15 Basic U.S. Immigration Questions with Answers and Official Links
1. I’m a foreigner and want to visit the U.S. What should I do?
Apply for a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa.
Steps:
- Fill out DS-160 Form: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/
- Pay the visa fee: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/
- Schedule interview at U.S. Embassy: https://usembassy.gov/
- Attend the interview with passport and required documents
2. I’m a Green Card holder. How do I apply for U.S. citizenship?
Apply for naturalization through Form N-400.
Steps:
- File online: https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
- Pay the fee using: USCIS Fee Calculator
- Prepare for the civics & English test
- Attend biometrics and citizenship interview
3. How can I get a U.S. Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document)?
You may qualify based on asylum, DACA, TPS, pending green card, etc.
Steps:
- File Form I-765: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
- Submit documents proving your eligibility
- USCIS will issue an EAD (usually valid for 1–2 years)
4. I want to study in the U.S. What should I do?
Apply for an F-1 student visa.
Steps:
- Get accepted by a U.S. school (SEVP-certified)
- Receive Form I-20
- Pay SEVIS fee: https://fmjfee.com/
- Fill out DS-160: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/
- Schedule visa interview
5. How can I bring my spouse to the U.S.?
U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for a spouse.
Steps:
- File Form I-130: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130
- Once approved, your spouse applies for an immigrant visa or green card
6. I want to bring my child to the U.S. What should I do?
Petition as a U.S. citizen or green card holder:
- Use Form I-130 for children: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130
- Include birth certificate and proof of relationship
- Once approved, the child may apply for a visa abroad or adjust status in the U.S.
7. How do I bring my parents to the U.S.?
Only U.S. citizens (21+) can petition for their parents.
Steps:
- File Form I-130 for each parent: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130
- After approval, they apply for an immigrant visa in their home country
8. How do I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
If you’re eligible (e.g., immigrant, work visa holder, asylee):
Steps:
- Go to: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/
- Submit required documents (passport, visa, work permit, I-94)
- Apply at your local SSA office: Find Office
9. I’m seeking asylum in the U.S. How do I apply?
You must be physically in the U.S.
Steps:
- File Form I-589: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589
- No fee required
- May apply for a work permit 150 days after filing
10. How do I renew or replace my Green Card?
Use Form I-90.
Steps:
- File online: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90
- Provide biometrics and pay renewal fee
11. What is the Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)?
It’s a free lottery for people from eligible countries.
Apply during open period here: https://dvprogram.state.gov/
12. I want to work in the U.S. temporarily. How do I get a work visa?
Your employer must sponsor you.
- Common types: H-1B, L-1, O-1
- Employer files petition with USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states
13. How can I bring my fiancé(e) to the U.S.?
Use the K-1 visa for foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens.
Steps:
- File Form I-129F: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f
- After approval, fiancé(e) applies for K-1 visa abroad
- Must marry within 90 days of arrival
14. How do I check the status of my immigration case?
Use the USCIS Case Tracker:
15. Where can I find trusted immigration help (avoid scams)?
- Official info: https://www.uscis.gov
- Free/low-cost lawyers: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
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