Form DS-3053, titled "Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16," is used by parents and guardians to provide consent for the issuance of a U.S. passport to a minor child under the age of 16. This form is typically required when one parent or guardian is unable to be present when the child applies for a passport. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to fill out Form DS-3053: **Step 1: Download the Form** Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where you intend to apply for the passport. Download the most current version of Form DS-3053. **Step 2: Fill in Applicant Information** Provide the child's information in the "Child's Information" section. This includes their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the approximate date when their most recent U.S. passport was issued. **Step 3: Fill in Parent/Guardian Information** In the "Statement of Consent" section, provide the information of the parent or guardian who is providing consent. This includes their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and contact information. **Step 4: Statement of Consent** Read and complete the statement of consent, indicating that you give consent for the issuance of a passport to the minor child. The parent/guardian providing consent must sign and date this section. **Step 5: Notary Public** If the parent or guardian providing consent is not present with the child when applying for the passport, the form must be notarized. This means that you'll need to visit a notary public to have your signature on the form officially verified. The notary will complete the "Statement of Consent" section and affix their official seal. **Step 6: Supporting Documents** If applicable, you may need to provide supporting documents to accompany Form DS-3053. These documents can include a copy of the notary's seal, a copy of the front and back of the identification document presented to the notary, and any other required documents. **Step 7: Submit the Form** Attach Form DS-3053 and any required supporting documents to the application for the minor's U.S. passport. Submit the application package in person at an authorized U.S. passport acceptance facility, a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or by mail according to the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State. **Important Notes:** - Carefully review the specific instructions provided on the DS-3053 form and the official U.S. Department of State website. - Ensure that all information is accurate and complete before submitting the form. - If both parents/guardians are available, it's often easier to apply for the minor's passport in person with both parents/guardians present to avoid the need for Form DS-3053. - Follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where you are applying for the passport. Remember that the information provided here is a general guide. Always refer to the official instructions on the form and the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is an important step for individuals seeking to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States. Here are detailed instructions on how to file Form I-485: Note: These instructions are based on the information available up to September 2021. Always refer to the official USCIS website or consult legal counsel for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Step 1: Determine Eligibility Before filing Form I-485, make sure you are eligible to do so. Eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, having an approved immigrant petition (such as Form I-130, I-140, I-360), having a visa number available, maintaining legal status in the U.S., and not being subject to certain bars or restrictions. Step 2: Gather Required Documents Collect all necessary supporting documents. The specific documents may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but generally, you will need to provide: Form I-485: Complete and sign Form I-485. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. USCIS Filing Fee: Include the required filing fee with your application. Check the USCIS website for the most current fee information. Passport Photos: Include two passport-style photos of yourself as per USCIS specifications. Write your name and A-number (if applicable) on the back of each photo. Identity and Eligibility Documents: Include a copy of your birth certificate, passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and any previous visa-related documents. Form I-693 (Medical Examination): If required, include a completed and sealed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): If required, the petitioner (sponsor) needs to submit Form I-864 to demonstrate financial support for the applicant. Evidence of Eligibility: Include documentation to prove your eligibility for adjustment of status, such as approval notices for immigrant petitions or other relevant forms. Biometric Services Fee: If applicable, include the biometric services fee as specified by USCIS. Step 3: Complete Form I-485 Carefully fill out Form I-485. Provide accurate information and be sure to sign and date the form. Use black ink and write legibly. Step 4: Assemble Your Application Arrange the documents in the following order: Check or money order for the filing fee Form I-485 with supporting documentation Form I-693 (if required) Form I-864 (if required) Passport photos Step 5: Make Copies Make photocopies of the entire application package, including all forms and supporting documents, for your records. Step 6: Mail Your Application Mail your application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility. The address can change, so visit the USCIS website for the most up-to-date address information. Use a trackable mail service to ensure delivery. Step 7: Await USCIS Notices After USCIS receives your application, they will send you a receipt notice. This notice will contain your case number, which you can use to track your case status online. USCIS may also send you appointment notices for biometric services (fingerprinting) and, if required, an interview notice. Step 8: Attend Biometric Services Appointment If scheduled, attend the biometric services appointment at the designated Application Support Center (ASC). Bring your appointment notice and a valid photo ID. Step 9: Attend USCIS Interview (if required) If USCIS schedules an interview, attend the interview with all requested documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your application and background. Step 10: Wait for a Decision After your interview (if applicable), USCIS will review your application and make a decision. You will receive a notice of the decision by mail. If approved, you will receive your green card shortly thereafter. If denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial and any available options for appeal. Please note that the process can vary based on individual circumstances and USCIS policies. It's recommended to consult the USCIS website or seek legal advice if you have specific questions or concerns about filing Form I-485.
Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in the process of bringing a family member to the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Here are step-by-step instructions on how to file Form I-130: Step 1: Determine Eligibility Before filing Form I-130, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor a family member. The petitioner (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) must prove the relationship with the beneficiary (foreign national family member) and meet other requirements. Step 2: Gather Required Documents Collect all necessary supporting documents for your I-130 petition: Form I-130: Complete and sign Form I-130 accurately and legibly. Use black ink. Evidence of Relationship: Depending on the relationship, you'll need to provide different documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption records, etc., to prove the family relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Proof of Status: Include copies of the petitioner's proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This could include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or green card. Supporting Documents: Any additional documents that demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship or further support the case can be included. Step 3: Pay Filing Fee Include the required filing fee with your application. The fee amount and payment method can change, so check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information. Step 4: Complete Form G-1145 (optional) This form is used to request electronic notifications from USCIS about your case. If you want to receive email or text notifications, complete this form and attach it to the front of your Form I-130. Step 5: Assemble the Application Organize the documents in the following order: Check or money order for the filing fee Form I-130 with the G-1145 form (if used) Supporting evidence of the relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or green card status Step 6: Make Copies Make copies of the entire application package, including all forms and supporting documents, for your records. Step 7: Mail the Application Mail the completed application package to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility. The address can change, so check the USCIS website for the current address. Step 8: Receive Receipt Notice After USCIS receives your application, they will send you a receipt notice. This notice includes a receipt number that you can use to track your case status online. Step 9: Await USCIS Processing USCIS will process your petition and verify the information provided. If additional evidence is needed, they may request it through a Request for Evidence (RFE). Step 10: Attend USCIS Interview (if applicable) Depending on the circumstances, USCIS may require an interview to further verify the relationship. If so, both the petitioner and beneficiary must attend. Step 11: Await USCIS Decision After USCIS completes the processing, they will send you a notice of their decision. If approved, the petition will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. Please note that processing times, procedures, and requirements can change over time. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date instructions and information. If you have any doubts or complexities, consider seeking legal advice or assistance to ensure your application is properly prepared and filed.