Recent Blog Posts
Reentry Permit
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) normally may travel outside the United States and return; however, there are some limitations. A reentry permit can help prevent two types of problems: Your Permanent Resident Card becomes technically invalid for reentry into the United States if you are absent from the United States for 1 year or… Read More »
H-1B Visa Extension
Requirements for H1B Visa Extension beyond 6 years: Certain H-1B holders who have had a Labor Certification Application (or an employment-based preference immigration petition if the foreign national has been able to bypass the labor certification stage) pending for more than 365 days may be able to extend their H-1B visa beyond the 6-year… Read More »
What to do if Adjustment of Status (to Permanent Resident) Is Denied
Try to Avoid a Denial in the First Place USCIS rarely issues a flat denial without giving you some warning beforehand, usually at the end of your green card interview. For example, if you appear to have a medical condition that would make you inadmissible, USCIS may send you to a doctor for another… Read More »
What to do When You Receive Denial Notice from USCIS
The last thing you want to hear from USCIS is bad news – and there may be nothing worse than receiving the dreaded Denial Notice months and months after filing your I-130 family-based immigrant petition. Many times the first call I receive is from a confused and upset family member wanting to know “Why… Read More »
What Happens After Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Although the steps that take place are fairly consistent, the I-130 processing time will vary significantly based on the type of relationship (between petitioner and beneficiary), USCIS case load, and your ability to properly file an accurately prepared Form I-130 petition. The following outline describes the basic steps of the I-130 time line for… Read More »
What Happens After Asylum Interview
After you interview at an asylum office, you will not get a decision on the same day. Instead, you will be given a document indicating how you will get your decision on the case. This period of being suspended is no doubt extremely stressful, and this blog post provides information about what you might… Read More »
Guidance on Adjustment of Status for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Recipients in the Sixth and Ninth Circuits
Decisions in the Sixth and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal have opened the door for many individuals who entered the United States without inspection, but subsequently received Temporary Protected Status (TPS), to adjust to lawful permanent resident status. In the Sixth Circuit case, Flores v. USCIS, the court ruled that a grant of TPS… Read More »
Dependent Work Authorization
Dependent Work Authorization FAQs Q: What does an employment authorization document (EAD) look like, and how long does it take to get one? A: The EAD is a card with your photo and related information, including validity dates. Processing time for correctly completed requests is on average 6-8 weeks. Requests for renewals may be… Read More »
Adjustment of Status with Diversity Visa
You can apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS) if you are present in the United States at the time you win the Diversity Visa Lottery. You have a chance to become a legal permanent citizen through AOS without having to go back to your home country for a visa interview. There are a few… Read More »
Is a J-1 Visa Holder Eligible to apply for a Green Card?
The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Yes, a J-1 visa holder is eligible for a green card. To obtain a green card, the alien must first file a petition I-140 with the… Read More »