CIC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CIC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How should confidentiality be maintained in procedural requirements? → Protect all privileged information unless authorized disclosure applies
2. A client is paying a USCIS paper filing fee by credit card. Which form is used? → Form G-1450
3. Which situation generally triggers the 10-year unlawful presence bar? → Accruing one year or more of unlawful presence and then departing
4. A consultant pressures a hesitant client to sign a contract and pay on the spot, claiming the "law changes tomorrow." What ethical principle is violated? → Honest communication and free, informed client consent
5. Which federal statute specifically criminalizes fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other entry documents? → 18 U.S.C. 1546
6. In a client dispute, why should a consultant keep detailed records of all communication and services? → Records show what was agreed and delivered in any dispute
7. A U.S. citizen, age 25, wants to petition for her married brother living abroad. Which preference category applies? → F4
8. A hybrid process in which the parties first try mediation and, if that fails, the same neutral issues a binding decision is called: → Med-arb
9. How does due diligence apply to case analysis? → Thorough investigation and verification of all relevant facts and circumstances
10. A spouse-beneficiary was previously married. What documentation is generally required regarding the earlier marriage? → Proof it legally ended, such as a final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate
11. A U.S. citizen married a woman whose son was 17 at the time of the marriage. Can the citizen petition for the son as a stepchild? → Yes, because the marriage took place before the child turned 18
12. A client's legal name changed after marriage. Which document best links the old and new names in the record? → The marriage certificate or a court-ordered name change document
13. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status provides protection for children who have been subject to what circumstances? → Abuse, neglect, or abandonment and cannot be reunited with one or both parents
14. How should conflicts of interest be handled in client advocacy? → Identify, disclose, and either obtain informed consent or decline the matter
15. An employer must complete Section 2 of Form I-9 within how many business days of the employee's first day of work? → 3 business days
16. English language acquisition programs for immigrants in the US are primarily funded through which federal legislation? → Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) and WIOA
17. A client asks the consultant to backdate a lease to show earlier U.S. residence. What should the consultant do? → Refuse, because backdating creates fraudulent evidence
18. How should patient consent be obtained for documentation standards procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
19. A non-attorney consultant who is not accredited advises a client which visa category to apply for. What is the main compliance risk? → Unauthorized practice of law
20. Which federal agency administers refugee resettlement programs and benefits in the United States? → HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
21. What research standard applies to dispute resolution? → Thorough research using primary legal authorities and current precedent
22. Why do many states prohibit non-attorneys from advertising as a 'notario publico'? → In many Latin American countries it implies a licensed legal professional
23. How should immigration consultants handle client confidentiality? → By keeping all information private unless required by law
24. A client asks a consultant to omit a prior arrest from a naturalization application. What is the compliant response? → Refuse and explain that all arrests must be disclosed truthfully
25. A conditional resident married 22 months ago is still married and wants to remove conditions. When should Form I-751 be filed? → Within the 90 days before the second anniversary of conditional residence
26. Which statement about arbitration awards is generally accurate? → Courts may vacate them only on narrow grounds such as fraud or arbitrator misconduct
27. A client insists a consultant omit a prior arrest from a naturalization application. What is the correct action? → Explain that all arrests must be disclosed truthfully and refuse to omit it
28. The E-1 and E-2 visa classifications are available to nationals of countries that have what type of agreement with the United States? → Bilateral investment and trade treaties
29. How should confidentiality be maintained in professional ethics? → Protect all privileged information unless authorized disclosure applies
30. What is the function of Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)? → Establishing a nonimmigrant's authorized period of stay