Recent Blog Posts
I-601A waiver approved
I-601A waiver approved. What is next? Getting I-601 waivers approved is a milestone in the visa process. Obtaining an approval assures you, prior to leaving the U.S., that your illegal entry and/or unlawful presence will not be used as a reason to deny your immigrant visa. The approval also makes the process very quick…. Read More »
Immigration Consequences of Marijuana Use
Although many states have legalized or are in the process of legalizing marijuana for recreational use; it remains illegal under federal law. The legal consequences of either personal use of marijuana or involvement in the cannabis industry can be severe. Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility The first and most obvious relevant ground of inadmissibility is… Read More »
Five Things You Need to Know About USCIS Delays Under the Trump Administration
Processing times for USCIS cases are delayed: According to a recent AILA Policy Brief, “USCIS Processing Delays Have Reached Crisis Levels Under the Trump Administration,” the overall average case processing time increased by almost 46% over the past two fiscal years. The processing times for 94% of USCIS’ form types (the different types of… Read More »
Change My Nonimmigrant Status
Change of Status How Do You Change Your Nonimmigrant Status While In the U.S. If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the appropriate form before your… Read More »
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements…. Read More »
Can I Apply for a Green Card on a TN Visa? Can I Convert my TN Visa to a Green Card?
A TN visa is a visa available to Canadians and Mexicans and is based on a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The visa is available for certain professions (eg. graphic designer, lawyer, accountant, analysts, finance people, etc.) and can be issued for up to 3 years. The TN visa is a temporary visa… Read More »
VAWA: A step-by-step guide to applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence independently, without the help of your abusive sponsor
VAWA: A step-by-step guide to applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence independently, without the help of your abusive sponsor There are two steps to applying for a green card on your own, without relying on your abusive spouse or parent, as allowed under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). First, you must file Form… Read More »
Asylum: suffered persecution due to Race, Religion, Nationality
Have you suffered persecution due to Race, Religion, Nationality? You maybe eligible for Asylum. Every year people come to the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to: Race Religion Nationality Membership in a particular social group Political opinion If you are eligible for… Read More »
Adjust Status and Get Green Card
Married Permanent Resident, Living in the U.S.: When Can I Adjust Status and Get Green Card? When non-citizens living lawfully in the U.S. can take the next step and adjust status based on marriage to a lawful permanent resident? When you marry someone who has lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. (a “green… Read More »
Alternatives to Using Passport, Visa, and I-94 to Prove Lawful U.S. Entry
You wouldn’t be the first to lack evidence of your lawful U.S. entry. For example, some children never had their own visa, but were named on a parent’s B-2 tourist visa, which document was lost after the passage of time and possibly the death of the parent. Or you might have had your own… Read More »