Numbered Immigration Forms

AR-3/AR-3a “Alien Registration Receipt”

The AR-3/AR-3a is an older version of the current “Alien Registration Receipt Card” (I-551). These cards were issued between 1941 and 1949 to LPRs. The I-551 now replaces this card. Even though clients were informed that they must update their old documents, the AR-3 or the AR-3a is acceptable as verification of lawful permanent status.

I-94 “Arrival-Departure Form”

The I-94 and I-94 A are issued by USCIS to almost all noncitizens upon entry to the U.S. It creates a record of arrival and departure. The card shows the noncitizen's immigration category or section of the law under which the person is granted admission. This is shown on the “admitted” line and may be printed or stamped. The words “Employment Authorized” may also be stamped on the card. The I-94/I-94A may or may not include an A-Number and does not have a photograph. Noncitizens with I-94s include:

Reminder: To ensure that all relevant information on the I-94 “Arrival/Departure Record” is available for viewing, both sides of the I-94 must be copied and scanned into Imaging.

ExampleExample

I-94

 

Processed for I-551

While processing a noncitizen's record prior to the issuance of the I-551, USCIS may issue an interim I-94 stamped: “Processed for I-551. Temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence valid until ______________. Employment authorized.”

USCIS may also issue an I-94 stating the form is to be used as a “Temporary I-551.” This form is used for the same purposes as the alien card, including authorization for employment, when the original has been lost or stolen.

Besides the “Temporary I-551” form, a noncitizen may have a receipt for fees paid to replace the I-551. The receipt by itself is not sufficient evidence of a noncitizen's legal status: Secondary SAVE must also be completed.

Parolee

Parolees are individuals who normally would not be admissible to the U.S., but are allowed to enter temporarily for humanitarian, medical, and legal reasons, usually under emergency circumstances. A grant of parole does not constitute a formal admission to the U.S. It confers only temporary permission to be present, requiring parolees to leave when the conditions supporting their parole cease to exist. Noncitizens who do not enter the country as immigrants or nonimmigrants are sometimes paroled in the U.S. at the discretion of the government. Only I-94's printed “paroled pursuant to Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act” for an indefinite period are acceptable verification of parole status. Refer to Parolees.

Refugees

A noncitizen who has entered the U.S. as a nonimmigrant, or entered without inspection, because of persecution or due to race, religion or political opinion may be granted voluntary departure by the USCIS as a refugee or an asylee (see section below). Refugees may be issued an I-94 that is stamped:

“Admitted as a Refugee pursuant to Sec. 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you depart the U.S., you will need prior permission from USCIS to return. Employment authorized.” Refer to Refugees.

Asylee

Asylees are persons from any country who have been granted asylum under Section 208 or 208(a) of the INA. For the first 8 months from the date of entry into the U.S., cash eligibility is to be determined under the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA). Refer to Asylees.

Nonimmigrants

Persons enter and depart the U.S. for many reasons, such as tourism, entertainment, short time business, etc. and are issued a nonimmigrant I-94. (Effective 4/1/97, the Mexican Border Visitor’s Permit [I-444] was replaced by the I-94.) Their admittance is of a temporary nature and their I-94 will say “Admitted (class) until (specific date)”. These persons are not entitled to receive any public benefits other than Medi-Cal pregnancy related and emergency services if California residency requirements are met.

Exception: Prior to August 13, 1982, Cuban-Haitian Entrants were issued I-94s stating “Status Pending.” Even though the “reviewable” date has expired, these I-94's are valid until further notice. Effective August 13, 1982, the I-94S has been issued to Haitians paroled into the U.S. under the terms of court order Louis v. Nelson, et. al. The expiration date is invalid as they have an Indefinite Parole Status until further notice.

I-130 “Petition for Alien Relative”

The I-130 is a petition filed by a LPR or U.S. citizen (sponsor) for application of a relative to immigrate to the U.S, or for a relative already in the U.S., to attain LPR status.

Affidavit of Support

The affidavit of support is a document which holds a sponsor financially responsible for the immigrant. There are different affidavit of support forms and each is governed by a different set of rules.

I-134

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), which is “non-enforceable,” is a promissory note to support the noncitizen entering the U.S. Form I-134 was used prior to December 19, 1997. The rules for its use remain in effect, except sponsor deeming or attributing a portion of the sponsor’s income to the sponsored noncitizen does not apply to a sponsor who completed the I-134. The sponsor cannot be held responsible for the support of a sponsored noncitizen because the I-134 is non-enforceable.


I-864

The enforceable Affidavit of Support (Form I-1864)Affidavit of Support (Form I-1864) as specified in Section 213A of the INA, which is mandatory for most family-based immigrants, is a binding contract by the sponsor or sponsors for support of the immigrant, and for repayment of certain public benefits received by the immigrant. This affidavit is legally enforceable, as long as it was signed on or after December 19, 1997. (Refer to each program handbook for deeming of Sponsor’s income and resources.)


I-361

Form I-361 Affidavit of Support is another type of enforceable document that must be submitted with a petition for treatment as an Amerasian for certain nationals of Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or Thailand born after 1950 and before October 22, 1982.

I-151 “Resident Alien Card”

The I-151 was issued to those who were granted LPR status prior to 1979. It is an older version of the current I-551. Even though clients were informed that they must update their old documents, the I-151 is acceptable as verification of lawful permanent residence. Several versions of the I-151Several versions of the I-151 were issued because of periodic revisions.


I-179 “U.S. Citizen Identification Card”

The I-179 was issued to U.S. citizens to facilitate crossing land borders. USCIS stopped issuing this card in February, 1974. Cards issued up to February 1974, to U.S. citizens remain valid.

Note: The only valid identification cards are as follows: I-179 - Issued prior to February, 1994, and I-197 - Issued from February, 1974 until April 7, 1983

I-181a “Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence”

The I-181a is a notification letterI-181a is a notification letter from USCIS issued when a immigrant with TPS has applied for LPR. This is a temporary identification document. The noncitizen should receive their permanent I-551 within a year.


The I-181b, if issued, will show that LPR was granted.

I-185 “Canadian Border Crossing Card”

The I-185 is the border crossing cardI-185 is the border crossing card issued to Canadian citizens and certain British subjects who are LPRs of Canada. It is for persons making a temporary visit for business or pleasure and issued only to residents of Canada who previously have been declared inadmissible to the U.S. but have been granted a waiver.


I-186 “Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card”

This card has been replaced by the I-586. Refer to I-586 "Mexican Border Crossing Card."

DSP-150 USA B1/B2 VISA/BCC

In 1998, the U.S. DOS introduced a new Border Crossing Card (BCC), Form DSP-150Form DSP-150. The front of the card has a three (3) line machine readable zone and hologram. Bearers of this card are not entitled to work in the U.S.


I-197 “U.S. Citizen Identification Card”

The I-197 was issued to U.S. citizens to facilitate crossing land borders. USCIS stopped issuing this card on April 7, 1983. Cards issued between February, 1974 and April 7, 1983, to U.S. citizens remain valid.

Note: The only valid identification cards are as follows: I-179 - Issued prior to February, 1994, and I-197 - Issued from February, 1974 until April 7, 1983

I-210 “Voluntary Departure”

Voluntary Departure is a status that entitles a noncitizen to stay in the U.S. for either a specific time period or indefinitely. Voluntary departure can be granted by USCIS before deportation proceedings have begun or by an Immigration Judge during deportation proceedings.

I-221 “Order To Show Cause”

The I-221 begins formal deportation proceedings. If the noncitizen has an I-221, it means they can be taken into USCIS custody or released either on their own recognizance or after posting a bond. Information about the release will be attached to the order. If the noncitizen fails to appear for their deportation hearing they will be ordered deported.

I-327 “Re-Entry Permit”

The I-327I-327 is given to Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) who are traveling outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time. It is issued in lieu of a passport and is given to facilitate re-entry into the U.S. It has an expiration date which is valid for two years and is not renewable.

I-360 “Petition for Amerasian, Widow or Special Immigrant”

The I-360 is a petition used by Battered Noncitizens, Amerasians, Widow/Widowers or Special Immigrants to apply for LPR status with USCIS.

I-444 “Mexican Border Visitors Permit”

The I-444 was issued to Mexican nationals to allow them to visit five specific U. S. states; Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, or Texas. Visits are limited to less than 30 days duration and to within 25 miles of the U.S. Mexico border.

Effective 4/1/97, the I-94 replaced the I-444.

I-512 “Parole Authorization”

Noncitizens in the U.S. who have LPR or another immigration status can apply for advance parole if they must leave the U.S. If granted advance parole, they will be issued the I-512. This allows them to leave the country and re-enter the U.S. from short trips abroad.

N-550 “Certificate Of Naturalization”

The N-550N-550 is issued to a noncitizen who becomes a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. It is the original certificate of naturalization issued by a court.


N-570

The N-570 is a replacement certificate issued by USCIS when the original document (N-550) is lost or destroyed.

I-551 “Permanent Resident Card”

The I-551 establishes both identity and employment eligibility for noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. I-551s are issued by USCIS to legal immigrants after their arrival and to refugees after one year of residence. Other noncitizens are eligible to apply for an I-551 subject to the limitations of their specific legal status.

The I-551 and I-151 contain codes which indicate how an LPR immigrated to the U.S. This information can help determine whether an individual immigrated through a family member, as a refugee, or through some other means. This helps determine an individual's prior immigration status before adjustment to that of a permanent resident noncitizen or whether an individual has sponsors.

Note: The I-551 may be issued to persons to reflect the conditional nature of the noncitizen's status. An expired conditional I-551 cannot be accepted as evidence of eligible noncitizen status.

The I-551 replaced the I-151, AR-3 and AR-3a. It was phased-in starting in 1977. All of these forms are acceptable proof of noncitizen status if specifically endorsed to show the legal right to reside permanently.

The I-551 is commonly called a “green card” after the original I-151 issued in 1946. In 1989, USCIS began to issue an I-551 with added anti-forgery characteristics and ten-year expiration dates. The face of this card is a rose color and the blue USCIS seal overlaps the photo area. The laminate contains an optical variable ink pattern which reads “I-551” when the card is tilted at an angle. Class codes are on the back of this I-551. The back gradually changes from pink to blue, with a map of the U.S. in white.

Form I-551 Issued in 1989Form I-551 Issued in 1989


Form I-551 Issued in January 1992Form I-551 Issued in January 1992


1998 Version

USCIS began issuing a new version of the “resident alien card” on 4/22/98. The newer version has a white background and salmon lines cover the photo in an unbroken pattern on the front. The back has a pale greenish background with the map of the U.S. in white. It also features:

  • The permanent resident bearer’s country of birth
  • Class codes listed on the front under “category”
  • Imbedded holograms of:
    • The Statue of Liberty with rays emanating from her torch
    • An outline map of the U.S.
    • The USCIS seal
    • The letters “USA”, and
    • The words “United States of America” alternating with “US Immigration and Naturalization Service.”

Form I-551 Issued in 1998Form I-551 Issued in 1998



Form I-551 Issued 2010

In 2010, the USCIS has redesigned the I-551 to incorporate several major new security features. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card.

USCIS began issuing the redesigned I-551s on May 11, 2010, to newly approved LPRs and to those who sought renewal or replacement cards. The I-551s are valid for ten (10) years for LPRs and two (2) years for conditional residents. It must be renewed once it expires.

The following are features of the redesigned I-551:

  • Special ink creates color shifts in visual designs (e.g., eagle's head).
  • Fine-lined artwork and complex architecture incorporate patterns that are nearly impossible to reproduce.
  • Card materials resist tampering. Attempted tampering becomes immediately visible to the naked eye.
  • Standard card design and personalized features are integrated to deter fraud attempts (e.g., alteration of the photograph).
  • Greater detail in photograph makes for easier identification of the bearer.
  • Ultra-violet technology and tactile clues allow accurate card authentication at border crossings.
  • RFID allows inspectors to read unique, 192-bit serial number (192-bits) from a distance and link the information to the personal data on file.
  • Personalized return address on back of card doubles as security feature and as customer-service enhancement to facilitate easy return of lost cards to USCIS.
  • In keeping with its nickname, the redesigned I-551 is now green.

Form I-551 Issued in 2010Form I-551 Issued in 2010



Form I-551 Issued 2017Form I-551 Issued 2017


In 2017, the USCIS redesigned the I-551 as part of the NGSID Project. USCIS began issuing the new cards on May 1, 2017.

These redesigns use enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features to create cards that are highly secure and more tamper-resistant than the ones currently in use. The new Green Cards;

  • Display the individual’s photos on both sides;
  • Show an image of the Statue of Liberty and a predominately green palette;
  • Have embedded holographic images; and
  • No longer display the individual’s signature.

Note: Some Green Cards (I-551) issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the existing 2010 design format as USCIS will continue using existing card stock until current supplies are depleted. The existing and the new Green Cards will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

N-560 “Certificate Of Citizenship”

An N-560N-560 is issued to U.S. citizens born abroad who acquired citizenship at birth through a U.S. citizen parent. It can also be obtained by citizens who derived citizenship when their parents naturalized, and by children adopted by U.S. citizens. The N-561 is a replacement certificate.


N-570 “Certificate Of Naturalization”

The N-570N-570 is a replacement certificate issued by USCIS when the original document (N-550) is lost or destroyed. Refer to N-550 "Certificate Of Naturalization.”


I-571 “Refugee Travel Document”

The I-571I-571 is issued to refugees and asylees in the U.S. who want to travel abroad before they receive LPR status. It is similar to a reentry permit and is used like a passport to enter other countries and return to the U.S.


I-586 “Mexican Border Crossing Card”

The I-586 is given to citizens of Mexico to enter the U.S. for short trips. These persons are limited to the area within 25 miles of the U.S. - Mexico border. The card is valid indefinitely, but the person is authorized to remain in the U.S. for only 72 hours each visit. (The predecessor document was the I-186.)

I-586—Mexican Border Crossing CardI-586—Mexican Border Crossing Card

(Used before 1999)


 I-583—Revised in November 1990I-583—Revised in November 1990


I-688 “Temporary Resident Card”

Noncitizens that legalize their status under IRCA were first granted temporary resident statustemporary resident status. The expiration date on the front of the card was extended by stickers placed on the back. The noncitizen may still be in lawful status even if the I-688 or sticker has expired. The card will be marked on the bottom center with the numbers 245A or 210 to indicate whether the individual legalized under the general amnesty program or the farm worker program.


I-688A “Employment Authorization for Legalization Applicants”

The I-688A was issued to all noncitizensI-688A was issued to all noncitizens who applied for amnesty and met initial eligibility requirements. The I-688A by itself is not evidence of temporary resident status and does not provide adequate verification for public benefits. It is valid for a period of up to six months. Within the six month period, USCIS granted or denied eligibility for temporary resident status.


USCIS may extend the expiration date by adding stickers to the back of the card or by adding a card attached to the I-688A with holes punched to indicate the extension date.

I-688B “Employment Authorization Document”

The I-688B is issued to noncitizens who have been granted permission to work in the U.S. The I-688B remains valid until the expiration date on the individual card. The expiration date may be extended by placing a small sticker on the reverse side. There are two kinds of extension stickers:

  • One extends the expiration date for 90 days, and
  • The other for 1 year.

Multiple stickers may be used for further extension. The I-688B by itself may not provide adequate verification for public benefits unless you are able to verify the annotated INA section as matching one of the “qualified alien” status.’

The front of the “Red” I-688B“Red” I-688B has a white background, yellow interlocking wavy lines and a gold USCIS seal visible when tilted. The back has a red outline of the U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. The word “VOID” is capitalized and underlined.


The I-688B provides the provision of law allowing the noncitizen to work which may also be a clue to how the noncitizen entered the country. Below is the key to the provision of law:

Key to “Provision of Law”

Use the following tables to determine entry status of the individual:

Subsection 274a.12(a) (Automatic permission to work)

(a)(3)

Refugee

(a)(4)

Paroled as refugee

(a)(5)

Granted asylum

(a)(6)

Fiancé(e) of U.S. citizen or dependent of fiancé(e)

(a)(7)

Son or daughter of former international organization employee

(a)(8)

Citizen of the Federated State of Micronesia or the Marshall Islands

(a)(10)

Granted withholding of deportation

(a)(11)

Granted extended voluntary departure or DED

(a)(12)

Granted temporary protected status (TPS)

(a)(13)

Granted Family Unity

(c)(1)

Dependent of foreign government official

(c)(2)

E-1 nonimmigrant

(c)(3)

Foreign Students

(i)-(iii)

(c)(4)

Dependent of employee of international organization

(c)(5)

Dependent of exchange visitor

(c)(6)

Foreign Student

(c)(7)

Dependent of NATO employee

(c)(8)

Asylum applicant

 

Subsection 274a.12(c): (Must establish eligibility for permission to work)

(c)(1)

Dependent of foreign government official

(c)(2)

E-1 nonimmigrant

(c)(3)(i)-(iii)

Foreign students

(c)(4)

Dependent of employee of international organization

(c)(5)

Dependent of exchange visitor

(c)(6)

Foreign students

(c)(7)

Dependent of NATO employee

(c)(8)

Asylum applicant

(c)(9)

Applicant for adjustment to LPR status

(c)(10)

Applicant for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal

(c)(11)

Paroled or emergent or public interest reasons

(c)(12)

Granted voluntary departure

(c)(13)

Deportation or exclusion proceedings pending

(c)(14)

Granted deferred action

(c)(16)

Applicant for registry (resided in U.S. since before January 1, 1972)

(c)(17)(i)

Employee of business visitor

(c)(17)(ii)

Employee of foreign airline

(c)(18)

Deportable noncitizen under order of supervision

(c)(19)

TPS applicant

I-689 “Fee Receipt”

The I-689 is a receipt issued by USCIS to applicants for legalization (amnesty) and SAWS programs after the application for legalization was submitted and the fee was paid. The date the fees are paid is the “Date of Adjustment” and begins the 5-year period of ineligibility for CalWORKs, CalFresh, and most Medi-Cal benefits. The I-689 expires on the date of the legalization interview, when the applicant may receive an “Employment Authorization Card” (I-688A).

G-711 “USCIS Cash Receipt”

A cash receipt (G-711) is given to the client whenever USCIS receives a fee or a fee is waived. The G-711 contains the client's alien registration number and will list a form number. The form number can tell us for what form the client has paid or applied.

Key to Form Numbers

USCIS Form numbers for application are as follows:

Form
No.

Form Title

I-90

Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

I-102

Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document

I-130

Petition for Alien Relative

I-131

Application for Travel Document

I-140

Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

I-190

Application for Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card (obsolete)

I-212

Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal

I-246

Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal (ICE form)

I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

I-539

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (replaced I-506)

I-539

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

I-589

Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

I-698

Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (under Section 245A of the INA)

I-765

Application for Employment Authorization

I-817

Application for Family Unity Benefits

I-821

Application for Temporary Protected Status

I-881

Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special rule Cancellation of Removal (replaced I-256A)

N-400

Application for Naturalization

N-458

Application to Correct Certificate of Naturalization (this form was migrated to form N-565)

N-565

Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

N-600

Application for Certificate of Citizenship

N-643

Application for Certificate of Citizenship in Behalf of an Adopted Child

I-766 “Employment Authorization Document”

USCIS is phasing in the “Employment Authorization Document” (EAD) (I-766), introduced in May 2004. This card is issued to noncitizens who are authorized to work temporarily in the U.S. This document establishes identity and employment eligibility and is similar to a credit card document. This card may also contain an USCIS code to identify the immigration status of the individual.

Known
Codes

Status

A3

Refugee, Conditional Entrant

A5

Asylee

A10

Withholding of Deportation/Cancellation of Removal

The front of the “Red” I-766“Red” I-766 has a white background, red header bar and the Statue of Liberty, USA, and USCIS symbols become visible when tilted. The nonimmigrant category is listed over the justice seal by a letter and number abbreviation of the 274A.12 immigration law citation. The back has a white background with a black magnetic strip and bar code.



Form I-766 “Employment Authorization Document” Issued 2017

In 2017, the USCIS has redesigned the I-766I-766 as part of the Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project. USCIS will began issuing the new cards on May 1, 2017.


The new EAD cards:

  • Display the individual’s photos on both sides
  • Have an image of a bald eagle and a predominately red palette
  • Have embedded holographic images, and
  • No longer display the individual’s signature.

Note: Some EAD cards issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the existing 2010 design format as USCIS will continue using existing card stock until current supplies are depleted. The existing and the new EAD cards will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

I-797 “Notice of Action”

This form is used by the USCIS to notify applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits that the agency has taken some kind of action in the case. USCIS indicates that there will be four versions of the form.

This form can be used:

  • To notify individuals who have filed a petition for an immigrant visa on behalf of a relative that the petition has been approved.
  • To notify abused immigrants who have filed a self-petition under the VAWA that their self-petitions have been found to establish a prima facie case.
  • To notify applicants for Family Unity that they have been granted Family Unity status.

Information from USCIS indicates the four versions of the form will be:

  • I-797
  • I-797A
  • I-797B
  • I-797C

I-797

The I-797I-797 will be used for immigrant approvals, as well as for other cases not covered on Form I-797A and I-797B.


I-797A

The I-797A is used for nonimmigrant (primarily employment) cases in which the beneficiary/applicant is in the U.S.

I-797B

The I-797B is used for nonimmigrant (primarily employment) cases in which the beneficiary/applicant is outside the United States and is applying for a visa at an American consulate.

I-797C

The I-797C is generally used for approvals, receipts, requests for more information and denials.

I-864 “Affidavit of Support”

Immigrants may be “sponsored” when they apply for an immigration visa. Sponsors submit an “Affidavit of Support”“Affidavit of Support” promising to financially assist the immigrant should it be needed. When an immigrant is sponsored (after 12/19/97) they will have an I-864. The “enforceable” Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) as specified in Section 213A of the INA, which is mandatory for most family-based immigrants, is a binding contract by the sponsor or sponsors for support of the immigrant, and for repayment of certain public benefits received by the immigrant. This affidavit is legally enforceable, as long as it was signed on or after December 19, 1997. Refer to each program Handbook for deeming of Sponsor’s income and resources.


Refer to I-864.

Related Topics

Non-numbered Immigration Forms

Immigration Documents Overview