Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our services to find the form or filing that matches your situation, then submit a request from that service page or through our contact page. A member of our team will follow up to confirm the details, explain what information and documents are needed, and walk you through next steps. There's no cost or commitment to submitting a request.

If you're not sure which form applies to your situation, you don't need to figure it out alone. Browse our services page by category, or submit a request describing your situation in a few sentences — our team can help point you to the right service. If your question involves legal strategy or which immigration path is best for you, that's a decision for a licensed immigration attorney, not something we can advise on.

After you submit a request, our team reviews it and follows up by phone or email to confirm your situation and the service you need. We'll explain what information and supporting documents to gather, prepare your forms based on what you provide, and review the completed package with you before anything is filed.

No. You can submit a service request directly, and our team will reach out to discuss your situation. A phone conversation is often part of the process so we can confirm details before preparing your documents, but you don't need to book anything in advance to get started.

It helps to have your basic contact information, a general sense of your immigration history or current status, and any recent notices or receipt numbers from USCIS or the immigration court if you have a pending case. You don't need everything gathered upfront — our team will send you a specific checklist once we understand your situation.

Most of our document preparation process can be completed by phone, email, and online document sharing. Whether an in-person visit is available or needed depends on your location and situation — ask our team when you submit your request.

Because our process is largely phone- and document-based, many clients work with us from outside our immediate local area. Confirm with our team when you submit your request so we can let you know how the process works for your location.

DocPrep provides document preparation and filing assistance for U.S. immigration forms. We help organize your supporting documents and prepare forms accurately based on the information you provide. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.

No. DocPrep is a document preparation service, not a law firm. Our staff are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice or legal representation. If your situation requires legal advice, we recommend consulting a licensed immigration attorney.

No. We prepare forms and organize documents based on the information you provide, but we cannot advise you on immigration strategy, eligibility questions that require legal judgment, or how the law applies to your specific circumstances. For legal advice, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Document preparation means we help you organize your paperwork and complete forms accurately based on information you provide — we do not decide your legal strategy, argue on your behalf, or represent you before USCIS, immigration court, or any other agency. Legal representation, provided only by a licensed attorney, includes giving legal advice, making legal arguments, and formally representing you in proceedings. If your case involves legal questions or courtroom advocacy, you'll need a licensed immigration attorney for that part.

No. DocPrep is an independent document preparation service. We are not part of USCIS, the immigration court, the Department of State, or any other government agency, and we do not have any special access to government systems beyond what is publicly available.

No. Approval decisions are made solely by the relevant government agency. DocPrep cannot guarantee any immigration outcome. We focus on accurate, complete document preparation based on the information you provide.

We help prepare documents across several categories: asylum and humanitarian filings (including TPS and asylee relative petitions), work authorization, Green Card applications and renewals, family immigration petitions, citizenship applications, immigration court document preparation, travel documents, visa services, and other filings such as fee waivers, DACA renewals, and change of address. Visit our services page to browse the full list by category.

Yes. We help prepare Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, based on the information you provide, and help you organize your written statement and supporting documentation. Asylum cases often involve legal arguments about eligibility, so if your case needs legal analysis or courtroom representation, you'll want a licensed immigration attorney for that part. Asylum applications generally must be filed within one year of arrival, with limited exceptions — timing matters, so don't wait to start gathering your documents.

Yes. We help prepare Form I-821 for initial Temporary Protected Status registration or re-registration, based on your country's current TPS designation and the information you provide. TPS designations, registration windows, and deadlines are set by the government and can change, so we prepare filings based on the requirements in effect at the time you file. We can also help coordinate a related work authorization request where applicable.

If you've been granted asylum or refugee status, you may be able to petition for a qualifying spouse or unmarried child to join you using Form I-730. We help prepare the petition and organize evidence of the relationship. These petitions generally must be filed within two years of your grant of status, with limited exceptions, so it's worth starting the process early.

An Employment Authorization Document, commonly called a work permit, is proof that you're authorized to work in the United States. It's requested using Form I-765 and is available to individuals in certain eligible categories, such as pending asylum applicants and pending adjustment of status applicants. We help prepare Form I-765 based on your eligibility category and the information you provide.

Common categories include individuals with a pending asylum application, individuals with a pending adjustment of status (Green Card) application, and people in other categories the government recognizes as eligible for employment authorization. Eligibility rules vary by category — if you're not sure whether you qualify, our team can help you understand which category may apply based on the information you share.

No. An Employment Authorization Document only shows that you're permitted to work — it doesn't grant or change your underlying immigration status. Your status is determined by the category you're in (for example, a pending asylum case or a pending Green Card application), and the EAD is a separate benefit tied to that category.

Yes. We help prepare renewal filings for an expiring Employment Authorization Document the same way we help with an initial application — based on your current eligibility category and the information you provide. It's a good idea to start the renewal process well before your current card expires.

Adjustment of Status is the process that lets certain individuals already in the United States apply for a Green Card (lawful permanent residence) without leaving the country. It's requested using Form I-485, along with companion forms depending on your category. We help prepare the application and organize your supporting civil documents based on the eligibility category and information you provide.

Requirements vary by eligibility category, but commonly requested items include a copy of your approved or pending immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or I-140), your birth certificate and passport, certified translations of any non-English civil documents, and the results of a civil surgeon medical exam (Form I-693) if you haven't completed one already. Our team will confirm the exact list for your situation after reviewing your category.

Yes. Form I-90 is used to renew an expiring or expired Green Card, or to replace one that was lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information. Note that your permanent resident status itself doesn't expire when the physical card does, but you still need a valid card as proof of status, so it's worth renewing before it expires.

If you obtained your Green Card through a marriage that was less than two years old at approval, you receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years. Form I-751 is filed to remove those conditions and receive a 10-year Green Card, usually jointly with your spouse or, in some circumstances, through a waiver of the joint filing requirement. Joint filers generally must file within the 90 days before their conditional card expires — waiver requests follow different timing rules.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a contract in which a sponsor accepts financial responsibility for a family-based immigrant, showing the applicant will have adequate financial support. It's typically filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor, and sometimes a joint sponsor if the primary sponsor doesn't meet income requirements alone. We help the sponsor organize income and household documentation and prepare the affidavit — the financial obligation itself is legally binding, so if you have questions about that commitment, consider speaking with a licensed attorney or financial advisor.

Green Card applicants generally must meet certain vaccination requirements as part of their medical exam. If you object on religious or moral grounds, Form I-601 allows you to request a waiver. We help organize the supporting documentation for your civil surgeon and USCIS. Approval of the waiver is decided solely by USCIS based on the evidence submitted.

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step for a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. We help prepare the petition and organize evidence of your relationship. Keep in mind that approval of the petition doesn't by itself grant immigration status — it establishes the relationship for a later application, and wait times vary significantly by relationship category and country.

U.S. citizens can generally petition for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Lawful permanent residents can petition for a spouse or unmarried child. The specific category affects both the required evidence and how long the process typically takes. Tell us about your relationship and status when you submit a request, and we'll help confirm the right form and category.

Naturalization is the process by which an eligible lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. It's requested using Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Eligibility generally requires meeting continuous residency, physical presence, and good moral character standards set by USCIS, along with passing the civics and English requirements at your interview.

We help you organize your residency history, travel history, and other supporting documents needed for Form N-400, then prepare the application based on the information you provide. The exact list depends on your background, so our team will confirm the specifics with you directly.

We can give you general information about the interview process and help make sure your documents are organized ahead of time. DocPrep does not administer the civics or English test, and we don't provide test preparation or tutoring — you'll want to use official USCIS study materials for that part.

Yes, for individuals with a pending case before the immigration court, we help organize filing materials, including supporting document packets and preparation of applicable forms such as cancellation of removal applications, based on instructions from you or your attorney. We do not provide courtroom representation or legal advice about your case strategy. If you don't have an attorney and need legal representation, we can help you understand where to find a directory of legal service providers.

Yes. If you've relocated and your current immigration court location is no longer practical to attend, we help organize supporting documentation — such as proof of your new address — and prepare a motion to change venue for filing. Granting a change of venue is at the discretion of the immigration judge; we don't argue the motion in court.

Yes. If family members have separate but related pending immigration court cases, we help prepare a motion to consolidate them into a single proceeding, along with supporting documentation showing the family relationship. Consolidation is decided at the discretion of the immigration judge.

Yes. If your removal proceedings may no longer have a valid basis to continue, or you've obtained a status or relief that supports closing your case, we help organize supporting documentation and prepare a motion to terminate. Whether to grant termination is decided by the immigration judge based on the specific facts of your case.

If your passport was retained during immigration court proceedings, you may need to submit a formal request to have it returned after a favorable decision. We help prepare the request letter and organize copies of your court order and identity documents. Processing and requirements vary depending on the court and the agency currently holding the document.

Advance Parole is a travel document, requested on Form I-131, that allows certain individuals — most often people with a pending adjustment of status application — to travel outside the U.S. and be considered for re-entry without abandoning their pending case. It does not by itself guarantee re-entry; the decision to admit you is still made by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

This commonly applies to pending adjustment of status applicants who need to travel, permanent residents planning travel of one year or more, and asylees or refugees who need a refugee travel document. Traveling without the correct document in place can affect a pending application, so it's important to confirm timing carefully before booking travel.

Travel documents should be requested and, in most cases, approved before you leave the United States — leaving while your request is still pending can be treated as abandoning it, depending on your category. We help you understand general timing considerations for your situation, but exact processing timeframes are set by USCIS, so it's best to plan well ahead of any travel.

If you were previously granted parole into the United States under an eligible category and your authorized stay is expiring, you may be able to request re-parole to extend it. We help prepare Form I-131 and organize supporting documentation for the request. Re-parole is granted at the discretion of the relevant government agency and is not guaranteed, and filing timing relative to your current parole expiration matters — confirm dates carefully.

Yes. We help prepare the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and organize supporting documentation for your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa issuance is determined solely by the U.S. Department of State at your interview — we don't guarantee visa approval, but we can explain the general interview process.

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival. We help prepare Form I-129F and organize evidence of your relationship and intent to marry. Keep in mind the K-1 visa can only be used to enter for that purpose — the marriage must take place within the 90-day window.

Yes, during the official registration period each year. We review your eligibility for that year's program and help prepare your entry with accurate photos and information meeting program specifications. Entries are only accepted during the window set by the U.S. Department of State, and selection is random — we don't guarantee selection or visa issuance.

Yes. For current DACA recipients due for renewal, we help prepare the renewal paperwork (Form I-821D) and coordinate the associated Form I-765 work authorization renewal, based on current USCIS guidance and the information you provide. DACA policy has changed over time due to litigation and federal policy shifts, so we prepare filings based on guidance in effect at the time of filing.

Yes. Form I-912 requests a waiver of certain USCIS filing fees for applicants who meet income or hardship-based eligibility guidelines. We help organize supporting financial documentation and prepare the request. Not all USCIS forms qualify for a fee waiver, and approval is determined solely by USCIS based on your income, means-tested benefits, or financial hardship.

Form G-325R collects biographic information from certain applicants, including registration that's required when a child with a pending or approved immigration matter turns 14. We help prepare the form with accurate biographic details and confirm which household members need to file based on your situation.

If you have a pending immigration matter and you move, you're generally required to report your new address to every agency handling your case — which may include USCIS, the immigration court, and ICE. We help identify which notifications apply to your situation and prepare the filings, including Form AR-11 and any applicable court forms. Missing a required notification can result in missed notices or hearing dates, so this is worth handling promptly.

The specific documents depend on the service and your individual situation. Common examples include identity documents like a passport or birth certificate, prior immigration notices or receipt numbers, and civil documents such as marriage or birth certificates for family-based filings. After you submit a request, our team will confirm the exact checklist for your situation.

For document preparation purposes, clear copies or scans are generally sufficient — you typically don't need to mail us your originals. Some filings may require certified copies or originals to be submitted directly to the government agency; when that applies to your case, we'll let you know specifically.

In most cases, yes — clear, complete photos or scans of your documents work well, as long as all the text is legible and nothing is cropped out. If a particular document needs a higher-quality scan for a specific filing, we'll let you know.

Let us know as soon as you're aware something is missing. Depending on the document, we can help you understand how to request a replacement (for example, a certified copy of a birth certificate) or discuss alternative evidence that may be acceptable for your filing. We'll never file something in a way you haven't reviewed.

Most immigration filings require a complete English translation of any foreign-language document, along with a certification from the translator confirming the translation is accurate and that they're competent to translate. We can tell you when a translation is required for your filing; translation itself may be arranged separately depending on your service.

Generally, yes — USCIS and immigration courts require a certified word-for-word English translation for any document not originally in English. A certified translation doesn't need to come from a court or government office; it needs a signed certification of accuracy and the translator's competency, typically from the translator or a translation service.

Yes. If you find or receive an additional document after we've begun preparing your filing, share it with us as soon as possible so we can determine whether it should be included before filing, or whether it needs to be submitted separately after filing.

It's common for USCIS or another agency to send a Request for Evidence or a similar notice asking for more information after a filing. If this happens, contact us as soon as you receive the notice so we can help you understand what's being requested and prepare a response by the deadline listed. Do not wait, since these notices have strict response windows.

No. Government filing fees are paid separately to the relevant agency (such as USCIS) and are not included in our document preparation fee. We will let you know the applicable government fee for your filing before you submit it.

Government filing fees vary by form and change periodically. Rather than quoting a fee here that could become outdated, we'll confirm the current fee that applies to your specific filing when we prepare your documents, and you can always verify the current fee for any form on the official USCIS fee schedule.

Government filing fees are paid directly to the agency processing your filing — typically USCIS, the Department of State, or the immigration court, depending on the form. DocPrep does not receive or collect this fee as part of our service fee; it's a separate payment made directly to the government.

Generally, no. Government filing fees are typically non-refundable once a filing is submitted and accepted, even if the application is later denied. This policy is set by the government agency, not by DocPrep — check the specific form instructions for any exceptions that may apply.

For some USCIS forms, yes. Form I-912 allows eligible applicants to request a waiver of certain filing fees based on income, a qualifying means-tested benefit, or financial hardship. We can help you determine whether your filing qualifies and prepare the fee waiver request — see our Fee Waiver Request service for details.

Service fees depend on the specific form and complexity of your situation. Submit a request or contact us for current pricing information for your service.

Our team will confirm your service fee after reviewing your specific situation, usually during the initial follow-up after you submit a request. You'll know the price before we begin preparing your documents.

Payment timing is confirmed with you directly as part of your service agreement, generally before or at the start of document preparation. Ask our team about the specific payment schedule for your service when you submit a request.

If your situation changes or you need additional services beyond what was originally scoped — for example, help with a companion form you didn't initially request — we'll discuss any additional fee with you before doing that work. We won't add charges without confirming them with you first.

Refund eligibility depends on the specific circumstances and how much work has already been completed on your case. If you have concerns about a payment, contact our team directly to discuss your situation.

Once we have the information and documents we need from you, preparation time depends on the complexity of your filing, but most services can be prepared within a reasonably short timeframe after everything is received. This is separate from how long the government takes to process your filing once it's submitted — see the next question for that distinction.

Processing times are set by USCIS, the immigration court, or the relevant government agency, not by DocPrep. You can check current USCIS processing times using our Check Status tools or on the official USCIS website.

No. DocPrep does not control or influence government processing times, and we cannot expedite a case with USCIS or any other agency on your behalf. In limited circumstances, the government itself offers expedited processing for cases that meet specific published criteria — you can review those criteria on the official USCIS website.

Use our Check Status tools to look up your case directly through the official USCIS or immigration court (EOIR) systems using your receipt or case number. DocPrep does not store or access your case status — the lookup takes you directly to the official government system.

Processing delays happen for many reasons outside anyone's control, including agency workload and individual case complexity. If your case is taking noticeably longer than the published processing time range, you can check current times through our Check Status tools, and in some cases you may be able to submit an official inquiry to the agency handling your case.

Yes, in most cases. We work with many clients entirely by phone, email, and online document sharing, from submitting your request through reviewing your completed documents. Whether an in-person step applies to your situation depends on the specific service — ask our team when you get started.

Yes. You can share documents with us electronically, such as by email or a secure upload link our team provides. Avoid sending sensitive documents through unencrypted channels like text message — see our privacy section for guidance on the best way to share sensitive information.

We'll review the completed document package with you before anything is filed, typically by sharing the files electronically and discussing them with you by phone or in a follow-up conversation. You'll always have a chance to review your paperwork before it's submitted.

In most cases, yes. Because much of our process happens by phone and online, we're able to help clients located outside our immediate area. Confirm with our team when you submit your request.

This depends on the specific service — some filings, like certain visa preparations, are specifically for people outside the U.S., while others require the applicant to be physically present in the country. Tell us your situation when you submit a request, and we'll let you know whether the service you're interested in applies to you.

We use the information and documents you provide only to prepare your requested service and to communicate with you about your case. We don't use your personal information for unrelated purposes. See our Privacy Policy for full details on how information is collected and used.

Access to your information is limited to the team members working on your case. We don't sell your personal information, and we only share it with third parties when necessary to provide the service you've requested or as required by law. See our Privacy Policy for more detail.

We don't sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Information is shared only where necessary to deliver the service you requested (for example, with a translation provider if translation is part of your service) or where required by law. Review our Privacy Policy for complete details.

We recommend avoiding text message for sensitive documents like passports, Social Security numbers, or financial records, since SMS is not an encrypted or secure channel. Use email or the secure upload method our team provides instead. If you're ever unsure how to send something safely, ask us before sending it.

We retain documents and case information for as long as reasonably necessary to complete your service and meet any applicable recordkeeping obligations. If you'd like more detail about retention or want to request deletion of your information, contact our team directly.

Yes, you can contact us to request deletion of your personal information, subject to any legal or recordkeeping requirements that may apply to your case file. Reach out to our team directly to make this request.

Our website's lead and request forms only collect basic contact information such as your name, phone number, and email — they do not collect payment details. Any payment arrangements for your service fee are handled separately and directly with our team.

The documents and information needed vary by service. After you submit a request, our team will follow up with a specific checklist for your situation.

Our team completes your forms based on the information and documents you provide. You're never expected to fill out USCIS or court forms yourself — we handle the preparation and walk you through the completed forms before anything is filed.

Yes. We review the completed forms and document package with you before anything is submitted, so you can confirm everything is accurate and complete. Nothing is filed without your confirmation.

Let us know right away. Since you review the completed package before it's filed, catching an error at that stage is straightforward to fix — we'll correct it and confirm the update with you before moving forward.

Contact us as soon as you realize information you provided was incorrect. If your documents haven't been filed yet, we can correct them before submission. If they've already been filed, we'll help you understand the appropriate next step, which may involve submitting a correction directly to the agency handling your case.

Yes. Any time before your documents are filed, we can make corrections based on updated or clarified information from you. This is exactly what the pre-filing review step is for.

Let us know your updated address as soon as possible so we can use current information in your filing. If you've already filed a pending case and then move, you may also need to separately notify USCIS, the immigration court, or ICE — see our Change of Address service for help with that.

Let our team know your new contact information right away so we don't lose touch with you during your case. Keeping your contact details current also helps make sure you don't miss anything important from us.

Contact us as soon as you receive any notice from USCIS, the immigration court, or another agency, especially if it has a response deadline. We can help you understand what the notice is asking for and, where it's within the scope of our services, help prepare a response. Notices involving legal deadlines or legal arguments may require a licensed attorney.

Once your document package is complete, we review it with you in detail so you understand what's being filed and why. After you confirm everything is accurate, we move forward with filing based on the arrangement we discussed with you for your specific service.

This depends on the specific service and arrangement we confirm with you. In many cases we handle submission as part of the service after your review and approval; in others, you may file the package yourself using the materials we prepared. We'll be clear about which applies to your situation before we begin.

Yes. You should always keep a complete copy of everything filed on your behalf, including any receipt notices you later receive from the government. We'll make sure you have copies of your prepared documents for your records.

After filing, your case moves into the government's processing queue, and next steps depend on the type of filing — this might include a receipt notice, a biometrics appointment, a request for additional evidence, or eventually an interview or decision. You can track official processing times and, where applicable, your case status using our Check Status tools.