Understand important U.S. immigration forms, what each section is asking for, and what information you may need before you file. Form explainer provides plain-english explanations to help you work through complicated immigration paperwork and understand how the information you provide may come up in questions later in the immigration process. Our goal is to help you understand what you’re submitting, avoid common mistakes and feel better prepared for what comes next.
Form I-485 – Green Card Application
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is used by many people applying for a green card from within the United States. The application asks for detailed information about your immigration history, background, family, and eligibility. Our guide walks you through those questions with clear, simple explanations that help you better understand what is being requested and why it may matter. Start with our step-by-step guide to Form I-485 or explore common I-485 questions.
Form I-589 – Asylum Application
Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is used to request protection in the United States based on persecution or fear of persecution. An Asylum application does more than collect information–it documents your history and the reasons you are seeking protection. Our guide explains the form section by section, clarifies what information each question is asking for, and how the information you provide may become important later in your case. Start with our comprehensive Form I-589 guide or explore common I-589 questions.
Form I-130 – Family Petition
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the starting point for many family-based immigration cases. It asks a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with the person seeking to immigrate. Our guide helps you understand what the form is asking, what documentation may be required, and how the I-130 fits into the broader family-based immigration process.