The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is responsible for supervising immigration procedures in the United States. This agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, oversees various processes such as permanent residence permits (adjustment of status), the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), travel documents, and the Affidavit of Financial Sponsorship.
If you are a Spanish-speaking immigrant who has recently arrived in the United States, you may find these procedures confusing and overwhelming. However, there are resources available to help you navigate through them.
At the Immigrant Café, we provide information on where and how to find the necessary forms and information, access legal advice for immigrants, and guide you through the process at no cost or lowest one to you.
How to carry out immigration procedures at USCIS?
To carry out any immigration procedure at USCIS, you must first create an online account, download the required forms, and submit them along with the supporting documentation. You can download the forms from the official USCIS website. The website also provides detailed information about the requirements and documentation you need to present.
USCIS offers basic instructions on how to fill out the forms on its website. These instructions, along with the forms, are typically available in English.
Can a person carry out their USCIS immigration procedures on their own?
While it is possible for individuals to carry out their USCIS immigration procedures independently, many users choose to hire legal services for assistance with filling out and submitting the forms. This is because the procedures can be complex, especially for individuals who are not familiar with legal terms or do not have a strong command of the English language. Spanish-speaking immigrants, in particular, may find this process even more challenging.
USCIS also offers basic instructions on how to fill out the forms on its website. These guides, as well as the forms, are usually found in English.
How to get help with immigration procedures?
Navigating immigration procedures can be difficult due to the lack of information and language barriers. Seeking qualified help is recommended to make the process smoother.
In the US, there are law firms and agencies that offer immigration processing and monitoring services, as well as legal advice and information for those who choose to handle the procedures independently. However, their fees can be expensive.
In Florida, the cost of legal services for immigration procedures varies depending on the type of contract and procedure. While some law agencies may provide free or reduced-price services to refugees and asylees, the standard range for their fees is between $100 to $500 per hour, plus additional costs for the procedures.
Fee Waiver and payment plans
If you are an immigrant in the US, you may be able to use the Fee Waiver service offered by USCIS to carry out certain immigration procedures without paying any fees. This includes applying for a work permit or requesting a change of status. You will need to provide proof that your income is below the poverty line or that you rely on charities to make ends meet.
In addition, USCIS provides payment plans for those who cannot afford to pay the application fees upfront. You can apply for a payment plan that lasts up to 12 months, but you will need to pay an extra $85 for each plan you request. It's important to note that USCIS does not accept all fee waiver requests, and if you fail to pay your fees on time, your adjustment of status application could be denied. If you need financial assistance to cover the cost of your adjustment of status application, there are other resources available.
Some states offer government programs that provide financial assistance to immigrants. You can also seek help from religious or community organizations in your area, which may be willing to offer financial assistance.
Free solutions for Latin immigrants
For Latin immigrants who are new to the United States, there are ways to save money while completing necessary procedures. Those who require free legal assistance for common USCIS procedures can look into organizations recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ). To qualify for these services, applicants must have a reduced income and meet certain requirements.
Alternatively, there are new solutions that allow individuals to manage their procedures independently and at no cost. Immigrate is one such solution, a free mobile application available on Android and iOS. It can be found on the Google PlayStore and App Store.
Explore new ways to manage your processes
To manage immigration procedures in the United States, there are a range of options available, from costly to completely free. To find efficient and less expensive solutions, it is recommended to
- gather all necessary information about legal issues related to immigration status,
- seek legal aid if necessary, and,
- explore new tools for reliable and affordable immigration process management.
