Senator Kent Conrad | North Dakota

Call 1-800-375-5283, the National Customer Service Center 24 hours a week.
Forms to file for immigration benefits are available at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp. The National Customer line can answer questions on pending case, location of USCIS local offices, forms, immigration benefits, recent news, or assistance.

How do I check on the status of a pending application filed with Immigration?

At https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp click on case status on the right hand column of the home page. To inquire one must have the receipt number received by mail after filing. It will be in the upper left corner of the receipt notice and begin with 3 letters.

How do I know what form has to be filed, where to send it, and what the fee is?

Go to https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp, click on forms on the left hand side of the home page. A list of forms is provided; one can review the requirements on line
or print forms directly.

What is the new name for Immigration?

USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is within the Department of Homeland Security. Previously, INS, or the Immigration and Naturalization Service was in the Department of Justice. For information on all immigration information, go to www.uscis.gov. Remember your local library has computer access that may be helpful to you.

I plan to travel abroad. Who do I contact in an emergency?

The Web site www.travel.state.gov lists travel warnings and provides Consular Information Sheets. The Consular Information Sheets list the address and telephone numbers of the Embassy and Consulates. American Citizen Services will be helpful if you are abroad. This is the web site of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State.

Do I need a visa to travel abroad?

Some countries require visas some don't. Visa requirements may also be different for non-citizens. Check the Web site www.travel.state.gov, review the Consular Information Sheets, and the visas to visit other countries listed on the right hand side of the home page.

If a visa is required, a person in the U.S. would submit a visa application to the Embassy of the country to which travel was planned. Review the Consular Information Sheets for the countries to be visited, call the Embassy consular office or visit its web site.

A friend or relative abroad wants to visit me in the U.S. What must they do?

Visitors to the U.S. must apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consular office in the country from which they are visiting. On the Web site www.travel.state.gov under services, click on "Visas for Foreign Citizens to Come to the U.S." Here you will find information on immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are for visitors.
Also review the question/answer on https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp "How Do I" section. Click on the right hand side of the home page. This is where you can find information such as How Do I Get Legally Admitted to the United States? and How Will I Be Inspected When I Come to a U.S. Port-of-Entry?

My friend or relative was denied a visa. Why?

An applicant must show strong ties to their home country and must not be presumed to be an immigrant. See www.travel.state.gov. Click on "Visas for Foreign citizens to come to the U.S.", then under Non-Immigrant Visas, click on "Visitor Visas", then "Visa Denials" and "Visitor Visa - Information You Need to Know." Most denials are because of Section 214 (b). Section 214(b), part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), states:

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status...

To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

Consular officers must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.

I need a passport. Where can I apply?

The National Passport Information Center can be reached toll free at 1-877-487-2778. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, excluding Federal Holidays, otherwise automated information is available 24 hours a day.

Passport information and applications are also available at www.travel.state.gov/. This is the only official U.S. Government website for passport information. See section: How Do I Get a Passport?

One must apply for a passport in person with the required identification and photos. For a passport acceptance site nearest you, check the Web site, i.e. in Fargo, a passport acceptance site it the Fargo Post Office at 657 2nd Avenue North. Passport photos are now available at that site. At www.travel.state.gov click on Passport Information to find: How Do I Obtain Proof of My Citizenship So That I May Apply for a U.S. Passport with the Department of State?

My passport has expired. What must I do to get a new passport?

You may be able to apply for a renewal by mail. Go to the Web site www.travel.state.gov, click on passport information in the right hand column. You can renew by mail if you…

Already have a passport that is not damaged; and

Received it within the past 15 years; and

Were over age 16 when it was issued; and

Still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change).

I need to travel abroad. I am not a citizen. What do I need to be able to re-enter the U.S.?

Review the requirements at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp to see if a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or advance parole is required. Persons in ND would apply to the Service Center in Nebraska. On the right hand side of the home page click on "How do I..." then click on travel. Review "How Do I Get a Travel Document?" To review forms and applications, click on forms on left hand side of page.

How do I bring my fiancé(e) or family member to the U.S.?

One needs to file with BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services), formerly INS. The correct form can be found on the BCIS Web site https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp. Click on “forms” on the right hand side of the home page. Scroll down to I-129F for a fiancé form, or to I-130 to file for your alien spouse.

Review under Family and Visa categories in the "How Do I" section at www.uscis.gov (on right hand side of home page). Who is eligible, how to apply, how to check the status of your application and other frequently asked question are listed.

How does a refugee get to be resettled in the U.S.?

At https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp see the "How Do I" section: there click on "Refugees to review the information on how one applies for resettlement in the U.S. as a refugee.

Can I work if I'm here on a student visa (F1)?

The designated school official (DSO) where you study can advise you. Under limited circumstances, some on and off campus work authorization is allowed (8 CFR 214.2). Family members, however, may not work.

Where can I ask other questions about government agencies?

Check at www.firstgov.gov for frequently asked questions about:

Citizenship and Naturalization
Health Information
Medicare
Medicaid
Military Locators
Savings Bonds
State Home Pages
Student Loans
Social Security
Vital Records
U.S. Visas

Helpful Travel & Immigration Websites

Department of State, The Bureau of Consular Affairs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)


About Kent Conrad Bio Committee Assignments Senator Conrad's Staff North Dakota Local Information Education Links ND State Government Tourism & Attractions ND Press Lewis & Clark Issues Issue Updates Agriculture Budget Defense Education Energy Health Care Homeland Security Social Security Veterans Legislation Senate Home Page Senate Reference Desk How Our Laws Are Made Recent Legislation Find Bill's Sponsored by Senator Conrad Constituent Services What is casework? Visiting Washington, D.C. Purchasing a US flag Internship Opportunities Service Academy Nominations Federal Grant Resources Press Room Interactive Press Press Releases Official Photo Contact E-mail Senator Conrad
Thank you for visiting my Senate Web site. One of the most important parts of my job as Senator is to help provide services and information to my constituents in North Dakota. I hope you find this Web site both useful and interesting. Kent Conrad Contacting Senator Conrad Receive E-Mail Issue Updates What is Casework? Flag Requests Visiting Washington, D.C. Internship Opportunities Service Academy Nominations Senator Conrad's Budget Web Site Charts Used by Senator Conrad North East North West South East South West	Constituent Services Immigration & Travel FAQ Jump to Helpful Travel & Immigration Websites I Have a Question About Immigration. Who Do I Call? How do I check on the status of a pending application filed with Immigration? How do I know what form has to be filed, where to send it, and what the fee is? What is the new name for Immigration? I plan to travel abroad. Who do I contact in an emergency? Do I need a visa to travel abroad? A friend or relative abroad wants to visit me in the U.S. What must they do? My friend or relative was denied a visa. Why? I need a passport. Where can I apply? My passport has expired. What must I do to get a new passport? I need to travel abroad. I am not a citizen. What do I need to be able to re-enter the U.S.? How do I bring my fiancé(e) or family member to the U.S.? How does a refugee get to be resettled in the U.S.? Can I work if I'm here on a student visa (F1)? Where can I ask questions about government agencies? I Have a Question About Immigration. Who Do I Call? Call 1-800-375-5283, the National Customer Service Center 24 hours a week. Forms to file for immigration benefits are available at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp. The National Customer line can answer questions on pending case, location of USCIS local offices, forms, immigration benefits, recent news, or assistance. How do I check on the status of a pending application filed with Immigration? At https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp click on case status on the right hand column of the home page. To inquire one must have the receipt number received by mail after filing. It will be in the upper left corner of the receipt notice and begin with 3 letters. How do I know what form has to be filed, where to send it, and what the fee is? Go to https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp, click on forms on the left hand side of the home page. A list of forms is provided; one can review the requirements on line or print forms directly. What is the new name for Immigration? USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is within the Department of Homeland Security. Previously, INS, or the Immigration and Naturalization Service was in the Department of Justice. For information on all immigration information, go to www.uscis.gov. Remember your local library has computer access that may be helpful to you. I plan to travel abroad. Who do I contact in an emergency? The Web site www.travel.state.gov lists travel warnings and provides Consular Information Sheets. The Consular Information Sheets list the address and telephone numbers of the Embassy and Consulates. American Citizen Services will be helpful if you are abroad. This is the web site of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State. Do I need a visa to travel abroad? Some countries require visas some don't. Visa requirements may also be different for non-citizens. Check the Web site www.travel.state.gov, review the Consular Information Sheets, and the visas to visit other countries listed on the right hand side of the home page. If a visa is required, a person in the U.S. would submit a visa application to the Embassy of the country to which travel was planned. Review the Consular Information Sheets for the countries to be visited, call the Embassy consular office or visit its web site. A friend or relative abroad wants to visit me in the U.S. What must they do? Visitors to the U.S. must apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consular office in the country from which they are visiting. On the Web site www.travel.state.gov under services, click on "Visas for Foreign Citizens to Come to the U.S." Here you will find information on immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are for visitors. Also review the question/answer on https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp "How Do I" section. Click on the right hand side of the home page. This is where you can find information such as How Do I Get Legally Admitted to the United States? and How Will I Be Inspected When I Come to a U.S. Port-of-Entry? My friend or relative was denied a visa. Why? An applicant must show strong ties to their home country and must not be presumed to be an immigrant. See www.travel.state.gov. Click on "Visas for Foreign citizens to come to the U.S.", then under Non-Immigrant Visas, click on "Visitor Visas", then "Visa Denials" and "Visitor Visa - Information You Need to Know." Most denials are because of Section 214 (b). Section 214(b), part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), states: Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status... To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant. Consular officers must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. I need a passport. Where can I apply? The National Passport Information Center can be reached toll free at 1-877-487-2778. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, excluding Federal Holidays, otherwise automated information is available 24 hours a day. Passport information and applications are also available at www.travel.state.gov/. This is the only official U.S. Government website for passport information. See section: How Do I Get a Passport? One must apply for a passport in person with the required identification and photos. For a passport acceptance site nearest you, check the Web site, i.e. in Fargo, a passport acceptance site it the Fargo Post Office at 657 2nd Avenue North. Passport photos are now available at that site. At www.travel.state.gov click on Passport Information to find: How Do I Obtain Proof of My Citizenship So That I May Apply for a U.S. Passport with the Department of State? My passport has expired. What must I do to get a new passport? You may be able to apply for a renewal by mail. Go to the Web site www.travel.state.gov, click on passport information in the right hand column. You can renew by mail if you… Already have a passport that is not damaged; and Received it within the past 15 years; and Were over age 16 when it was issued; and Still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change). I need to travel abroad. I am not a citizen. What do I need to be able to re-enter the U.S.? Review the requirements at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp to see if a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or advance parole is required. Persons in ND would apply to the Service Center in Nebraska. On the right hand side of the home page click on "How do I..." then click on travel. Review "How Do I Get a Travel Document?" To review forms and applications, click on forms on left hand side of page. How do I bring my fiancé(e) or family member to the U.S.? One needs to file with BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services), formerly INS. The correct form can be found on the BCIS Web site https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp. Click on “forms” on the right hand side of the home page. Scroll down to I-129F for a fiancé form, or to I-130 to file for your alien spouse. Review under Family and Visa categories in the "How Do I" section at www.uscis.gov (on right hand side of home page). Who is eligible, how to apply, how to check the status of your application and other frequently asked question are listed. How does a refugee get to be resettled in the U.S.? At https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp see the "How Do I" section: there click on "Refugees to review the information on how one applies for resettlement in the U.S. as a refugee. Can I work if I'm here on a student visa (F1)? The designated school official (DSO) where you study can advise you. Under limited circumstances, some on and off campus work authorization is allowed (8 CFR 214.2). Family members, however, may not work. Where can I ask other questions about government agencies? Check at www.firstgov.gov for frequently asked questions about: Citizenship and Naturalization Health Information Medicare Medicaid Military Locators Savings Bonds State Home Pages Student Loans Social Security Vital Records U.S. Visas Helpful Travel & Immigration Websites Department of State, The Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Constituent Services

Immigration & Travel FAQ