Imagine building a solid career in the United States, in one of the world’s largest economies. Dreaming of such an opportunity is the first step, but turning it into reality requires planning and knowledge.
One of the crucial documents on this journey is the Form I-140 – a document that allows a foreigner with a job offer in the USA to apply for a green card and work in the country permanently.
In this guide, we will demystify the complexity of this form and guide you step by step towards your life in the USA.
Form I-140: The gateway to the Green Card
The Form I-140 (or I-140 petition) is the Immigrant Petition for Foreign Workersan official document of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) used to request the immigration of a foreign professional to the USA. In simple termsIn simple terms, Form I-140 is like an “official invitation” that the employer in the USA requests from the USCIS so that the foreign professional can be authorized to work and reside permanently in the country, i.e. the gateway to obtaining a Green Card. The Green Card, in turn, allows the foreigner to live in any state in the USA and work in any type of job, without the need for a work visa visa. However, it is important to make it clear that approval of the I-140 does not automatically guarantee a green card. You still need to go through adjustment of status.
It should also be noted that there are other ways of obtaining a green cardin addition to Form I-140.
Steps to Complete Form I-140
Filling out Form I-140 correctly can seem complex and requires certain care and attention, but with the help of D4U Immigration, you can simplify this journey.
See below for a step-by-step guide and some tips on how to fill out the I-140 without errors:
1. Get the Right Form
The first step to filling out the I-140 form is to access the official USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) website to obtain the latest version of the I-140 form. ATTENTIONCheck for any updates or revisions before you start.
2. Read the Instructions
Take the time to read the instructions on the form carefully. They contain detailed information on each section and the documents required.
ATTENTION: Make sure you understand all deadlines and requirements.
3. Gather All the Necessary Documents
To fill out the I-140, you need to present the required documentationthat shows your professional experience and academic background, proving that you are qualifications for the position and that you meet the requirements of the visa category category. This includes academic records, employment history, letters of recommendation and even professional awards or recognitions – all of which must be translated into English. D4U Immigration has translators available to guarantee translation of all the documents required for the I-140 petition.
Tip: Organize all documents in alphabetical order to make them easier to consult.
4. Fill in the Form Carefully
- Sections: Fill in each section of the form accurately, using block letters and black ink.
- Personal Information: Please provide your full name, date of birth, passport number and other personal information as requested.
- Employer Information: Include the company name, address, tax identification number and contact information.
- Job Details: Describe in detail your qualifications, work experience and the responsibilities of your position.
- Salary and Benefits: State the salary offered, benefits and how the salary compares to market salaries for similar positions.
- Signature: Sign and date the form in the place indicated.
5. Review the form
- Before submitting the form, check it carefully to make sure that all the information is correct and complete.
- Check that there are no typos or erasures.
6. Pay the Registration Fee
The registration fee for Form I-140 is usually paid when the application is submitted.
Fees are set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and may include:
- Basic fee: Charged for processing the application.
- Fraud tax: An additional fee intended to finance anti-fraud programs.
- Biometric fee: If it is necessary to take your fingerprints and photo.
Fees may vary depending on the type of petition. The filing fee for the I-140 form generally ranges from $500 to $700.
See the current USCIS immigrant visa fee schedule and submit the appropriate fee with your petition.
7. Send the form
After paying the fees, send the completed form and all the supporting documents to the address indicated in the form’s instructions.
ATTENTION: Make sure you include proof of payment of fees.
5 Tips for the I-140
- Be clear and concise: Avoid using jargon and technical terms that may not be understood by USCIS officers.
- Be honest: Provide accurate and complete information. False information could lead to your application being denied.
- Be precise: The information you provide on the form must be complete and accurate. Any errors could delay the procedure or even result in your application being denied.
- Track your applicationOnce completed, you can track the status of your application online on the USCIS website using the receipt number provided.
- Rely on a professional: A D4U Immigration is a specialist in immigration and can assist you throughout the entire journey, from filling out the form to submitting the petition, following the entire immigration journey, with personalized support until approval..
Form I-140: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filling in the I-140 form requires special attention to avoid errors that could delay or even deny your application.
That’s why we’ve listed the most common mistakes when filling in the I-140:
Filling errors
- Incomplete or inaccurate information: Make sure that all the information you provide is correct and complete. Simple mistakes, such as a wrong phone number or an incorrect date of birth, can cause delays.
- Illegible handwriting: Use block letters and black ink to make the form easier to read. Erasures and corrections may cast doubt on the authenticity of the information.
- Incorrect translations: If any document is in another language, make sure that the translation is done by a professional translator.
- Lack of documentation: Gather all the necessary documents before you start filling in the form. The lack of a single document can delay your journey.
- Late filing: Respect the deadlines set by the USCIS.
Conceptual errors
- Incorrect Visa Category: Make sure you choose the correct visa category for your situation. Each category has specific requirements that must be met.
- Lack of evidence: Present solid evidence to prove all the requirements of your chosen visa category. For example, if you are applying for EB-2 visa (professional with a master’s degree or exceptional experience), you will need to provide proof of your qualifications and skills.
- Non-Compliance with the Rules: Strictly follow the instructions of the USCIS and the immigration laws of the United States. Any deviation from the rules may result in the denial of your application.
Strategic mistakes
- Don’t Update Information: If there is a change in your situation, such as a new job or a different address, inform USCIS immediately.
- Not consulting a specialist: The immigration journey is complex and full of legal nuances. Consult an immigration specialist, can ensure that your order is prepared correctly and increase your chances of success.
Other common mistakes
- Not Paying the Correct Fees: Make sure you pay all the required fees and send proof of payment along with the form.
- Not sending the form to the correct address: Check the form’s mailing address carefully before sending it.
- Do not follow the process: After submitting the form, track the status of your case through the USCIS website.
Filling out Form I-140 is an important step towards realizing your dream of living and working in the United States.
Practical Examples for Completing the I-140
Example 1: Employer Information Section
Question: What is the legal name of the company?
- Answer: If the company is a corporation, for example, you should write the full name, such as “Companhia Brasileira de Tecnologia Ltda.”.
Question: What is the physical address of the company?
- Answer: You would fill in the complete address, including street, number, city, state and zip code.
Question: What is the company’s main activity?
- Answer: Clearly and concisely describe the company’s main activity, for example: “Software development and marketing”.
Example 2: Foreign Worker Information Section
Question: What is your job title?
- Answer: Indicate your formal title in the company, such as “Senior Software Engineer”.
Question: What are your main responsibilities?
- Answer: Describe in detail your day-to-day roles and responsibilities, such as “Developing and implementing software solutions, leading development teams, testing and debugging code”.
Question: What is your annual salary?
- Answer: Enter your gross annual salary, in US dollars.
Example 3: Documentation Section
Question: What documents are you attaching to prove your qualification?
- Answer: You should list the documents you are sending, such as “Software Engineering Diploma from XYZ University, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from former employers and detailed curriculum vitae”.
Other examples
- Information about the job offer: Start date, length of contract and benefits offered.
- Information about the company: Company history, number of employees and annual turnover.
- Information about the foreign worker: Previous professional experience, publications in scientific journals (if applicable) and patents.