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).

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
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
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 free 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
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.

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

Form N-600K - Section 322 Application

Citizenship for children living abroad

Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

The Permanent Resident Card (also known as "Green Card") establishes both identity and employment authorization in the United States. USCIS redesigns the card every three to five years to reduce fraud and counterfeiting.

Current Card Designs

Current Design: Issued since January 30, 2023
Previous Design: Issued since May 1, 2017
Validity: All previous designs remain valid until expiration date
Extensions: Some cards may have USCIS stickers extending validity

Replacement Process

Use Form I-90 to replace your Permanent Resident Card

Available for online filing
Required for expired, lost, or damaged cards
Supports both guided workflow and PDF upload

Employment Authorization

Green Card is a List A document for Form I-9

Establishes both identity and work authorization
No additional documents required
Accepted by all U.S. employers

Entry Requirements and Border Procedures

All travelers entering the United States must complete certain entry forms and meet documentation requirements as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Required Entry Forms

CBP Declaration Form 6059B

Required for all travelers - provides basic information about you and what you're bringing

CBP Form I-94

Arrival/Departure Record for certain travelers (refugees, asylees, parolees)

Digital I-94 System

Foreign visitors no longer need paper I-94 forms. CBP now gathers arrival/departure information automatically.

Online Access: Get I-94 information from CBP website
Mobile App: Use CBP GO app for I-94 services
Electronic Processing: Issued electronically at land borders
ESTA Required: VWP travelers need approved ESTA

Required Travel Documents

U.S. Citizens

U.S. passport books (air travel)
U.S. passport cards (land/sea borders)
Trusted Traveler cards (land/sea borders)

Permanent Residents

Green card (Form I-551)
Advance parole (Form I-512) if I-551 pending
Valid foreign passport

Trusted Traveler Programs

CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

Global Entry Eligibility

18+ years old (minors need guardian consent)
U.S. citizens, LPRs, or eligible country citizens
$120 application fee (waived for minors with enrolled guardian)
Pass background check and interview

Ineligibility Factors

Criminal convictions or pending charges
Customs, immigration, or agriculture violations
Ongoing law enforcement investigation
Unable to satisfy CBP of low-risk status

Immigration Fees and Costs

Immigration fees vary significantly depending on the type of application, petition, or service requested. The following information is based on current fee schedules from USCIS and the Department of State.

Department of State Visa Fees

Visa Category	Fee Amount	Examples
Nonimmigrant Visas (Tier 1)	$185	B (Visitor), F (Student), J (Exchange), M (Vocational Student)
Petition-Based Nonimmigrant	$315	H (Temporary Workers), L (Intracompany), O (Extraordinary Ability)
Family-Based Immigrant	$325	Immediate relatives, family preference categories
Employment-Based Immigrant	$345	EB-1 through EB-5 categories
Other Immigrant Visas	$205	Special immigrants, returning residents

Common USCIS Petition Fees

Family-Based Petitions

I-130 (Family Petition): $675
I-600/I-800 (Adoption): $775

Other Services

Global Entry: $120 (5-year validity)
Fee Waiver (I-912): No fee
Premium Processing: Additional fees apply

Important Fee Information

All visa application processing fees are non-refundable
Fees are subject to change - always check current rates before applying
Some applicants may be eligible for fee waivers
Iraqi and Afghan special immigrant visa applications have no fee

Important Reminders

Before You Apply

Verify current fees and requirements on official government websites
Ensure all documents match exactly (names, dates, etc.)
Consider online filing when available for faster processing
Keep copies of all submitted documents

Official Resources

USCIS: Applications and petitions within the U.S.
State Department: Visa applications abroad
CBP: Entry procedures and travel information
Legal Help: Consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex cases

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official government sources and consider legal advice for your specific situation. Immigration laws and procedures can change frequently.

Complete Guide to US Immigration 2025: Visas, Green Cards & Citizenship Process