some of the more common immigration forms you may need include:
1) A Change of Address form. Also known as AR-11, this form lets you contact the USCIS about any change in address. This is important so that you can be advised of the status of your applications. This card costs nothing to file.
2) Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of an Immigration Officer. Also known as EOIR-29, this form allows you to appeal a previous decision made on your behalf. This form costs $110 to file.
3) E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. Also known as G-1145, this is the form you would fill out if you wanted to be notified electronically of the status of your application. This form costs nothing to file.
4) Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. Also known as G-28, this form allows an attorney or other representative to appear on your behalf before USCIS. This form costs nothing to file. If your matter is to be decided outside the US, you will need the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States (form G-28I).
5) Petition for Alien Fiance(e). Also known as I-129F, this form allows you to request that a finance be admitted to the US for the purpose of marriage. This form requires a $455 fee.
6) Application for Travel Document. Also known as form I-131, this form allows you to apply for a reentry permit, travel documentation to leave or reenter the country, a refugee travel document, and advance parole. This form requires a $305 fee.
7) Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile. Also known as form I-191, this immigration form requests reentry into the US after spending time outside the country. This form requires a $545 fee. If you have been deported or removed from the United States, you may need to fill out the Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (form I-212).
Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant. Also known as form I-192, this form allows you to temporarily enter the US if you do not qualify to enter with another status. The filing of this US immigration form costs $545.
9) Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Also known as form I-485, this is an application to change your status to that of permanent resident. The filing fee is $1,010.
There may be another US citizenship form which meets your needs. Check the USCIS website or contact a USCIS office to find out which forms you need for your situation.
How to Fill Out US Immigration Forms Correctly
If you want to receive services from USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), you will likely need to file US immigration forms. These forms allow USCIS or other agencies to evaluate your application and process your request correctly. It can be frustrating to deal with one immigration form after another, but the immigration form helps you. Forms allow you to state your case for a green card, citizenship, or other request in a clear, orderly, and accepted fashion. These forms allow you to list all the reasons why you should receive a requested service. These forms are also designed to help the USCIS process millions of requests each year with minimal delays, so that you can get a response on your application sooner.
Filling out US immigration forms correctly is crucial. Even small mistakes or oversights can mean a rejected of delayed application. No matter what immigration form you need to fill out, there are a few steps you must follow:
1) Get the right forms. Always make sure that you get the right form and the latest version of a form you need. The USCIS and trusted web sites can help you find very useful information about US immigration and immigration forms, but make sure you have the right form and the right version. Some websites and “immigration services” offer old INS forms, even though the INS (United States Immigration and Naturalization Service) ceased to exist in 2003.
2) Use the Internet wisely. The Internet can be a great source of information, support, and guidance to those applying for US immigration, but it can also be the source of much inaccurate information. Always double-check the information and forms you find online. You want to ensure that you are getting accurate, up-to-date information about the latest USCIS forms – not old INS forms.
3) Check your forms for any possible errors, omissions, or differences. Make sure that your name is spelled the same way and used in the same manner, for example, on all US immigration forms. Use the same address, signature, and so forth and make sure that all forms are filled out to the best of your ability. If you are having trouble filling out a form, seek help from a trusted source. Never just guess on an immigration form and never lie or make a dishonest statement on such a form.
4) Be wary of immigration form services. Some services available really help newcomers complete US immigration forms and paperwork. Some act as translators, helping you to understand various forms and requirements. However, not all these services are valuable. Some use older INS forms instead of the new USCIS forms, making your application invalid. Some charge you for forms which the USCIS and other sources provide for free. If you will be using a service for your forms, make sure that you use a trusted service provider.