Useful Links
Helping you to navigate your way through the U.S. immigration system …
Department of Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov)
The DHS’s first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. Component agencies will analyze threats and intelligence, guard our borders and airports, protect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate the response of our nation for future emergencies.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (www.uscis.gov)
The USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS Processing Times are maintained on the site, and the USCIS Case Status Online tool allows you to track the status or an application or petition by entering the case receipt number.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (www.ice.gov)
As the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE brings a unified and coordinated focus to the enforcement of federal immigration laws, customs laws, and air security laws.
Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov)
The agency that monitors and protects the borders of the United States and enforces customs laws and regulations, the CBP also falls under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security. CBP maintains a webpage that allows foreign nationals to check arrival and departure records, including details of the electronic I-94 issued at the time of entry. It does not necessarily reflect one’s current status. Many individuals change, extend, or adjust status from within the United States. This typically is done by filing an application or petition with the USCIS. Approvals issued by the USCIS are not reflected in the CBP travel information. As explained on the CBP website, “The info returned may not reflect applications submitted to or benefits received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
U.S. DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov)
Consulates and U.S. embassies fall under the U.S. Department of State (DOS), which disseminates visa information, passport information, health information, travel warnings in times of conflict and natural disasters, and links to several related sites.
U.S. Department of State (www.state.gov)
The DOS is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. It advances U.S. objectives and interests in shaping a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing the foreign policies of the U.S. President.
U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov)
The DOL promotes and develops the welfare of U.S. wage earners, job seekers, and retirees. It enforces laws and regulations to ensure proper working conditions; advances opportunities for profitable employment; and assures work-related benefits and rights. The DOL maintains a page that posts prevailing wage determination (PWD) and PERM current average processing times.
Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov)
Established to give financial protection to Americans at times of retirement, disability, and to family members upon death.
Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov)
The IRS collects taxes for the U.S. government. This site is well equipped to answer questions regarding tax laws and processes.
United States Department of Justice (www.justice.gov)
The DOJ is committed to enforcing law and administering impartial justice for all Americans; to lead in the prevention and control of crime and the appropriate punishment of offenders; and to enforce U.S. immigration laws with fairness.