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My office helps people who have filed immigration applications. The former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), has been moved to the new Department of Homeland Security. The new Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) now deals with naturalization applications, immigrant petitions for relatives, and adjustment of status applications. A separate Bureau of Investigations works to enforce immigration laws.
The immigration and citizenship process is often lengthy and confusing. If you have been working with BCIS and have encountered problems, my office
may be able to help.
Please contact our Concord (925) 602-1880, Richmond (510) 262-6500 or Vallejo (707) 645-1888 district office's and ask for the immigration constituent services representative. Or, follow the casework process outlined on the previous page if you want to send your request by mail.
Immigration Links Online:
Questions About Immigration Asked the Most:
How do I check the status of my immigration case?
- If you need status of other types of cases, such as legal permanent residency ("green cards"), contact the TSC. You can also call the BCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
How do I get general information about immigration?
- You can call the BCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or find information at the BCIS website.
How do I get a "green card"?
- Legal permanent residency, also known as "green card" status can be obtained through an employment petition (form I-140 and I-485), a relative petition ( form I-130 and I-485) or the Visa lottery.
How do I become a U.S. citizen?
- You must first become a legal permanent resident (LPR) for 5 years. At that time, you may be eligible to file INS form N-400. You would apply at the Texas Service Center of the INS.
How do I apply for the Visa Lottery?
- Each year, the Department of State issues 50,000 visas (worldwide) through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. You may visit their website here.
How do I get a work permit?
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, but have status such as asylee, refugee, student, applicant to adjust to permanent status, temporary protected status, fiance of U.S. citizen, or dependent of foreign government official, you may file INS form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document).
How do I get a Travel Document?
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. This permission is granted through a Travel Document (Form I-131). You should apply for one before you leave the U.S. (In cases of a bona fide emergency, Travel Documents can be expedited).
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