Complex immigration procedures? We have the solution. Step-by-Step guidance and simple, clear explanations will assure you the best possible understanding when confronted with submitting immigration applications. Have you considered "Do-it-Yourself Immigration Procedures"?

There are many Immigration procedures or applications that the Immigration & Naturalization Service (I.N.S.) offers as means to consider when wanting to reside in the US temporarily or permanently. Every application requires you to first determine your eligibility. Determining eligibility is the key to a successful application. Unfortunately, the Immigration & Naturalization Service(INS), which is limited in size, is often not available to respond to the overwhelming inquiries. Besides, unspecific questions lead to unspecific answers. One of the hardest questions to answer is - "How do I get a Green Card?" The generic answer to that - would be: "Check which application you are eligible for" In addition, Immigration Employees or some Immigration Consultants will not give legal counseling or assistance due to the liability factor involved with giving advice and standing behind it. This is particularly evident when the employee giving the advice is not an attorney or other form of knowledgeable representative.

Obtaining Applications

The U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service will provide immigration applications free of charge. You can check with your Local INS office or perhaps the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You would need to know which forms you want, government employees will probably not be able to assist you unless you know exactly what it is that you need. The visit to your local INS or US Embassy may be lengthy so be prepared to stand in line or take time off work. Be aware: most INS applications require the submittal of additional supporting documents or additional information which is related to other offices (I.N.S., F.B.I., I.R.S., S.S., etc.) Filing an incomplete set of applications or incorrect information often develops into a lengthy procedure of misplaced or returned files with the Immigration & Naturalization Offices. Imagine the additional degree of complexity for the INS to interact with millions of aliens requiring personalized instructions, let alone millions who submit incomplete or inaccurate applications.

Supporting Documents

INS procedures will require a variety of documents which should be readily available. The sooner you can identify the exact documents needed, the sooner they can be obtained. Be aware: if you do not have the correct documents, your application could be denied or returned. Although all immigration applications include instructions it is often difficult to compile and complete the various applications, some applications may even be outdated, checking the version number of an application form may assist you in establishing the validity (bottom left hand corner of the immigration application). You may find that certain required documents are difficult to obtain, very expensive, or have lengthy waiting periods. A perfect example is the availability of your I-94 Card (Arrival/Departure Record - white card within your passport). If you are submitting an "Adjustment of Status" application and you do not have the I-94 card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you entered legally. If the original card is lost, destroyed or mutilated you may obtain a replacement. Some individuals who don't know that a replacement of this card can be requested will never apply for it. In conclusion, it is important to establish everything that you will need even before actually getting to completing the immigration forms or understanding the filing procedures. You will be frustrated if you have waited in line all day, only to find out that you don't really know what you need and the INS Officer was not very helpful. Consult with an immigration attorney, consultant, accredited representative, or even a friend who has been through a similar procedure, get more than one opinion.

Various INS applications will require an accompanying set of fingerprint (Form FD-258). Additionally, photographs will also be required for most of these applications. "Green Card" photos (in contrast to passport photos) are technically known as "ADIT POSE" photos, which, by definition, refer to a three quarter frontal image of your face. The left side concealed whilst the front and right sides are clearly visible. Within the U.S., particularly in big cities (i.e.; New York, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.), most small photo studios advertising standard passport photographs, will also take the commonly required "ADIT POSE" photographs. If you are required to submit fingerprints with your application (for aliens seeking adjustment of status) you would need to wait for instructions from the INS. Upon receipt of payment The INS will schedule a fingerprinting appointment for you. You will be informed of the time, date and place where you will need to appear to be fingerprinted.

INS applications are normally mailed to the regional INS office which has jurisdiction over your local. Although some offices will accept walk-in submissions most will not. If your application is one that can be submitted in person, it is recommended to do so as the sacrifice of a personal visit to the over populated INS offices may be well compensated. At least a conscience acceptance or rejection of your application forms by the INS officer will establish additional requirements if any at that time. You will save on having to wait to get the acceptance or rejection letter through the mail. INS may reject your application if it is inaccurately filed. In most cases the rejection will be accompanied with a reason. If you decide to mail your applications, and there is a problem with any of the information you provided, rest assured you may spend valuable time waiting for them to return your package, only to re submit and then continue to wait. In most cases you will not be given a choice. When submitting the applications through the mail, send them Registered, or Certified mail with a Return Receipt, so that you have a record of the date of submission and the date of acceptance, ask your local Post Office Representative to explain the different mailing options to you.

Believe it or not, the immigration applications have been designed to be completed by anyone, especially those without an extensive knowledge of Technical Legal English Language. For specific details about the content and variety of crucial elements that our packages provide go to the catalog of Do-it Yourself Immigration.