A Fort Collins Resident's Guide to the Immigration System
Most immigration matters involve a small set of government bodies. This guide explains who does what, where Fort Collins residents usually deal with them, and where to confirm current rules. It is general information, not legal advice.
The Main Players
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Handles most petitions and applications: family petitions, green cards, naturalization, DACA, work and student benefits. Check the current form editions, fees and posted processing times on uscis.gov before filing.
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
Runs the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Use its automated case status tools and court information pages to confirm hearing details and filing deadlines.
U.S. Department of State, Visa Services
Sets the monthly Visa Bulletin and oversees consular processing abroad. Confirm current cutoff dates and interview instructions with the State Department and the relevant consulate.
Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel
Use the attorney search to confirm that a lawyer is licensed in Colorado and in good standing before sharing sensitive information.
Nearby Offices for Fort Collins Cases
Addresses, hours and entry rules change. Confirm with the agency before you travel.
- USCIS Denver Field Office (official page)
- USCIS Denver Application Support Center (official page)
- Denver Immigration Court (EOIR, non-detained docket) (official page)
- Aurora Immigration Court (EOIR, detained docket) (official page)
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Denver Field Office (official page)
Broad Steps in Most Cases
- Identify the category that fits the situation, such as family, employment, student, humanitarian or removal proceedings.
- Check the official instructions for the form, the filing location and any priority-date or deadline rules.
- Gather identity, civil and supporting records, and keep copies of everything submitted.
- File with the correct agency and watch for receipt, biometrics, interview or hearing notices.
- Respond to any request for evidence or notice by its deadline and keep your address current with the agency.
Fees and processing times are set by the agencies and change. They are intentionally not listed here; use the official links above.
Next Steps and Related Fort Collins Pages
- Student Visas, OPT & Status Problems
F-1 and J-1 compliance, OPT and STEM OPT filings, and status repair for Colorado State University students and graduates.
- Research & Employment Work Visas
Cap-exempt H-1B petitions, O-1 and J-1 questions, and employment green cards for university, laboratory, and technology workers.
- Family Green Cards & Mixed-Status Families
I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing in Ciudad Juarez, and waivers for Northern Colorado families.
- Removal Defense & Aurora Detention Cases
Bond, custody review, and defense before the Denver and Aurora immigration courts.
- Immigration Basics: Who Does What
How USCIS, the courts and consulates fit together, with official links.
Topics covered on this site for Fort Collins: Student Visas, OPT & Status Problems; Research & Employment Work Visas; Family Green Cards & Mixed-Status Families; Removal Defense & Aurora Detention Cases.
Contact the firm to discuss your situation.
See also the sources cited on the home page.