Have you ever wondered how the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) verifies your application? They look into your information to check if you’re being true to your word.
Applying to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the first step in setting foot in the U.S. However, USCIS won’t take any word for it. Their thorough background checks and document reviews ensure that each applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
One key step is understanding what information does USCIS have access to. This will help you prepare to navigate immigration processes like applications and status adjustments.
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USCIS can access information about people who have transactions with the U.S. immigration system. This information is used to verify immigration benefits and employment eligibility, enforce immigration laws, and prevent fraud. These include:
All of the information you provided to the USCIS will be accessible to the agency, including:
• Personal Details: Name, date of birth, family relationships, and address history.
• Immigration History: Petitions, visa applications, entries into the U.S., and the availed immigration services.
• Employment History: Employers, positions, and locations.
• Financial Information: Pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
• Criminal History: Disclosures you make in applications or accompanying documents if you were ever convicted of a crime.
USCIS can access federal databases that contain your:
• Previous immigration applications and petitions
• Entry and exit data
• Non-immigrant and immigrant visa records
• Employment authorization, employment letter, and I-9 or Employment Eligibility Verification for employment-based applicants
USCIS works with other government agencies and enables access to:
• Entry and exit history and travel records from the Customs and Border Protection
• Enforcement actions and investigations from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Background check processes, criminal history records, and fingerprints from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice
• Verification of earnings and social security numbers from the Social Security Administration
• Tax filings and income verification from the Internal Revenue Service
USCIS also monitors social media activity and may consider it publicly available information. Your posts can help verify claims or investigate potential fraud.
USCIS can also obtain information about you from sponsors, employers, and educational institutions. This information can include other kinds, such as reports from community members or whistleblowers.
USCIS can see photos, fingerprints, and medical exams collected during biometrics appointments. These may be useful in the immigration process or when claiming an immigration benefit.
USCIS has special units to determine who may be a threat to national security. International partners can also alert the U.S. of potentially dangerous people coming into the country.
USCIS uses information in your application to ensure that it’s correct. They will also assess your eligibility for immigration benefits or protect your immigration status.
The agency will use your information to identify inconsistencies in your application or immigration record. They can grant, deny, or revoke your benefits based on the evidence they get.
Understanding how much access USCIS has to your information lets you approach the entire immigration process confidently. You can ensure that you’ll submit a complete application, reducing delays and getting more chances of approval. Track the progress of your application using your USCIS online account to know what to do early on.
Contact a St. Louis immigration lawyer if you need help with your application or keeping your status. They can give you tailored advice on how to keep living in the U.S. and avoid legal complications.
