Immigration and Visas

If you have had troubles dealing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Congressman Van Hollen’s office may be able to help. Please contact the Rockville office at (301) 424-3501.

According to the Privacy Act of 1974, in order for Congressman Van Hollen to assist you, written authorization is needed.  Please complete the Immigration Privacy Release Form and return it to Congressman Van Hollen's Rockville office.

Adobe Reader is needed to view this file.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I access multilingual information about immigration and citizenship issues?

Visit the Federal Citizenship Information Center website where you can access information in twenty-five languages.

How Do I Renew My Green Card?

If your card has not expired, you need to complete Form I-90 and take the completed form along with two pictures and the applicable filing fee to a local CIS Application Support Center. You will need a valid photo ID to get into the building. 

If your card has expired or was lost or stolen, you need to schedule an appointment called an "Info Pass" through the CIS Web site. The Info Pass can only be obtained online. You should try to schedule an appointment at least a week in advance of when you need to use your card.   

How Do I Let CIS Know If I Have Moved?

If you have an application or petition pending with Immigration, you should send a letter to the office handling the matter and give them your old address and new address and attach a copy of your receipt for having filed those documents with that particular office.  

If you have nothing pending with Immigration and you have moved, it is necessary that you complete Form AR-11.

I recently filed for Naturalization or a Green Card with the CIS. How long will that take?

If you would like the Congressman to inquire about the status of your Naturalization or Green Card, fill out a Immigration Privacy Release Form. 

The CIS will only allow us to check the status of your application/petition if you give us your consent by filling out the privacy form.

I need a form from the CIS, but the local office won't give me one. How do I get a CIS form?

Forms may be downloaded from the CIS web site.  You can also request that forms be mailed to you from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, or by calling 1-800-870-FORM (3676).

I've tried calling the CIS to ask a simple question, but can't get through. How do you call the CIS?

You can also try the CIS toll-free number for general questions: 1-800-375-5283.

How Do I Become a US Citizen?

Visit the CIS website for information about U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Naturalization. Also, you can download a "Guide to Naturalization". This 45-page booklet answers most questions you may have regarding citizenship.  You must have Adobe Acrobat to access it.

You can now download software from the CIS website that will allow you to complete your naturalization form on your personal computer, then print a special bar-coded application that greatly improves the accuracy and speed of the data input by INS staff.

If you prefer, you can also call 1-800-870-3676 and request form N-400, the Naturalization application, or download it from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

What if I have questions about business and immigration information?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website contains a lot of information related to hiring people who live outside of the U.S.  Refer to the CIS's H-1B Frequently Asked Questions Page for answers on all your questions regarding hiring employees outside of the U.S.