Free Immigration Tools
Powerful, free tools to help you understand, plan, and successfully navigate your immigration journey.
Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions to find your best immigration path.
Step 1 of 2
What is your current immigration status in the U.S.?
Visa Category Finder
Discover the visa categories available for your situation.
Family-Based
- IR-1/CR-1 (Spouse)
- K-1 (Fiancé)
- IR-2 (Child)
- F-2A/F-2B (LPR Relative)
- IR-5 (Parent)
Employment-Based
- H-1B (Specialty Occupation)
- L-1 (Intracompany Transfer)
- O-1 (Extraordinary Ability)
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 (Green Card)
- TN (Canada/Mexico)
Student & Exchange
- F-1 (Academic Student)
- M-1 (Vocational Student)
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor)
- OPT/CPT (Work Authorization)
- SEVIS Registration
Business & Investor
- E-2 (Treaty Investor)
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investor)
- B-1 (Business Visitor)
- L-1A (Managers/Executives)
- E-1 (Treaty Trader)
Humanitarian
- Asylum (Form I-589)
- Refugee Status
- DACA (Deferred Action)
- TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
- U Visa (Crime Victims)
Religious & Nonprofit
- R-1 (Religious Worker)
- Special Immigrant (I-360)
- G-4 (International Org)
- A-1/A-2 (Diplomatic)
- NATO Status
Document Checklist Generator
Select your application type to see the required documents.
I-485 Green Card — Required Documents
This is a general checklist. Your specific case may require additional documents. Always verify with a qualified professional.
USCIS Fee Calculator
Current USCIS filing fees for common immigration forms.
Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov before filing.
RFE Response Guide
Received a Request for Evidence? Here's how to respond effectively.
Read carefully
Identify exactly what USCIS is asking for — each RFE is different. Note the response deadline.
Organize your evidence
Group supporting documents by the specific issues raised in the RFE.
Write a cover letter
Address each RFE point directly with references to your supporting evidence.
Use clear labels
Label exhibits (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc.) and reference them in your cover letter.
Meet the deadline
RFE responses typically must be received within 87 days. Do not miss this deadline.
Consider attorney review
For complex RFEs, a licensed immigration attorney can significantly improve your response.
Need help with your RFE? Our team can review your notice and help you organize a strong response.
Get RFE HelpImmigration Glossary
Plain-English definitions for 20 immigration terms.
Adjustment of Status
The process of applying for a green card while already in the United States.
Alien
A legal term for a person who is not a U.S. citizen or national.
Asylum
Protection granted to foreign nationals who meet the legal definition of a refugee.
Beneficiary
The person on whose behalf an immigration petition is filed.
Biometrics
Fingerprints, photo, and signature collected by USCIS for identity verification.
Consular Processing
Applying for a visa or green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
EAD
Employment Authorization Document — a work permit issued by USCIS.
Green Card
A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) that allows a foreign national to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
I-94
Arrival/Departure Record — records the authorized period of stay for nonimmigrants.
Naturalization
The process by which a non-U.S. citizen acquires U.S. citizenship.
NOID
Notice of Intent to Deny — a warning from USCIS before officially denying an application.
Petitioner
The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who files an immigration petition on behalf of a relative.
Priority Date
The date a petition is properly filed with USCIS; determines place in line for immigrant visas.
RFE
Request for Evidence — a notice from USCIS asking for additional documentation to continue processing.
SEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — the database that tracks F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Status Violation
Failure to maintain the conditions of your visa or immigration status.
USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — the agency that processes immigration applications.
Visa Bulletin
A monthly publication from the State Department showing which immigrant visa numbers are available.
Visa Overstay
Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period of admission on your visa.
Unlawful Presence
Time spent in the U.S. without lawful immigration status; triggers bars on re-entry.
Key Immigration Deadlines
Critical timeframes you must know to protect your immigration status.
Conditional Green Card (I-751)
File 90 days before 2-year expiration
Employment Authorization (I-765)
File 180 days before EAD expiration
Advance Parole (I-131)
Apply before leaving the U.S. if adjustment pending
Address Change (AR-11)
Report within 10 days of moving
Green Card Renewal (I-90)
File 6 months before expiration
Naturalization (N-400)
Eligible after 5 years (3 if married to U.S. citizen)
F-1 OPT Application
Apply up to 90 days before graduation
RFE Response Deadline
Typically 87 days from notice date
These are general guidelines. Your specific deadlines may vary. Always consult official USCIS guidance or an attorney for your situation.