General Information on Immigration Forms
Using Immigration Forms
USCIS provides most forms free of charge through this website in PDF format. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded for free.
Forms Pages Contain Important Information:
To ensure that you complete your application correctly, you should carefully read any notices, warnings, or explanations on the Forms Entry Page (FEP) before you print (or download) the form itself, fill it out and send it to USCIS. The Forms Entry Page is viewed when you click on the form number on the large table on the "Forms" page. Each Forms Entry Page also has a shortcut URL. For example, Form N-400 is at www.uscis.gov/n-400, Form I-130 is at www.uscis.gov/i-130 - and so on.
Be sure to verify the filing location of the forms for the specific benefit you are seeking.
Many immigration ("I") or naturalization ("N") forms have detailed instructions about where to file and those instructions may vary with specific circumstances. Although we try to provide brief answers regarding required fees and locations to file these forms, please carefully read the information on any form's FEP and on its instructions. Failure to file forms with the correct office or with the correct fee may result in an application or petition being returned to you and additional processing delays. (Please do NOT mail your application or petition to the "HQPDI" address on any form, that address is for submitting comments on the form itself.)
In some circumstances, the forms entry page will specifically note that requirements for a specific application or petition have changed and that the form's instructions have not yet been revised. This warning will be shown in the "Special Instructions" section of the FEP. Please make sure you follow those special instructions.
Fees and Fee Waiver Information
A filing fee is required for many immigration forms. This fee must be mailed in with the completed application. Any fees charged for the particular benefit application or petition that you need to file are indicated on the Forms, Fees and Filing Locations chart.
Be sure to include your payment of all required fee(s), including any fingerprint fees, when you submit your application or petition. Make checks payable to "Department of Homeland Security." Do not submit a completed fingerprint card (FD-258) with your request. USCIS will contact you by mail to inform you of the time and place where your fingerprints will be taken.
It is USCIS policy that individuals may apply for and be granted a fee waiver for certain immigration benefits and services based on an inability to pay. Please consult http://www.uscis.gov/feewaiver for the complete list of forms and services that are eligible for a fee waiver, as well as those forms that are fee exempt.
USCIS developed the Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to simplify the process for requesting a fee waiver. We will continue to consider applicant-generated fee waiver requests (for example, those not submitted on Form I-912) that comply with 8 CFR 103.7(c). Form I-912 instructions give information on the methodology that USCIS uses to make a decision on a fee waiver request, whether the request is submitted on Form I-912 or via an applicant-generated written statement requesting a fee waiver. The instructions provide applicants with guidance on properly completing Form I-912 and submitting supporting documentation. Please reference http://www.uscis.gov/forms and scroll down to Form I-912.
The review of any fee-waiver request will follow a series of steps that start with determining whether the applicant is receiving a means-tested benefit, or analyzing whether the applicant’s household income level and/or recent financial hardship makes him or her eligible for the fee waiver.
Photographic Requirements
Many immigration forms require photographs to be submitted with the form. The specifications for photographs are often provided in the form instructions.
"Fillable" Immigration Forms
To further improve customer service, forms are being revised and provided in a format that allows you to fill them out on your computer, print them out, and mail it to the appropriate USCIS office in order to file for a benefit.
Downloading and Printing Immigration Forms
Some of our forms comprise rather large files. To more easily use them, we suggest you download them directly to your local computer, instead of filling them out through your web browser. Most users can do this by "right-clicking" on the link saving the form file to their computers. As noted above, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded free.
Warning: Many non-USCIS websites offer immigration forms. Some will sell you a downloadable form for a fee. These sites are not affiliated with USCIS, and may not have the latest versions of forms. In some circumstances, use of older forms may result in your application or petition being denied or delayed. The latest version of these forms is always available at www.uscis.gov/forms.
"DS" Forms and other Non-USCIS Forms
Certain forms relating to visas, passports and travel are not available on this site. If you are looking for "DS" forms relating to visas and passports, check the Department of State website. If you are looking for information on Form I-94 or I-94W instructions, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
