Services for Wisconsinites: Casework - Immigration
Issues relating to immigration range from
work permits to citizenship, to foreign adoptions, to visas
for travelers from other countries. The USCIS website has
a lot of information that may be useful in resolving your
situation. Please see the "How do I...?" section
at http://uscis.gov/graphics/faqs.htm
Links
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services - www.uscis.gov
State Department - www.state.gov
Frequently asked
questions
I got married abroad and would
like to bring my spouse to the United States. What immigration
procedures do I follow?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS
- formerly the INS) is responsible for receiving and processing
petitions for immigrant visas (or green cards). First, the
eligible U.S. citizen or resident (the petitioner) files a
petition on behalf of his or her relative (the beneficiary).
USCIS then reviews the petition and, after approving it, notifies
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country listed on the
application. Once approved at the Embassy, the applicant can
be issued a visa to enter the United States. Additional information
about procedures is located on the USCIS website at http://uscis.gov/graphics/faqsgen.htm#family
I'm interested in applying for
citizenship. What are the procedures?
Information on the citizenship process is available on the
USCIS Naturalization website at http://uscis.gov/graphics/citizenship/index.htm.
In most cases, you need to have been a permanent resident
for five years, less if you married a U.S. citizen and, with
few exceptions, you are required to take a written test. Fingerprinting
is a mandatory part of the process. After the prescribed amount
of time and successful completion of the requirements, you
are scheduled to take an oath at a ceremony that generally
takes place in a local government building or the Immigration
and Naturalization Service office in Milwaukee.
I haven't received my green card
yet, and I need to travel outside the United States. What
should I do?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to
return to the United States after traveling abroad, and a
special travel document may be required. This is accomplished
by filing an I-131 application with the USCIS. Travel documents
are also given to people who want to travel, but cannot get
a passport from their country of nationality. USCIS advises
that you should apply for a travel document before leaving
the United States. Additional information can be obtained
at the USCIS website located at http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/travdoc.htm.
I would like a friend or relative
to visit me in the United States. What are the procedures
for obtaining a visa?
B1 visas are required for business travelers, and B2 visas
are needed for regular visitors. Visitor visas are obtained
by applying in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. More
credibility is given to applicants who apply in their home
country. The applicant will be asked to pay a fee (comparable
to the fees American tourists must pay to visit that country)
and fill out an application. The applicant must be prepared
to demonstrate strong social and financial ties to their home
country. Under U.S. immigration law, applicants are assumed
to be intending to immigrate unless they can demonstrate to
a consular officer that they plan to return to their home
country after their stay in the U.S. Bank statements or letters
from the applicant's employer are examples of evidence that
may be useful to a consular officer when rendering a decision.
Please visit the State Department website for more specific
information about obtaining a visa at travel.state.gov/visa_services.html.
I'm planning on traveling abroad.
Do I need a visa? How do I get the most up-to-date travel
advisories on the country I plan on visiting?
The U.S. State Department publishes travel information, such
as travel advisories and foreign entry requirements on their
Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov.
I'm traveling soon and need a passport.
What do I do?
The State Department Passport Services website has information
about resolving a number of passport questions (renewing your
passport, obtaining an emergency passport, replacing a lost
passport, etc.). Its website is located at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport.
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