This book doesn’t provide immigration application forms, for good reason. The U.S. immigration authorities revise these forms so often that by the time you’re using this book, chances are the form will have gone out of date—and the government could refuse to accept it.

All the application forms you’ll need—and we’ll tell you exactly which ones they are—are either readily available or will be mailed to you by the immigration authorities when the time is right. Some can even be filled out online. This book also includes filled-in samples of the most important forms.

The main sources for immigration application forms are:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, by visiting one of its local offices (though you will probably have to make an appointment first); through its website, www.uscis.gov (click the “Immigration Forms” tab, then scroll down until you find the form you need); or by calling 800-870-3676, and

• the U.S. State Department, through its website, www.state.gov (enter the search term “forms”).

CAUTION

It’s getting harder and harder to visit your local USCIS office. There are a few times when you might wish to visit a USCIS office in person, for example, to pick up local forms or ask about delays. However, to reduce the long lines, the agency has begun a program called “InfoPass,” requiring visitors to make appointments before they arrive. Check the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov; click “Make an Appointment (Infopass)” on the right side of the page) before you go, to see whether InfoPass is in effect at your local USCIS district office. If it is, you have little choice but to make an appointment (some offices will allow walk-ins if there’s space, but don’t count on this). Appointments can be made only through the Internet. You’ll need a computer with a printer, so that you’ll have the required printout of your appointment notice when you visit. (Also, be sure to bring photo identification and any paperwork associated with your immigration case to your appointment.)

Immigration application fees, like the forms, change regularly. And most USCIS and consular applications require fees to accompany them. For up-to-date fees for U.S. filings (even USCIS forms sometimes print out-of-date fees) check the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. Click on “Immigration Forms,” and you’ll find a complete fee table. Alternately, you could call the USCIS information line at 800-375-5283.

For up-to-date fees for consular filings, check the State Department’s website, www.travel.state.gov. Under “Visas for Foreign Citizens,” click “more,” then choose “Fees and Reciprocity Tables” from the drop-down menu next to the “Frequently Requested Visa Information” box. This information may also be accessed through the U.S. State Department’s Visa Services office, at 202-663-1225. The fee can be paid in dollars or in the local currency, at the current exchange rate.

CAUTION

There will be other expenses. If you’re trying to figure out how much to budget for this process, don’t forget the costs of required items other than the fees, such as photos, the medical exam, and having documents translated or notarized.