Topics and initial document lists

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Explore a topic without choosing a filing category or establishing eligibility.

B-1 / B-2 · DS-160

Tourism, family visits, or short business trips

State the actual purpose of travel. Approval rests with the consular officer.

Related documents

Passport and travel history
DS-160 confirmation and fee payment evidence per embassy instructions
Photos meeting the requirements
Evidence of purpose, expenses, and ties relevant to the circumstances

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Consular visa application

New visa / Visa renewal

A new visa differs from an extension of stay. Holding a previous visa does not by itself qualify you for an interview waiver.

Related documents

Current passport and passport containing the previous visa
DS-160 information and visa history
Appointment or interview-waiver instructions applicable to your case

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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F-1 / M-1

Academic or vocational study

Distinguish a student visa from changing status in the U.S. and maintaining student status.

Related documents

I-20 from the admitting school
SEVIS evidence under current instructions
Passport, DS-160, and education history
Evidence of funds for education and living expenses

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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J-1 / J-2

Exchange / Au pair

J status holders must review program conditions, including the two-year home-country requirement when applicable.

Related documents

DS-2019 and program sponsor documents
Passport, DS-160, and SEVIS information as required
Funding history and previous J visas, if any

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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H / L / O / P / E and dependents

Work, dependents, or investors

Requirements and petitioners vary by category. Review the employer, qualifications, and work type with a qualified adviser.

Related documents

Employer and job details, or the investment business
Education and experience documents
Relevant petitions or approval notices, if any
Evidence of the dependent relationship

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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K-1 / K-2 · I-129F

Fiancé of a U.S. citizen

The fiancé process includes a petition before a visa application and further steps after entry. It does not immediately grant a green card.

Related documents

Evidence of petitioner citizenship
Evidence of the relationship and meetings
Evidence of termination of prior marriages, if any
Birth certificates, police records, medical results, and consular documents as instructed

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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I-130 / I-130A · NVC / DS-260

Spouse or family green cards

Distinguish citizen and permanent-resident petitioners, relationships, child ages, and processing inside or outside the U.S.

Related documents

Evidence of petitioner status and relationship
Marriage and birth certificates, and relevant divorce or death documents
Evidence of a genuine marital relationship
Financial sponsor documents and Thai records per NVC or embassy checklists

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Adjustment of status · I-485

Adjustment to permanent resident status

Being in the U.S. or having a citizen spouse does not establish eligibility to adjust status. Entry history and individual exceptions need review.

Related documents

Entry documents and I-94, if available
Petition or eligibility basis reviewed by a qualified professional
Birth certificate and English translation
Previous petitions and documents requested by the adviser

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Extension of stay · I-539 / Employer I-129

Extend your stay in the same status

Check I-94 separately from visa expiration. The form depends on status. Filing is not approval and does not automatically authorize work.

Related documents

I-94 or latest approval notice
Passport and status type
Reason for extension and timing
Financial evidence and travel plans, or employer or school documents relevant to the category

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Change of status / Reinstatement

Change of status / Student status interruption

New status, permission to work or study, and a visa after departure are separate issues. Review them before taking action.

Related documents

I-94 and complete status history
I-20 / DS-2019 / Relevant employer documents
Prior petition evidence and events causing gaps in status

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Request information about assistance

Past overstay or uncertainty about status

Adjustment is not available to everyone. Do not decide to leave the U.S. or select a filing before a qualified professional reviews your history.

Related documents

Keep entry and exit records and previous notices
Prepare a timeline for direct attorney review
Do not send sensitive case details through the general contact form

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Permanent resident card · I-90

Renew or replace a green card

The ten-year card and permanent resident status are distinct. Removing conditions on a two-year card is a different process.

Related documents

Green card and identity documents
Reason for replacement, such as expiration, loss, or name change
Name change documents or correction orders, as applicable

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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I-751 / Investor I-829

Remove conditions on a two-year green card

Joint petitions generally have a filing window before the second anniversary. Divorce, death, and waiver cases have different requirements needing individual review.

Related documents

Card and start date of conditional status
Marital evidence or investment documents for the original basis
Divorce, death, or waiver-related documents, where relevant

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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I-765 / I-131

Employment authorization or travel documents

Review the eligibility basis for each form. A receipt alone does not establish permission to work or travel.

Related documents

Evidence of eligibility basis and filing receipts
Previous cards or documents, if any
Timing and travel plans for qualified review

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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VAWA / U / T · Safe support channels

Domestic violence, crime, or human trafficking

Choose a safe contact method and qualified assistance. Information is not automatically shared with a spouse or sponsor.

Related documents

Do not describe sensitive events on this website
Keep existing documents for direct review by a qualified adviser

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Attorney / Accredited representative

Asylum, immigration court, or removal orders

Specific deadlines or jurisdiction may apply. Contact a qualified representative directly. This tool does not determine eligibility or calculate case deadlines.

Related documents

Keep court notices, orders, and envelopes
Prepare a timeline for the adviser
Do not upload case details through the general contact form

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 / EB-5

Employment, ability, or investment green cards

Distinguish employer petitions, permitted self-petitions, labor processes, and investment. Obtain qualified review before selecting a category.

Related documents

Education and employment history
Employer, achievements, or investment details relevant to your topic
Previous petitions and status history, if any

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Children · Dependents · DV · Special circumstances

Other circumstances / Unsure where to start

Ask preliminary questions without choosing a form. Incomplete information does not determine eligibility.

Related documents

Choose a topic to explore without sending personal documents
Find a qualified adviser when choosing a legal approach

This is an educational list, not a complete filing checklist for everyone. Check current form and embassy instructions.

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Entry without inspection, overstay, court proceedings, removal, or uncertain histories require an attorney or accredited representative to assess the case before choosing a filing. This website does not calculate approval chances.