The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees the United States’ immigration system and was founded in 2003. Protecting national security and assisting immigrants in becoming citizens are part of their mission as an agency.
Online Tools & Resources
USCIS has a wide variety of tools and resources on their website all located under the tools tab. Ask Emma is an interactive virtual assistant that’s located at the top corner of the USCIS website. She’s named after Emma Lazarus, who wrote the poem under the Statue of Liberty, a symbol for many people wanting to immigrate to the United States. She’s available in English and Spanish and has the ability to answer questions about topics from interviews to green card renewals.
In the Self Service section, there are multiple help guides. When a person is trying to immigrate, apply to become naturalized, or petition for a relative, this section allows for online filing and checking a case’s progress. USCIS promotes online filing because it allows applicants to “save your draft application, easily and securely pay your filing fee, and receive immediate confirmation that we have received your form.” Someone can also explore options if they are interested in immigrating to the U.S. Although options can be available, USCIS does mention that the options presented don’t “guarantee that we will approve your application or petition.”
Another resource available is the locator section. It allows people to find certified doctors for their required medical check ups, English classes, and offices. It also gives information in regards to filing fees.
Citizenship Resources Center
Lawful permanent residents who are interested in becoming citizens have a variety of resources in this corner. It allows people to apply for citizenship completely online. It's also a resource center for educators who could use the information to teach immigrant students, civics classes, and U.S. history; it can benefit organizations who want to support immigrants in becoming citizens and assimilating them into American society.
The Citizenship Resource Center provides the "most popular study materials" for the naturalization test. There are different versions of the exam, depending on the test taker. There's a 2008 version for somebody who filed before December 1, 2020. The 2020 version is available for anyone who has filed after December 1, 2020. For people who are 65 years old or older and have been living in the United States for 20 or more years, they may study only 20 questions that are marked and in the language of their choice. For someone who wishes to study from their cell phone, there is an app available for download called "USCIS civics test" and can be found on Google Play or the App store.
Students & Exchange Visitors
For students, there are two types of visas, F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas is a category for academic students. There are other "F" visas available for the spouses and children of F-1 visa holders and a type for Canadian or Mexican national commuter students. M-1 visas are meant for vocational students. Just like the other "F" visas, there are the same ones for "M" visas.
Exchange visitors are eligible for J-1 visas. This visa category is for educational and cultural exchange programs. There are also J-2 visas for spouses and children of J-1 visa holders.
Need More Help?
If someone is needing extra help, USCIS does have a "Contact Us" page; it shows different options depending on the type of help needed. For live assistance, their toll free number is 800-375-5283. With an USCIS online account, there is the option to send a message for any help needed.
Additional Information
USCIS has an A-Z index that makes locating any content easily. It offers direct links to anything from applications for waivers to the military help line.
"Engaging with USCIS, Online Tools, and Citizenship Resources"
The Federal Depository Library Program released a webinar filled with information about USCIS and its online tools it has to offer.
USCIS not only has a great amount of tools, it also provides information about any laws and policy that affects U.S. immigration and immigrants, including the most recent actions made by President Biden.
Created in 1967, the Freedom of Information Act was created for disclosure purposes. It has provided the public with the right to request access to records from a government agency, including USCIS. Someone can request personal immigration records, another person's immigration records, or USCIS policies and data.
~ Nadia
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