U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that processes most immigration applications and petitions in the United States. It is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What Does USCIS Do?

USCIS handles the civil (non-criminal) side of immigration. This includes:

  • Green card applications (Form I-485)
  • Work permits (Form I-765)
  • Asylum applications (Form I-589, when not in court)
  • Family petitions (Form I-130)
  • Naturalization (becoming a U.S. citizen)
  • DACA, TPS, and humanitarian protections

Unlike EOIR, USCIS does not run immigration courts or deport people. It makes decisions on whether to approve or deny your immigration request.

How Do You Interact with USCIS?

You may send forms and documents by mail or submit online. After applying, USCIS may:

  • Send you a Receipt Notice
  • Request more information (called an RFE)
  • Schedule an appointment for biometrics
  • Send a final decision

You can check your case status online using the receipt number found on your notices.

Additional Resources

This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.

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