Representative Thaddeus McCotter
Representing the 11th Congressional District of Michigan
Stay Connected
Immigration and Visas
Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS, formally the INS) is the Federal department within the Department of Homeland Security which processes immigration forms and benefits. My office can assist in checking the status on an immigration benefit, obtain answers and information from CIS personal and offer general guidance on immigration forms.
My office cannot, however, order a CIS officer to make a favorable decision on your application. My office also cannot expedite a pending immigration petition, unless there is an extreme hardship on the applicant or the beneficiary of the petition. Even then, it will ultimately be up to CIS to grant or deny an expedite request. However before I can make an inquiry on your behalf, I will need a completed authorization form. Please be sure to give my office copies of any CIS receipts (Form I-797), correspondence and other information related to your immigration issue when you return the authorization form to my office.
Click here for the Authorization Form
If you have any questions please feel free to contact my Livonia District Office at (734) 632-0314 or by fax at (734) 632-0373.
USEFUL IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) website
Brochures on common benefits and services from CIS
CIS Forms
INFOPASS
INFOPASS lets the public schedule an appointment to speak with a CIS officer at the nearest CIS regional office. Topics can range from general questions, updating information, obtaining forms and filing applications in person. To schedule an INFOPASS appointment, click here. Or contact my office at (734) 632-0314 and my staff would be happy to work with you to schedule an INFOPASS appointment.
What is the status on my application?
Processing dates for applications and petitions
Resources for new immigrants
Welcome to the United States, a guide for new immigrants.
Security clearance checks (FBI name checks)
My office receives many inquiries regarding pending name checks. For most immigration benefits (including Green Card and Naturalization applications) it is routine for CIS to submit an applicant’s name to the FBI for name check and security clearance purposes. Typically, a name check clears within 72 hours. Please be advised, however, my office CANNOT EXPEDITE a name check; only obtain status on a name check. For more information on name checks and security clearance checks, please visit the FBI’s National Name Check Program site.
Visa Bulletin
Some applications may be on hold pending availability of a visa.; Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there is a yearly limit on the availability of visas for Family-Sponsored and Employment-Sponsored applicants. The U.S. Department of State keeps a monthly bulletin on available visas. Click here for the bulletin.
Deportation
Immigration investigations, detentions and deportations are handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). My office cannot halt an Order of Removal; however we can obtain information related to the deportation. If you or your relative is in the process of being deported, you may wish to file ICE Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal. Be aware the immigration judge makes the final decision on this application. Click here for the application.
Non-Immigrant Visas
The United States plays host to thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Information on the steps to obtain a non-immigrant visa can be found here. My office can contact a U.S. Consulate to obtain status and/or a decision on a non-immigrant petition.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Consular Officers are charged with making final decisions on any immigrant and non-immigrant visas. As such my office cannot compel a U.S. Consulate or Consular Officer to change their decision on an application.
