HELPFUL LINKS
Immigration Resources & Helpful Links
Reliable information matters when your future depends on it. We have gathered the official immigration resources our clients across Florida and Metro Atlanta reach for most: the government agencies, case-status tools, forms, and processing-time trackers that come up in almost every immigration matter. Everything below links to an official source. Use it to stay informed, and bring your questions to us when you need them answered for your specific case.
OFFICIAL AGENCIES
The agencies that decide immigration cases
USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The agency that handles most immigration benefits: green cards, naturalization, work authorization, family and employment petitions. Where the majority of applications are filed and adjudicated.
www.uscis.govEOIR: Executive Office for Immigration Review
The immigration court system, part of the Department of Justice. Handles removal (deportation) proceedings and immigration appeals before the immigration judges.
www.justice.gov/eoirBIA: Board of Immigration Appeals
The highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration law, where decisions of immigration judges are appealed. Part of EOIR.
www.justice.gov/eoir/board-of-immigration-appealsDOS: U.S. Department of State
Handles visas issued abroad, consular processing, and the monthly Visa Bulletin that governs green card wait times. The bridge between a U.S. petition and a consulate in your home country.
travel.state.govCBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The agency you encounter at ports of entry and the border. Handles admission, inspection, and I-94 arrival records.
www.cbp.govICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Handles immigration enforcement and detention. Its online detainee locator can help families find a detained relative.
www.ice.govNot sure which agency has your case?
TRACK YOUR CASE
Check your case status and timelines
USCIS Case Status Online
Enter your receipt number to see where your USCIS case stands. The fastest way to check on a pending application between updates.
egov.uscis.gov/casestatusUSCIS Processing Times
Estimated processing times by form type and office. Useful for setting expectations, though your case can vary from the posted range.
egov.uscis.gov/processing-timesDOS Visa Bulletin
The monthly bulletin that shows which green card priority dates are current. Essential for anyone in a family- or employment-based preference category watching their place in line.
travel.state.gov (Visa Bulletin)EOIR Automated Case Information
Case status and next hearing information for cases in immigration court. Available by phone and online using your A-number.
acis.eoir.justice.govICE Online Detainee Locator
Helps locate an adult held in immigration detention, using name and country of birth or an A-number.
locator.ice.govOFFICIAL FORMS
Immigration forms, from the official source
Always download immigration forms directly from USCIS. Using the current edition matters, because filings on outdated forms can be rejected.
All USCIS Forms
The complete, current library of USCIS forms with instructions and filing-fee information. The one place to find the right edition of any form.
www.uscis.gov/forms/all-formsForm I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
Establishes a qualifying family relationship for family-based immigration.
www.uscis.gov/i-130Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence (Adjustment of Status)
The application to become a green card holder from inside the United States.
www.uscis.gov/i-485Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
The application to become a U.S. citizen.
www.uscis.gov/n-400Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Renew or replace a green card that is expiring, lost, stolen, or damaged.
www.uscis.gov/i-90Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
The application for a work permit (EAD) for those eligible.
www.uscis.gov/i-765KNOW MORE
Understand the system and your rights
USCIS Policy Manual
The agency's comprehensive statement of how it applies immigration law. Dense, but authoritative when you want the official rule.
www.uscis.gov/policy-manualUSCIS Find a Doctor (Civil Surgeons)
Locate an approved civil surgeon for the medical exam required in many green card cases.
my.uscis.gov/findadoctorFind Legal Help / Recognized Providers
USCIS's tool to find authorized legal help and avoid unauthorized "notario" practitioners who are not licensed attorneys.
www.uscis.gov (Find Legal Services)This page links to official third-party resources for your convenience and general information only. It is not legal advice, and we do not control or endorse the content of external sites. Immigration rules, forms, and processing times change often. For guidance on your specific situation, talk to one of our attorneys.
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