U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was created as a separate bureau by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. USCIS allows the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve the administration of benefits and immigration services for applicants by exclusively focusing on immigration and citizenship services. Their main responsibility is the administration of all immigration and naturalization adjudication functions, and establishing immigration services policy and benefits.

Information on immigration eligibility, filing, procedures, and case status is available on the USCIS web site. Immigration forms and their accompanying instructions are available for download as well. The frequently asked questions section of the USCIS web site provides answers to common questions concerning immigration services and benefits. Additional information, and assistance, are also available from the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833). The NCSC provides recorded information 24 hours a day. Additionally, live assistance is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Additional contact information for individuals who are in need of specialized services and currently reside in the United States may be obtained through the USCIS Office locator. Individuals located outside the United States and its territories may obtain assistance through the USCIS Overseas Office serving their country, or through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Please note: USCIS does not handle reports of undocumented immigrants. To report a suspected undocumented immigrant, please contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instead.

Additional Resources:

• Citizenship and Naturalization
• Immigration: First-time Immigrant
• Immigration: Sponsoring a Relative
• Immigration: Sponsoring a Spouse or Fiancé(e)
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Applying
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Replacing or Renewing
• Permanent Residents: Removal of Conditions Based on Marriage
• Permanent Residents: Loss of Status
• Citizenship: Certificate of Citizenship
• Citizenship: Certificate of Naturalization
• Citizenship: Appealing Naturalization Denials
• Complaints: USCIS or USCIS Employees
• U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)