Immigration forms are crucial for documenting and processing applications, petitions, and requests. They serve as the primary means for individuals to communicate their eligibility and compliance with immigration laws to government agencies. Immigration forms are used to facilitate visa applications, change or extend one’s non-immigrant status, apply to adjust one’s status to permanent resident, obtain work permits, seek asylum, and apply for many other types of benefits.
All of these forms are processed and adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. UCISworks hard to confirm the veracity of the information and documentation submitted by applicants and determine their eligibility for the benefit sought.
There are numerous forms and each one serves a different purpose. For example, Form I-485 is used to apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident, whereas Form I-130 is filed by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with an alien relative.
This complete list of immigration forms is an invaluable resource for immigration lawyers. It provides detailed insights and filing tips, helping lawyers streamline the application process for their clients and ensure that all necessary documentation is correctly completed and submitted. Whether dealing with employment-based, family-based, humanitarian, or other types of cases, this guide will help legal professionals navigate the complex landscape of immigration forms efficiently and effectively.
Let’s take a look at all the immigration forms and their purpose.
Shortlist: Top Forms for Immigration Lawyers
Each form is different. To that end, each form requires a different set of information as well as accompanying evidence. Let’s take a look at what your clients, whether they are an employer or a person seeking permanent residency, need to prepare.
Form I-90 - Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
This form is used by lawful permanent residents to replace a lost or stolen green card or renew an expiring card. The individual applying needs a copy of their current Green Card (I-551 front and back sides), proof of identity (such as a copy of a driver’s license), and any supporting documents for changes in personal information if any (for example, a court order granting a name change).
Form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
The form I-130 is used to establish a relationship with an alien relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States. The required documents are proof of petitioner’s citizenship or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (e.g., copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, or copy of Green Card if an LPR), and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates of children).
Form N-600 - Application for Certificate of Citizenship
This form is used by individuals who are claiming U.S. citizenship either by birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents or after being born abroad and becoming a naturalized citizen by operation of law after their parent(s) naturalized. Applicants need to provide proof of their parent's U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate) and proof of their own relationship to the parent (e.g., birth certificate, adoption decree).
Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support
This form is required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants to show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to rely on the U.S. government for financial assistance. The sponsor needs to provide proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs), proof of either U.S. citizenship or LPR status (e.g., copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, or copy of Green Card if an LPR), and proof of relationship to the immigrant (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates of children).
Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
This form is needed for those who want to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green card).The applicant will need a passport, proof of lawful entry into the U.S. (e.g., Form I-94), a medical examination report,a copy of their visa or other document used to enter the U.S., birth certificate, passport-style photos, and financial support evidence (e.g., Form I-864).
The Complete List of USCIS Immigration Forms
Below you have an overview of some of the most necessary immigration forms:
General Applicability Forms
G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representativesome text
Purpose: To establish the eligibility of an attorney or accredited representative to represent a client in an immigration matter before USCIS
Who Must File: Attorneys and Accredited Representatives
G-884 | Request for the Return of Original Documentssome text
Purpose: To request the return of original documents submitted to USCIS
Who Must File: Individuals needing their original documents back
G-1145 | E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptancesome text
Purpose: To request text/email notification upon acceptance of the USCIS form
Who Must File: Individuals seeking electronic notification
I-131 | Application for Travel Documentsome text
Purpose: To apply for various travel documents
Who Must File: Individuals needing travel documents
I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petitionsome text
Purpose: To request further action on an approved petition
Who Must File: Individuals needing additional action on approved applications
I-134 | Declaration of Financial Supportsome text
Purpose: Provide financial support to immigration beneficiaries.
Who Must File: Sponsors providing financial support.
Adoption-Related Forms
I-600 | Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
Purpose: Classify an orphan as an immediate relative.
Who Must File: U.S. citizen adoptive parents or legal custodians.
I-600A | Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
Purpose: To adjudicate the suitability of prospective adoptive parents
Who Must File: U.S. citizens planning to adopt a foreign-born child
I-800 | Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
Purpose: To determine the eligibility of a Convention adoptee
Who Must File: U.S. citizens adopting from a Hague Convention country
I-800A | Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
Purpose: To adjudicate the eligibility and suitability of prospective adoptive parentWho Must File:U.S. citizens adopting from a Hague Convention country
I-864 | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Purpose:To demonstrate financial support for immigrantsWho Must File:Sponsors of family-based and some employment-based immigrants
I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
Purpose: A promise to support sponsored immigrants with income/assetsWho Must File: Household members supporting sponsored immigrants
N-600 | Application for Certificate of Citizenships
Purpose: To apply for a Certificate of CitizenshipsWho Must File:U.S. citizens who are seeking to adopt an orphan from another country and bring them to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
N-600K | Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
Purpose: To claim U.S. citizenship for children residing abroadWho Must File:Parents applying for their children residing abroad
Citizenship and Naturalization-Related Forms
N-300 | Application to File Declaration of Intention
Purpose: To declare intent to become a U.S. citizenWho Must File:Permanent residents intending to become U.S. citizens
N-336 | Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings
Purpose: To request a hearing on Form N-400 denialWho Must File:Individuals whose Form N-400 has been denied
N-400 | Application for Naturalization
Purpose: To apply for U.S. citizenshipWho Must File:Eligible lawful permanent residents
N-426 | Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
Purpose: To verify military/naval service for naturalizationWho Must File: Military members applying for naturalization based on service
N-470 | Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes
Purpose: To preserve residence for naturalization while employed abroadWho Must File:Permanent residents employed abroad by certain organizations
N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
Purpose: To apply for replacement naturalization/citizenship documents
Who Must File: Individuals needing document replacements
N-600 | Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Purpose: To apply for a Certificate of Citizenship
Who Must File: Individuals acquiring or deriving U.S. citizenship through their parents
N-600K | Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
Purpose: To claim U.S. citizenship for children residing abroad
Who Must File: Parents applying for their children residing abroad
N-644 | Application for Posthumous Citizenship
Purpose: To request posthumous recognition of U.S. citizenship
Who Must File: Family members seeking posthumous citizenship for deceased individuals
N-648 | Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
Purpose: To request an exception to naturalization testing requirements due to a disability
Who Must File: Naturalization applicants with qualifying disabilities
Employment-Based Forms
I-9 | Employment Eligibility Verification
Purpose: To verify identity and employment authorization
Who Must File: Employers and employees
I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Purpose: To petition for a nonimmigrant worker
Who Must File: Employers sponsoring nonimmigrant workers
I-129CW | Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker
Purpose: To petition for CW-1 workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Who Must File: Employers in the CNMI sponsoring CW-1 workers
I-129S | Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition
Purpose: To classify employees as L-1 intracompany transferees under a blanket petition
Who Must File: Employers with an approved blanket L petition
I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Purpose: To petition for a noncitizen worker’s permanent residency
Who Must File: Employers sponsoring noncitizen workers
I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Purpose: To request classification as an Amerasian, widow(er), or special immigrant
Who Must File: Eligible individuals applying under one of these categories
I-526 | Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor
Purpose: To petition for status as an immigrant investor
Who Must File: Standalone investors seeking permanent residency through investment
I-526E | Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor
Purpose: To petition for status as an investor under the Regional Center Program
Who Must File: Investors participating in the Regional Center Program
I-566 | Interagency Record of Request for A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization
Purpose: To apply for employment authorization or a change of status for eligible dependents
Who Must File: Dependents of individuals in A, G, or NATO status
I-693 | Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Purpose: To establish admissibility to the U.S. on public health grounds
Who Must File: Individuals applying for adjustment of status
I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization
Purpose: To request employment authorization and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Who Must File: Non-citizens seeking permission to work in the United States
I-829 | Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
Purpose: To remove conditions on permanent residence for investor immigrants
Who Must File: Conditional permanent residents who obtained status through entrepreneurship
I-905 | Application for Authorization to Issue Certification for Health Care Workers
Purpose: To apply for authorization to certify health care workers for immigration purposes
Who Must File: Organizations seeking authorization to issue health care worker certifications
I-941 | Application for Entrepreneur Parole
Purpose: To request parole based on significant public benefit for entrepreneurs
Who Must File: Entrepreneurs seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. under parole authority
Family-Based Forms
G-325A Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
Purpose: To provide biographic information in support of a deferred action request
Who Must File: Military members, their family members, or individuals seeking deferred action
I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Purpose: To petition to bring a fiancé(e) or spouse to the United States
Who Must File: U.S. citizens petitioning for their fiancé(e) or spouse
I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative
Purpose: To establish a qualifying family relationship for immigration purposes
Who Must File: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents petitioning for eligible relatives
I-131 | Application for Travel Document
Purpose: To apply for travel documents such as advance parole, refugee travel documents, or re-entry permits
Who Must File: Individuals who require travel documents for international travel or re-entry into the U.S.
I-134 | Declaration of Financial Support
Purpose: To provide evidence of financial support for individuals applying for immigration benefits
Who Must File: Sponsors who are financially supporting immigration beneficiaries
I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Purpose: To request classification as an Amerasian, widow(er), or special immigrant
Who Must File: Individuals eligible under one of these special immigrant categories
I-361 | Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody for Public Law 97-359 Amerasians
Purpose: To provide financial support and affirm intent to petition for legal custody in support of Form I-360 for Amerasians under Public Law 97-359
Who Must File: Sponsors of Amerasians applying for immigration benefits under Public Law 97-359
I-363 | Request to Enforce Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody for Public Law 97-359 Amerasians
Purpose: To request enforcement of an affidavit of financial support and legal custody petition for Amerasians under Public Law 97-359
Who Must File: Amerasian beneficiaries seeking enforcement of a sponsor’s financial and custodial commitment
I-508 | Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities
Purpose: To waive diplomatic rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities for immigration or adjustment of status purposes
Who Must File: Individuals in diplomatic or similar status who are waiving their privileges
I-566 | Interagency Record of Request for A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization
Purpose: To apply for employment authorization or a change of status for eligible dependents
Who Must File: Dependents of individuals in A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status
I-600 | Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
Purpose: To classify an orphan as an immediate relative for U.S. immigration purposes
Who Must File: U.S. citizen adoptive parents or legal custodians petitioning on behalf of the orphan
I-600A | Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
Purpose: To determine the suitability of prospective adoptive parents before identifying a specific child for adoption
Who Must File: U.S. citizens planning to adopt a foreign-born child
I-601 | Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Purpose: To request a waiver for one or more grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law
Who Must File: Individuals who are otherwise inadmissible and seeking a waiver to obtain immigration benefits
I-601A | Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
Purpose: To request a waiver for inadmissibility due to unlawful presence before departing the U.S. for consular processing
Who Must File: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are inadmissible solely for unlawful presence
I-693 | Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Purpose: To establish admissibility to the United States based on public health requirements
Who Must File: Individuals applying for adjustment of status or other immigration benefits requiring a medical examination
I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization
Purpose: To request permission to work in the United States and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Who Must File: Noncitizens who need work authorization for their immigration status or application
I-765V | Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse
Purpose: To request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) based on abuse under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protections
Who Must File: Abused nonimmigrant spouses eligible for work authorization under U.S. immigration law
I-800 | Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
Purpose: To determine the eligibility of a child adopted from a Hague Convention country for classification as an immediate relative
Who Must File: U.S. citizens adopting a child from a Hague Convention country
I-800A | Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
Purpose: To determine the eligibility and suitability of prospective adoptive parents under the Hague Adoption Convention
Who Must File: U.S. citizens intending to adopt a child from a Hague Convention country
I-817 | Application for Family Unity Benefits
Purpose: To request initial approval or an extension of Family Unity benefits, which protect certain family members from deportation and allow work authorization
Who Must File: Eligible individuals seeking to obtain or renew Family Unity benefits
I-864 | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Purpose: To demonstrate the sponsor’s financial ability to support an immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge
Who Must File: Sponsors of family-based immigrants and certain employment-based immigrants
I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
Purpose: To affirm that a household member will make their income and/or assets available to help support an immigrant sponsored under an Affidavit of Support
Who Must File: Household members who agree to financially support a sponsored immigrant
I-864EZ | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Purpose: To demonstrate financial support for immigrants
Who Must File: Sponsors who need to show financial support
I-865 | Sponsor's Notice of Change of Address
Purpose: To report the sponsor's new address
Who Must File: Sponsors updating their address
Filing Process and Tips
When filing forms for your client, always remember to:
Organize forms neatly Place completed form(s) on top, staple the payment (check or money order) for the filing fee to the form for which it’s needed, and if including a cover letter, place it directly after the form(s). Passport photos (when required) are best placed in a cellophane or plastic envelope and stapled to the related form. Write the petitioner or applicant’s name and A-number on the back of each photo.
Organize supporting documents Follow the order listed in the form instructions. For example, for Form I-130, you should include proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status and evidence of the qualifying family relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of termination of previous marriages, as applicable).
Include certified translations For documents in a foreign language, include a certified English translation directly after the original document.
Ensure everything is in order Verify that everything is in the correct order and signed. Forms can often be filled out online; if not, download them from the USCIS website. Mail the completed forms and documents to the appropriate USCIS address specified in the form instructions.
Using Immigration Form Tracking to Streamline Processes
Too many forms? Docketwise can significantly streamline the filing process. Docketwise combines multiple forms into a single questionnaire, translates them into multiple languages, and allows collaboration among team members. The software also automatically updates form editions very quickly, ensuring you always use the latest versions.
Here’s how Docketwise can help:
Combines multiple forms: Docketwise streamlines the immigration form filing process by automatically populating various forms with the provided responses, allowing the job to be completed on average three to four times faster—significantly increasing efficiency. By combining multiple forms into a single unified questionnaire, Docketwise simplifies data entry, minimizes errors, and ensures accurate information placement. Its intuitive interface makes navigating the product features easy, further enhancing the user experience.
Multi-Language Support: The software offers translations of its smart form questionnaires into eleven languages, making it easier for clients to complete their parts accurately.
Team Collaboration: Docketwise allows multiple team members to work on a case simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and coordination.
Automated Updates: The software automatically updates forms to the latest versions, ensuring compliance with current USCIS requirements.
Working with Docketwise’s smart forms is a breeze and your client will thank you for providing a convenient, professional, and pleasant process.
Conclusion
In all types of immigration cases, whether family or employment-based, humanitarian, naturalization, or removal defense,knowing which form to use and how to complete it is crucial.
This resource aims to help immigration lawyers and clients navigate the complex landscape of immigration forms. For more information on USCIS forms fees and online options, visit the USCIS official site for the latest data. And for updates on immigration law and policies, be sure to check out our other articles.
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About the author
Michael MielloContent Writer
