Application Procedures: The Basics

No matter what you apply for, you will probably have to fill out some government forms, prepare documents, pay fees, and interat with the immigration bureaucracy. Learn more about how to handle these matters here.

Form G-28 is used only to indicate a lawyer's representation in an immigration case.

Government filing fees for immigration processing can be expensive. However, if you don’t earn much money and you don’t have a lot of assets, you can ask USCIS for a waiver.

Don't just leave a mistake uncorrected and hope for the best, or it might come back to bite you.

Where to find naturalization certificate information with which to fill in USCIS forms.

No, you can't get a refund—and other answers to common questions about immigration filing fees.

If you will be submitting birth, marriage, or other certificates in a foreign language with your immigration application, learn the rules for translation into English.

What to do when the certificate or document you need for your immigration application cannot be found.

Second chances are possible, but won't avoid delays.

Form G-28 is used only to indicate a lawyer's representation in an immigration case.

Mistakes happen. Here's what to do if they happened on your all-important work-permit card.

When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs more information in order to proceed any further on your application, it will issue you a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Students who have fallen out of F-1 or M-1 status may request their status back using USCIS Form I-539.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Nolo's Immigration Bundle packs almost everything you need to know about U.S. immigration laws and procedures into three compact volumes.
Green cards, visas, and more: What every immigrant needs to know

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

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