Recent Blog Posts
Green Card Sponsors with Criminal Records
I’m a U.S. citizen and I have a criminal record. Am I allowed to sponsor my spouse for a green card? Disqualifying factors What would disqualify a green card sponsor? As part of the process of reviewing a marriage green card application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background and security checks on… Read More »
Can I File for U.S. Citizenship if I Have a Criminal Record
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally allows individuals with criminal convictions to apply for citizenship. However, the decision of whether or not you’ll actually receive citizenship will depend on the nature of your crime. After receiving your application, a USCIS officer will weigh the severity of your crimes against your displays of… Read More »
Can You Marry a U.S. Citizen While on a J-1 Visa and Get a Green Card?
In theory, nothing stops a J-1 visa holder from getting married to a United States citizen. However, the J-1 holder may not be immediately eligible for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) based on that marriage, depending on the exact terms of the visa—in particular, whether he or she is subject to the… Read More »
What Israeli Entrepreneurs Need to Know about the New E-2 Visa
What Israeli Entrepreneurs Need to Know about the New E-2 Visa The E-2 visa will pave the way for business opportunities to Israeli-owned newly established companies in the U.S., as well as companies that are already operating and expanding in the U.S. In essence, the E-2 visa is designed for Israeli entrepreneurs who invest… Read More »
What to Expect at Your Naturalization Interview
What the USCIS officer will say and do during your interview for U.S. citizenship. Your naturalization appointment notice—which you will likely receive some months after submitting Form N-400—will tell you where and when to present yourself for your citizenship interview. After you receive this notice, you have only one major hurdle left to citizenship:… Read More »
Collection of Social Media Identifiers from U.S. Visa Applicants
On May 31, 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. This update – which we initially announced last year in the Federal Register – is a result of the President’s March 6, 2017, Memorandum… Read More »
U.S. Citizenship Requirements for 3-Year Married Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you are eligible for naturalization after just three years. This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship). To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the three years immediately… Read More »
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 »