Recent Blog Posts
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 »
How USCIS Estimates Application and Petition Processing Times
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has long been faulted for releasing processing time estimates for immigration benefit applications that are far shorter than the amount of time actually required to process the applications. In March 2018, the agency introduced a pilot program in an attempt to remedy this problem. The pilot program changed… Read More »
Victims of Human Trafficking, T Nonimmigrant Status
Questions and Answers: Victims of Human Trafficking, T Nonimmigrant Status T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa) is set aside for those who are or have been victims of human trafficking and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking. Below are Questions and Answers pertaining to T nonimmigrant… Read More »
Filing For U.S. Citizenship with Criminal Record
Can I File For U.S. Citizenship if I Have a Criminal Record? Even if you have a criminal record, it is possible that you can still apply for your U.S. citizenship. When and if you should file your application depends on what type of crime you have committed, and how long ago you committed… Read More »
COMMON R-1 VISA QUESTIONS
What is an R-1 visa? The R-1 Religious Worker and Minister visa allows religious workers and qualified ministers to enter the United States in order to perform religious duties for a qualified religious organization or congregation. The R-1 does not apply to secular members of a church or lay-persons (janitors, cooks, fundraisers, electricians, accountants,… Read More »
Changes to H1B Extension Rules
Changes to H-1B Extension Rules The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly considering new regulations that would limit the ability of H1B workers who are in the lawful permanent residence (LPR) process to obtain an extension of their H-1B status beyond the usual six-year limit of authorized stay. The reported proposal, which arises… Read More »
What If Your Spouse’s Immigrant Visa is Denied?
If you are married to a non-citizen of the United States, and your husband or wife was refused an immigrant visa or green card that you and your spouse had applied for based on that marriage, you are probably shocked and upset. The sad truth of the matter is, however, that marriage to a… Read More »