Form I-140 · Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Form I-140 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
An employer, organization, or in some categories the worker themselves (self-petitioner).
What it does
Asks USCIS to classify a worker for an employment-based green card.
Where
By mail or online. The address depends on whether you file alone or with another form. Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for the I-140 and must be filed by mail with it.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1The petitioner and the workerWho is filing and for whom.
What it asks
- Employer or self-petitioner details
- Worker’s name, birth details and address
- The classification requested
Evidence to gather
- Employer tax or incorporation records
Tip: Pick the classification that matches the job and the worker’s background.
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2The job and ability to payWhy the job exists and who can fill it.
What it asks
- Job title, duties and wage offered
- Whether a labor certification applies
- The employer’s ability to pay the wage
Evidence to gather
- Approved labor certification, where required
- Annual reports, tax returns or audited statements
Tip: Ability-to-pay evidence is a common reason for requests for evidence.
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3The worker’s qualificationsEducation, experience, or extraordinary ability.
What it asks
- Degrees and training
- Prior employment and letters
- Awards or publications where the category needs them
Evidence to gather
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Experience letters on letterhead
Tip: Match the evidence to the criteria in the instructions.
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4Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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5Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Weak ability-to-pay evidence
- Qualifications not matching the job requirements
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
After approval the worker needs a visa number to be current, then files an I-485 or applies abroad.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-140 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.