Travel and immigration
Who handles a green card, work permit or US citizenship application?
Who handles it
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a federal agency, handles green cards, work permits and naturalization.
- Federal
- Not State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why federal government
USCIS processes immigration and naturalization applications. A green card lets you live and work permanently in the United States.
What to do next
- Find the form for your situation, such as Form I-485 for a green card, I-765 for a work permit or N-400 for naturalization.
- Read the green card eligibility categories, since the steps depend on your individual situation.
- After you file, check your case status online or by phone.
Learn the background: What does the federal government do?
Sources
Official recordUSAGov: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Official recordUSCIS: Green Card
Official recordUSAGov: How to check your immigration case status