USCIS forms — immigrant guide
Information about USCIS forms for immigrants in the USA: DACA, employment authorization (EAD), naturalization, adjustment of status (green card), family petition.
USCIS forms — categorical guide for Hispanic immigrants
This section covers the most common forms Hispanic people in the US use to manage their immigration status. Each page explains the form’s purpose, who needs it, processing time, fee, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
Does not replace consultation with an immigration attorney. For complex cases always seek professional help.
⚠️ H.R.1 / OBBBA fee changes — effective 2026-05-29
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21) changed several USCIS fees and EAD validity rules. See Federal Register document 2026-08333 for the full rule. Key changes:
- I-589 Asylum — was free, now $100 filing + $100/year AAF (not waivable)
- I-102 I-94 replacement — adds $24 immigration fee (not waivable)
- I-821 TPS EAD validity — capped at 1 year maximum (was up to 18 months)
Forms covered
- I-821 — TPS (Temporary Protected Status) — Humanitarian protection for nationals of DHS-designated countries. OBBBA caps EAD validity at 1 year.
- I-821D — DACA Renewal — Renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) consideration and the associated work authorization.
- I-765 — Employment Authorization / EAD — Request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows legal work in the US under specific eligibility categories.
- I-589 — Asylum Application — Apply for asylum based on persecution (race, religion, nationality, political opinion, particular social group). OBBBA: $100 filing + $100/year AAF effective 2026-05-29.
- I-102 — I-94 Replacement — Replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated I-94 / I-94W. OBBBA adds a $24 immigration fee effective 2026-05-29.
- N-400 — Naturalization / Citizenship — Apply for US citizenship as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR / green card holder) who meets residency, physical presence requirements.
- I-485 — Adjustment of Status / Green Card — Apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) from within the US without leaving for consular processing.
- I-130 — Family Petition — Establish the eligible family relationship between a US citizen or permanent resident (petitioner) and a foreign relative.
How to check YOUR case
USCIS has two online tools:
- Processing times by form — current data by form and service center
- Status of YOUR specific case — enter your receipt number (format YSC#########, MSC#########, etc.)
Free or low-cost legal resources
- CHIRLA (California): chirla.org
- NILC (national): nilc.org
- ILRC (national, trainings): ilrc.org
- CLINIC (national Catholic network): cliniclegal.org
- United We Dream (DACA-focused): unitedwedream.org
- AILA (find a private attorney): ailalawyer.com
Last verified: 2026-05-24. General information — not legal advice.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
What is USCIS?
How do I check my USCIS case status?
How do I find the right USCIS form?
How much do USCIS forms cost?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
Monthly digest of USCIS, IRS, and consulate fee, form, and deadline changes — no spam.
How to check your USCIS case status — receipt number guide (2026)
Check your USCIS case status online with your 13-character receipt number. What the prefix letters (EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, IOE, MSC) mean, what each status message means, and what to do if your case is past the normal processing time.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record + I-102 Replacement
How to retrieve or replace your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. CBP I-94 lookup is free. Form I-102 (USCIS replacement) carries a $24 immigration fee effective 2026-05-29 per H.R.1 / OBBBA — cannot be waived.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — Form I-821
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-821 for Temporary Protected Status: who qualifies, fees ($50 initial / $0 re-registration), EAD validity, OBBBA 1-year EAD limit effective 2026-05-29, designated countries.
Form G-1145 — USCIS Electronic Notification (free)
Form G-1145: free email/SMS notification from USCIS when your forms are received. NOT a separate case — attach to main petition.
Form G-28 — Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney (USCIS)
Form G-28: form authorizing attorney/BIA-accredited rep to represent you before USCIS. When you need it, how to fill, alternatives.
Form I-129F — Petition for Fiance(e) K-1 Visa (USCIS)
Form I-129F: petition for K-1 fiancé(e) visa. Who can apply, $675 fee, USCIS timelines, relationship evidence, common errors.
Form I-360 VAWA — Self-Petition for Domestic Violence Victims (USCIS)
Form I-360 VAWA: self-petition without abuser for domestic violence victims (spouses, children, parents of abusive USC/LPR). FREE. Confidential. Allows green card.
Form I-539 — Extension/Change of Non-immigrant Status (USCIS)
Form I-539: extend or change non-immigrant status (B-1/B-2 visitor, F-1 student, F-2 dependent, M-1 vocational, etc.). Fee, timelines, common errors.
Adjustment of Status / Green Card (Form I-485)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-485 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times, and how to check your case status.
Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
Complete guide to USCIS Form N-600 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Asylum Application (Form I-589)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-589 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
DACA Renewal (Form I-821D)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-821D — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times, and how to check your case status.
Employment Authorization / EAD (Form I-765)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-765 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times, and how to check your case status.
Family Petition (Form I-130)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-130 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times, and how to check your case status.
Green Card Renewal / Replacement (Form I-90)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-90 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Naturalization / Citizenship (Form N-400)
Complete guide to USCIS Form N-400 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times, and how to check your case status.
Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence (Form I-751)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-751 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Travel Document / Advance Parole (Form I-131)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-131 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.