Immigration and Visa Assistance

My office processes hundreds of inquiries each year concerning immigration, naturalization and visas. This page contains links to help answer many of the most frequently asked questions that my office receives. Please review this information to see if your question can be quickly answered below.

If you have further questions, or are having personal difficulties with your immigration or visa case, please call my Rochester district office at 585-232-4850.  

 

Helpful Links

About the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The USCIS National Customer Service Center

Questions About My Case

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Services 

Links to United States Embassies and Consulates Worldwide

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Find a USCIS Office

Click here to find a USCIS office, Information is provided for offices both within the United States and around the world.

Contact the Buffalo and Rochester USCIS Offices

Click here to find contact information for the USCIS Buffalo office and the Rochester USCIS satellite office.

Naturalization Questions

The paperwork associated with becoming a citizen can be intimidating and overwhelming. Click here for help in determining your eligibility, where you can apply, what forms you will need and answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about the naturalization process.

Forms and Fees 

Click here to download USCIS forms for free. You can also access information about any applicable fees, and ways to apply for a wavier if you are unable to pay the fees.  

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has developed criteria and a process for determining if you might be eligible for a waiver. Generally, the INS can waive a fee if they feel the applicant's ability to pay is impaired for some reason.

Emergency Travel

Many legal permanent residents or refugees must travel outside of the U.S. before they become citizens. Click here to help with the process of obtaining a reentry permit so you can reenter the U.S. Caution: You must obtain your travel document before you leave the U.S. for any reason. 

Humanitarian Parole

Frequently, my office is asked how to bring someone to the United States before the application for the relative becomes current and they are eligible to enter. The USCIS has the discretion to parole someone into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, if it deems the case meets certain criteria. This so-called Humanitarian Parole cannot be used to circumvent normal visa issuance procedures. Click here to learn more about the humanitarian parole process and application criteria.

Social Security for Noncitizens

For information on your rights and responsibilities under Social Security, including how to apply to obtain a Social Security number and a Social Security card, click here.