Agencies

USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. It administers many immigration benefit applications, including naturalization and many green-card and affirmative asylum cases.

Published:

Responsibilities

USCIS publishes form instructions, edition dates, fees and filing locations. A form’s name does not determine whether someone qualifies. Form I-485 concerns adjustment of status, Form I-589 asylum and related protection, and Form I-751 removal of marriage-based residence conditions. Each has its own eligibility and filing requirements.

What to distinguish

USCIS is not the immigration court. EOIR is part of the Department of Justice and conducts immigration-court proceedings. ICE and CBP have different enforcement and border responsibilities. Check official case notices rather than assuming that every immigration question belongs to USCIS.

Primary sources

General reference information, not legal advice. A summary does not replace the statute or full decision. Check applicability and subsequent developments before filing. Publication does not imply attorney legal review or create an attorney-client relationship.

Frequently asked questions

What is USCIS?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. It administers many immigration benefit applications, including naturalization and many green-card and affirmative asylum cases.

What should I check before relying on this information?

USCIS is not the immigration court. EOIR is part of the Department of Justice and conducts immigration-court proceedings. ICE and CBP have different enforcement and border responsibilities. Check official case notices rather than assuming that every immigration question belongs to USCIS.

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