Ultimate Guide to US Immigration in 2025: Visas, Green Cards & Citizenship
The United States immigration system offers various pathways for foreign nationals to enter, work, study, or permanently reside in the country. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about visa categories, application processes, required forms, and fees based on official government resources from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For specific guidance, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer.
Immigration System Overview
The U.S. immigration system is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, which controls priority dates and the number of immigrant visas that can be issued under certain preference categories. The system is designed to manage both temporary (nonimmigrant) and permanent (immigrant) admissions to the United States.
Key Government Agencies
- USCIS: Handles immigration applications, petitions, and naturalization within the United States
- Department of State: Processes visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad
- CBP: Inspects travelers and determines admission at ports of entry
According to official sources, a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States.
U.S. Visa Categories
Nonimmigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)
There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. The Directory of Visa Categories provides comprehensive information about each visa type.
Common Visitor Visas ($185 fee)
- B-1/B-2: Business/Tourism/Medical treatment
- F-1: Student, Academic
- J-1: Exchange Visitors
- M-1: Students, Vocational
- C-1: Transiting the United States
- I: Media and Journalists
Employment-Based Visas ($315 fee)
- H-1B: Specialty Occupation Workers. Learn more about our business immigration services.
- L-1: Intracompany Transferees
- O-1: Persons with Extraordinary Ability
- P: Athletes, Artists & Entertainers
- R: Religious Workers
- Q: International Cultural Exchange
Immigrant Visas (Permanent Residence)
Immigrant visa processing is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and controlled by the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State.
Family-Based ($325 fee)
- Immediate Relatives. See our family immigration page.
- Family Preference Categories
- Based on approved I-130 petition
Employment-Based ($345 fee)
- EB-1 through EB-5 categories
- Based on approved I-140 petition
- Investment visas (EB-5)
Special Categories ($205 fee)
- Special Immigrant (I-360)
- Returning Resident (SB-1)
- Diversity Visa (DV) selectees
Essential USCIS Forms
USCIS provides fillable forms in PDF format through their website. Many forms can now be filed online through the USCIS online filing system.
Forms Available for Online Filing
USCIS offers two options: guided online workflow or PDF upload.
Family-Based Immigration
Form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
File online available
Form I-131 - Application for Travel Documents
Both online workflow and PDF upload
Employment-Based Immigration
Form I-129 - Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
File online available
Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
Both online workflow and PDF upload
Other Essential Forms
Status & Documentation
- I-539: Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- I-90: Replace Permanent Resident Card
- AR-11: Change of Address
- I-821: Temporary Protected Status
- I-821D: DACA Application
Asylum & Special Cases
- I-589: Application for Asylum. See our asylum page.
- I-907: Premium Processing Service
- I-912: Fee Waiver Request
U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
U.S. citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, and several forms are available for citizenship-related applications that can be filed online. Learn more on our citizenship & naturalization page.
Naturalization Forms
Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization
Available for both online filing and PDF upload
Form N-336 - Request for Hearing
Naturalization proceedings under Section 336 of INA
Form N-565 - Replacement Document
Replace naturalization/citizenship certificate
Citizenship Certificates
Form N-600 - Certificate of Citizenship
For those who acquired citizenship at birth
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