Guides, advice and tips

Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is used by foreign nationals applying for a green card from abroad. It collects detailed biographical information and is a key part of consular processing for individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency. Form DS-261, the Online Choice of Address and Agent, is a simpler form that designates who the U.S. State Department will communicate with during your immigration process.

Form I-130A, also known as the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is a critical component of marriage-based green card applications. It must be filed alongside Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors their spouse for a green card. The purpose of Form I-130A is to provide additional details about the spouse (the beneficiary), such as their residence and employment history, which helps USCIS process the application thoroughly.

Form I-90 is used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to renew or replace their Green Card. This form is essential if your Green Card has expired, is about to expire, or has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Having a valid Green Card is critical for legal proof of your status in the U.S. for work, re-entry after travel, and access to benefits.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a legally binding document required for many family-based and some employment-based immigrants applying for a green card. The form demonstrates that the immigrant has sufficient financial backing and is unlikely to become dependent on U.S. government assistance. Sponsors, often U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, must prove that they have the means to financially support the immigrant.

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to help an eligible relative immigrate to the United States. It establishes the existence of a qualifying family relationship between the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or resident) and the beneficiary (the family member). Filing Form I-130 does not give the beneficiary an immigration status or visa immediately, but it initiates the process.

Form I-765 is used by certain noncitizens in the United States to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document allows the holder to work legally in the U.S. while they await the approval of their green card, or under specific immigration categories. The EAD serves as proof of the legal right to work and is vital for those awaiting a change in their immigration status.

Form I-131, known as the Application for Travel Document, is used by individuals to apply for travel permissions based on their current immigration status. It serves several purposes, including allowing certain non-citizens, asylees, and those adjusting status to travel outside the United States and re-enter without losing their immigration status.

Form N-400 is the application used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Becoming a U.S. citizen grants many rights and benefits, such as voting, obtaining a U.S. passport, and accessing federal jobs.

For those seeking to support family members or individuals arriving in the U.S. through humanitarian parole programs like Uniting for Ukraine or similar processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan individuals, Form I-134A is a critical document. Here's what you need to know about this form, how it works, and recent updates regarding the program.

Whether you're applying for a visa, pursuing higher education abroad, or engaging in international business, certified translations play a crucial role in ensuring your documents are accepted by authorities across the globe.

When purchasing property in the UK, you may need to provide a certified translation of any foreign documentation.

UK expats returning home might require certified translations.