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United States · Glossary

USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)

USCIS, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that decides immigration benefit applications made inside the United States, including green cards, work permits, petitions, asylum, and citizenship.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. What USCIS does and does not do
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

What USCIS does and does not do

USCIS handles forms such as the I-130, I-140, I-485, I-765, and N-400, and runs the H-1B lottery. It is mostly funded by filing fees, and it also runs E-Verify, the online system employers use to confirm work eligibility.

It does not issue visas abroad (that is the State Department, DOS), inspect travelers at the border (CBP), or run enforcement and detention (ICE). Immigration courts belong to the Justice Department's EOIR.

You can check case status, update your address, and file many forms online through a USCIS account. Start with how US immigration works.

Frequently asked questions

Is USCIS the same as immigration?

USCIS is one of several agencies. It handles benefits, not border control or enforcement.

How do I contact USCIS?

Through your online account or the USCIS Contact Center.

Does USCIS issue visas?

No. Visas are issued by US embassies and consulates under the State Department.

Official sources

  1. USCIS: About ususcis.gov
  2. USCIS: Case Status Onlineegov.uscis.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.