The Immigration Process

The flow charts below provide basic information about how the immigration process plays out for different types of applications and cases. Every immigration case is different, and it is extremely difficult to predict how long many cases will take to conclude.

The information in these flow charts should not be considered legal advice, and detained immigrants and their loved ones are encouraged to seek qualified legal advice from the National Immigrant Justice Center or another credible organization.

Adjustment of Status (English)

Adjustment of Status (Spanish)

Asylum (English)

Citizenship certificate (English)

Citizenship certificate (Spanish)

Consular Processing (English)

Consular Processing (Spanish)

Naturalization (English)

Naturalization (Spanish)

Petition for relatives of asylees and refugees (English)

Petition for relatives of asylees and refugees (Spanish)

Petition for relatives of citizens or lawful permanent residents (English)

Petition for relatives of citizens or lawful permanent residents (Spanish)

U visa for immigrant victims of crime (English)

U visa for immigrant victims of crime (Spanish)

VAWA for immigrant victims of domestic violence (English)

VAWA for immigrant victims of domestic violence (Spanish)