Why Check Before You Apply?
Filing too early or with missing requirements wastes time and money. USCIS keeps your fees even if they reject your application.
Our free eligibility check helps you:
- Confirm you meet all USCIS requirements before paying fees
- Identify potential red flags that could delay your case
- Calculate your exact eligibility date if you're not ready yet
- Get a personalized document checklist for your situation
- Understand if your case is straightforward or needs extra attention
Which Form Do You Need?
Citizenship & Green Card
N-400
Become a U.S. citizen with full voting rights, unrestricted travel, and the ability to sponsor family members. Most green card holders can apply after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Key Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have been a permanent resident (green card holder)
- Meet continuous residence requirements
I-751
If you got your green card through marriage, you received a 2-year "conditional" card. You must file I-751 to remove those conditions and get your permanent 10-year card.
Key Requirements:
- Have a conditional green card (2-year)
- File within 90 days before card expires
- Prove bona fide marriage
Work Authorization
I-765
Work permit for H-4 visa holders whose H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 immigrant petition or is in H-1B status beyond the initial 6-year limit under AC21.
Key Requirements:
- Valid H-4 status
- Spouse's I-140 is approved, OR
- Spouse's H-1B is extended beyond 6 years under AC21
I-765
Work permit for J-2 dependents. Unlike H-4 EAD, J-2 EAD doesn't require an approved I-140. You can work as long as your income isn't needed to support the J-1 principal.
Key Requirements:
- Valid J-2 status
- J-1 principal is in valid status
- Employment not to support J-1 principal
Change of Status
I-539
Change your visa status to H-4 dependent. Available if your spouse currently holds H-1B status and you want to join them in the US as their dependent.
Key Requirements:
- Currently in valid nonimmigrant status
- Spouse in valid H-1B status
- No unauthorized work history
I-539 + I-765
File for H-4 change of status and work authorization together. Best option if you're eligible for both and want to start working as soon as your status is approved.
Key Requirements:
- Currently in valid nonimmigrant status
- Spouse in valid H-1B status with approved I-140 or AC21 extension
- No unauthorized work history
How It Works
Answer Simple Questions
Tell us about your green card, residence history, and situation. No legal jargon — just plain English questions.
Get Your Results Instantly
See whether you're eligible now, when you will be, or if your case needs extra attention. Plus a personalized checklist.
Start Your Application
If you're ready, Immiva guides you through completing your forms for $49 — saving thousands vs. an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be eligible to apply for naturalization if you've been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years — or 3 years if you're married to a U.S. citizen. You must also meet continuous residence requirements, physical presence requirements, and demonstrate good moral character. Our free eligibility checker evaluates all these factors based on your specific answers.
If you apply too early or don't meet the requirements, USCIS will reject your application — and they keep your filing fee ($760 for N-400, $595 for I-751). You'll have to reapply and pay again when you're actually eligible. That's why checking first saves you time and money.
About 2 minutes. You'll answer 6-8 simple questions and get your results immediately. No signup required, and it's completely free.
Yes. We don't store your eligibility check answers unless you choose to save your results. If you create an account later to complete your application, all data is encrypted and protected.
If you got your green card through marriage and had been married for less than 2 years at the time, you received a 2-year "conditional" green card (marked CR1 or CF1). You must file Form I-751 to remove those conditions before it expires. If you've had your green card for more than 2 years or got it through employment/family, you likely have a 10-year permanent card and don't need to file I-751.
For most straightforward cases, no. Immiva guides you through the entire process with step-by-step questions, error checking, and automatic form generation — for $49 instead of the $2,000-$5,000 attorneys typically charge. If your case involves criminal history, extended travel abroad, or other complications, our eligibility checker will flag that and you can decide whether to consult an attorney.
You must file during the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires. For example, if your card expires on June 15, your filing window opens on March 17. Our eligibility checker calculates your exact window based on your card's expiration date.
H-4 spouses can get work authorization (EAD) if their H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 immigrant petition OR is in H-1B status beyond the initial 6-year limit under AC21. The H-4 EAD allows you to work legally in the US while maintaining H-4 dependent status.
Yes, J-2 dependents can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Unlike H-4 EAD, J-2 EAD doesn't require an approved I-140 or AC21 extension. However, your employment cannot be for the primary purpose of supporting the J-1 principal — the J-1's exchange program must be self-sufficient.
Yes, if you're eligible for both. Filing the I-539 (change of status) and I-765 (EAD) together is often the most efficient approach. However, you must meet H-4 EAD eligibility requirements (approved I-140 or AC21 extension) to include the EAD in your filing.
Some J-1 and J-2 visa holders are subject to a requirement to return to their home country for 2 years before they can change status or apply for certain immigration benefits. This applies if the program was government-funded, the skills are on the home country's skills list, or for certain medical training programs. You may apply for a waiver if you qualify.