The Ultimate Immigration Checklist

Immigration Checklist  

Immigration to the United States can be intimidating and confusing, especially if you’re new to the country or planning on moving elsewhere.

Here are some of the most common mistakes immigrants make when immigrating to the United States, as well as some tips on how to avoid them. To find a list of immigration terms, check out here.

This list will also include resources that will help you with every step of your immigration process and make it easier to understand what you need to do, from starting the application through actually moving into your new home in your new country!

General Guidelines

There are several documents you will need to apply for immigration, for example, the following: Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate.

Original documents should be obtained through your country’s embassy or consulate office. A police certificate and proof of relationship are also required. Get an affidavit form from your previous country’s embassy or consulate office.

Have fingerprints been done at one of the United States Department of Homeland Security registered facilities in your area? Gather evidence of enrollment, accommodation, employment in Canada, and all other necessary documents to prove that you have ties here (such as birth certificates). Foreign countries may require evidence of visas and lawful status.

Gather evidence of family composition by getting marriage certificates, birth certificates, and divorce decrees, if applicable. Gather school records such as diplomas, transcripts, report cards, etc.

Prepare any necessary visa applications ahead of time (as well as valid passports) so that once you have been approved, it will be easier to process them.

International students may have restrictions on their visas, but if they have lawful status, they may not need a green card, depending on what type of visa they currently hold.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has a list of requirements that immigrants must meet to enter Canada to live there permanently. While not all immigrants need to follow these steps, they are essential for visa applicants and skilled workers.

The eligibility criteria are:

1. Medical exam with specific vaccinations (if required)
2. Evidence of accommodation
3. Proof of employment for skilled workers
4. Proof of school enrolment for students and visitors on a study permit or visitors from the U.S.
5. Evidence of school enrolment for refugee claimants who plan on applying for permanent residency
6. Evidence of immigration assistance, like an F-1 or J-1 visa, can indicate intent to immigrate, which may affect an applicant’s admissibility.

Immigration applications require patience, but following these guidelines will make it easier and more successful!

Documents and Information Required for Different Visa Types

In addition to filling out forms and going through medical screening, a successful immigration checklist includes completing the necessary immigration history paperwork.

Your immigration history informs all U.S. immigration policies, so be sure you have copies of all necessary paperwork when filing for a visa.

The following information is needed to file a successful visa application: birth certificate, police certificates, marriage license (if applicable), divorce decrees (if relevant), financial statement, or offer letter (if possible).

For those applying for non-immigrant work or student visas in the U.S., keeping copies of your diploma, transcripts, and proof of enrollment is essential.

If you’re entering with an H1B or L1 visa, it’s also important to bring evidence that can prove the employer has made efforts to recruit Americans before hiring an international candidate. Also, find out the certified translation checklist.

A few other things to consider when applying for a U.S. visitor visa are: do you want a tourist or business type? Are there additional requirements if so?

Is it Possible to Get an Immigrant Visa through Adjustment of Status if My I-485 was Denied?

Staying in the U.S. as an Undocumented Immigrant

It is illegal to stay in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. Undocumented immigrants are not entitled to work permits, social security, or any federal or state financial assistance and do not have citizenship privileges.

If caught and convicted of being undocumented immigrants in the U.S., they will be fined heavily and deported with no chance of ever coming back again.

Being in the U.S. without a visa means risking deportation. To avoid this fate, you must know what steps to take to obtain your permanent residency status before your situation becomes too dire.

Fortunately, for many people in this position, there is a process for doing so! The first step is filing the application form and sending it off to USCIS (the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

They will review your application and then decide whether or not they believe you deserve permanent residency on humanitarian grounds. If so, they will contact you by mail with instructions on how best to proceed.

Travel Documents and Immigration Laws: Passport, Visas, USCIS, and CBP

A valid passport is a fundamental requirement for international travel, serving as the primary identification and proof of citizenship for individuals crossing borders. For permanent residents, a valid passport complements their residency status, often necessary for re-entry into their host country after international trips. In cases of unfortunate events such as death, a death certificate is crucial for legal and administrative purposes, facilitating matters like inheritance and estate settlements. Alongside travel documents like visas, which specify entry conditions for non-citizens, additional documents such as nonimmigrant visas provide temporary stay permissions, ensuring compliance with immigration laws during visits abroad. Together, these documents form a comprehensive framework that ensures smooth international travel and legal compliance across various jurisdictions.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) play critical roles in managing immigration and border security in the United States. USCIS oversees applications for immigration benefits, including changes in immigration status such as obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. Their processes ensure that foreign nationals meet legal requirements and adhere to immigration laws while residing or working in the U.S. On the other hand, CBP monitors entry and exit at U.S. borders and airports, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. Consular officers, stationed at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, facilitate the visa application process for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. A student visa, for instance, allows foreign students to study at U.S. educational institutions, requiring approval from both USCIS and the consular officer to verify eligibility and immigration status. Together, these agencies and officers manage the complexities of immigration, supporting lawful entry and stay of foreign nationals in the United States.

Form Instructions for Nonimmigrant Status and Identity Documentation for Foreign-Born Population

Form instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy are crucial for individuals seeking nonimmigrant status, whether they originate from European countries, Latin America, or are Chinese immigrants. These instructions guide applicants through the process of completing forms accurately and gathering necessary documentation to support their visa applications. For European and Latin American applicants, understanding the nuances of U.S. immigration requirements is essential for obtaining temporary visas for work, study, or tourism. Similarly, Chinese immigrants rely on these instructions to navigate the visa application process, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and embassy-specific procedures. The U.S. Embassy provides clear guidelines to facilitate a smooth application process and increase the likelihood of obtaining nonimmigrant status, supporting legal entry into the United States for diverse international applicants.

The foreign-born population residing in a country often navigates various identity and official document requirements, depending on their legal status and purpose of stay. Identity documents are crucial for establishing legal presence, and foreign nationals typically obtain these through official channels such as consulates or embassies. For those on temporary resident visas, these documents validate their authorization to reside in the country for a specified period, whether for work, study, or family reunification. Visitor visas grant temporary entry for tourism or business purposes, requiring individuals to provide proof of financial support and intent to return home after their visit. Marital status may influence visa eligibility, especially for spouses seeking dependent visas. Legal status documentation ensures compliance with immigration laws and regulations, facilitating integration into the host country’s society while maintaining legal clarity and rights for foreign-born individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions