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Plain English Directory

U.S. Immigration Forms Hub

Government forms can be confusing. We translate USCIS and State Department forms into plain English so you know exactly what to file, when, and how.

DS-160

The online application for temporary visitors (tourists, business, temporary work, students).

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I-20

The official document issued by a U.S. school to prove eligibility for an F-1 or M-1 student visa.

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I-797

The formal receipt or approval notice sent by USCIS for any immigration petition.

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Stage 2: Extensions & Changes

Extending your temporary stay, changing your visa category, or applying for work and travel permits.

I-129

Filed by employers to sponsor temporary work visas like H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN.

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I-539

Used by individuals to extend or change to student, visitor, or dependent status.

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I-765

The form to request a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD).

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I-131

Used to request a re-entry permit or Advance Parole travel document.

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Stage 3: The Green Card Line

Starting the formal immigrant petition process to wait for your green card priority date.

I-130

Starts the family-based green card process, filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

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I-140

Starts the employment-based green card process after PERM labor certification approval.

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I-360

Used for special immigration cases, EB-4 religious workers, VAWA, and abuse survivors.

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I-526E

Filed by foreign investors seeking a green card through job-creating U.S. investments (EB-5).

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I-485

Filed inside the U.S. to transition from temporary visa status to permanent resident status.

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DS-260

Completed online for consular processing outside the U.S. to receive an immigrant visa.

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I-864

A legally binding contract where a sponsor agrees to financially support a green card applicant.

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I-693

A sealed health report completed by a USCIS-certified doctor to prove health eligibility.

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Stage 5: After Green Card

Renewing your status, replacing lost cards, or completing the final step of naturalization.

I-90

Used to renew an expiring 10-year green card or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card.

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N-400

The application submitted by eligible green card holders to become a U.S. citizen.

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N-600

Filed by children who automatically acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents.

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