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