Know your rights. Navigate with confidence.
Plain-language guides for immigrants facing common situations — what to say, what to do, and where to get help. Pick your visa type and walk through step by step.
- Visa types live
- F-1 & J-1
- F-1 situations
- 19 guides
- J-1 situations
- 20 guides
What's your visa status?
Select your visa type to find guides for common situations.
Students & Exchange
Study, research, and cultural exchange programs
Employment
Temporary work authorization in specialty fields
Specialty Occupation
Employment in fields requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree.
Intracompany Transfer
Transfer within a company from a foreign office to a U.S. office.
Extraordinary Ability
Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, or athletics.
NAFTA Professional
Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific professional occupations.
Visitors
Short-term travel for business or tourism
Business & Tourist Visitor
Short visits for business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment.
Family & Permanent Residence
Dependents and paths to lawful permanent status
F-1 Dependent
Spouse or unmarried child of an F-1 student visa holder.
H-1B Dependent
Spouse or unmarried child of an H-1B visa holder.
Lawful Permanent Resident
Green card holders with the right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Protection & Relief
Deferred action, humanitarian relief, and asylum
Deferred Action
Protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible childhood arrivals.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary stay and work authorization for nationals of designated countries.
Asylum Seeker
Protection for those unable or unwilling to return to their home country.