What Is USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)? 2025

If you’re required to go through any immigration processes, you have likely run into the acronym USCIS, and could be wondering, what is USCIS? USCIS stands for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is a federal agency in the Department of Homeland Security that plays a major role in processing immigration applications for people to visit, study, live, work, and become citizens in the United States.

What Is USCIS?

USCIS is a government organization with the mandate of administering the United States’ lawful immigration procedures. Its responsibilities include processing immigration applications, ensuring immigration laws are adhered to, and protecting system integrity through security checks and verification.

USCIS was established in 2003 as part of the Department of Homeland security, taking over the job that was previously managed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). USCIS is focused on administering immigration services, while Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are more focused on handling border security and immigration law enforcement.

What Does USCIS Do?

USCIS is in charge of handling a variety of tasks related to immigration and naturalization. They take part in processing green card applications, managing the citizenship and naturalization process, processing certain visas for people already located in the country, and overseeing humanitarian programs. Furthermore, they issue employment authorization to eligible individuals to allow them to legally work in the US.

In addition to facilitating lawful immigration processes, USCIS verifies the eligibility of applicants and carries out background checks by following security protocols and biometric screenings to ensure the immigration system’s integrity.

Interacting With USCIS

Whether you are applying for a green card, humanitarian protections, or looking to navigate the naturalization process, you will need to engage with USCIS, so it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Filing applications. Applications with USCIS can be submitted either electronically or via mail. The mailing address will depend on the forms you’re filing and your relevant service center.
• Following up on your case. USCIS offers a case status tracker online. You can use this tool by entering your receipt number to follow your application as it progresses.
• Making appointments. Through the online scheduling assistant, you can schedule appointments for in-person services with USCIS.
• Casing queries. If you need assistance with your case, you can reach out to the USCIS contact center by phone or online.

For many, it can be intimidating to understand how to manage an immigration case and where USCIS comes in. For this reason, it can be extremely beneficial to work with an immigration lawyer who can take on the legal and bureaucratic burdens of the case, ensuring it is handled effectively and efficiently.

Understanding the Significance of USCIS

For millions of immigrants and their family members, USCIS serves as the gateway to achieving their immigration goals. Whether you need to renew a work permit, apply for a green card, or prep for the naturalization process, USCIS works to process your application fairly and in compliance with US immigration protocol.

By understanding how USCIS operates and its role as a key actor in the immigration process, you can empower yourself to navigate your immigration process more efficiently and confidently. If you require support with your USCIS application or are unclear about your immigration status, it’s important to consider talking with an immigration lawyer. Experienced guidance can protect your rights and interests as you navigate the immigration system.

Preguntas frecuentes

What Is USCIS?

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is a federal organization that is responsible for coordinating and controlling legal immigration operations to the United States. It handles the processing of applications and petitions related to immigration, such as visas, green cards, naturalization, and other relevant benefits. If you are applying for any type of immigration benefit in the US, you will have to go through USCIS.

What Does USCIS Do?

USCIS is in charge of managing all services that are related to lawful immigration. This means that they process applications for citizenship and naturalization, visa applications, green card applications, employment authorization, and humanitarian-based immigration requests. They also coordinate naturalization ceremonies and work to enforce the current immigration policies in the country.

How Is USCIS Different From ICE or CBP?

USCIS is different from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), because it solely focuses on processing applications for immigration benefits in the country like visas and naturalization. ICE, on the other hand, is responsible for enforcing immigration rules and regulations, and CBP has the mandate of managing immigration and border security at borders and ports of entry to the country.

Where Is USCIS Located?

USCIS is headquartered in Washington, DC, although it operates in offices all throughout the US and in some locations overseas. These offices vary based on function, with different application support centers, service centers, and field offices located in different locations. An immigration attorney can help you understand which USCIS center you may be required to interact with for your immigration application.

What Is the USCIS Case Processing Time?

USCIS case processing time depends on the type of application or petition submitted and the caseload or backlog at the field office or service center that is processing your case. While USCIS does provide estimated processing times on its website, a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can give you a clearer timeline for your case, helping you manage expectations and allocate resources and time accordingly.

Secure Strong Legal Advocates When Interacting With USCIS and Other Federal Agencies

If you are applying for United States immigration benefits, such as a visa, green card, or citizenship, your application will need to be processed by USCIS. These processes can be very complex and overwhelming, with multiple steps and stringent requirements.

A skilled immigration lawyer from U.S. Law Center can advocate fiercely on your behalf with government actors like USCIS to shed an optimal light on your case and ensure smooth processing. Contact an empathetic immigration attorney from our team today to schedule your free consultation.