Immigration services

U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for qualifying relatives with Form I-130. Spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents of adult U.S. citizens are immediate relatives with no annual quota; other categories wait according to the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Relatives in the U.S. who qualify may file Form I-485 to adjust status. Relatives in China continue through the National Visa Center, Form DS-260 and an interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou.

Eligible applicants in the U.S. can apply for a green card with Form I-485 without leaving the country. Common cases include spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, and applicants whose priority date is current. Eligibility depends on how you entered and your current status.

Form I-485 is usually filed with Forms I-765 and I-131. The I-693 medical exam, completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, must be submitted with the I-485.

A green card based on a marriage of less than two years is conditional. The couple must file Form I-751 jointly within the 90 days before the card expires, with evidence that the marriage is genuine.

Permanent residents 18 or older with 5 years of residence (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen) who meet the continuous residence, physical presence and good moral character requirements may apply, as early as 90 days before the anniversary.

Applicants who file on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test: up to 20 questions from a 128-question bank, with 12 correct answers needed to pass. The English reading, writing and speaking tests are unchanged.

Renew a 10-year green card within 6 months of expiration or after it expires, or replace a lost, stolen or damaged card. The I-90 receipt notice extends the card’s validity by 36 months. Conditional (2-year) cards are renewed with Form I-751, not I-90.

Renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025 generally no longer receive an automatic extension, so work authorization can lapse while a renewal is pending. File as early as allowed, up to 180 days before the card expires.

Green card holders planning to stay abroad for a year or longer should obtain a reentry permit before leaving. You must be in the U.S. when filing and complete biometrics here; the permit is valid for up to 2 years. Absences over 6 months can also affect the continuous residence needed for naturalization.

Visitors and other nonimmigrants who need more time or a different status must file Form I-539 before their I-94 expires.

Asylum generally must be requested within one year of the last arrival. We prepare Form I-589, the personal declaration and translations at your direction. We cannot give legal advice or appear in immigration court; we recommend also consulting an immigration attorney.

Applicants who receive a means-tested benefit, have household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or face financial hardship may request a fee waiver with Form I-912. Naturalization applicants below 400% of the guidelines may pay a reduced fee of half the standard amount. Requests must be filed on paper.

Request your immigration file (A-File) from USCIS under the Freedom of Information Act to review past filings before a new application.