Immigration rules change often, and it can be hard to keep up or know what actually applies to real-life situations. This blog shares clear updates, everyday explanations, and practical insights based on what people commonly ask and face. If you want to understand the process better and feel a little more confident moving forward, stay tuned to our latest posts!
December 12, 2023
A B1 visa is for temporary business-related visits, such as meetings, consultations, or attending conferences, while a B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, and similar short-term leisure activities. Choosing the correct type depends on the primary purpose of your trip.
Yes, you may be able to change your non-immigrant status after entering the U.S., but you must apply before your current stay expires. You should file the appropriate form with USCIS and meet eligibility requirements, and it is wise to consult an immigration attorney to guide you through this process.
November 14, 2023
If you hold a 10-year green card that has expired or will expire within six months, you should file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS to renew it. Filing too early or too late can cause problems, so timing and accuracy matter.
With an expired 10-year green card, your permanent resident status does not end, but it can make things like travel, employment, housing, and ID issuance difficult without a valid card. It is important to renew or replace your card so you can show proof of status.
October 17, 2023
The Oath of Allegiance is the formal promise you recite at your naturalization ceremony that shows your loyalty to the United States. It includes renouncing previous allegiances, supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution and laws, and fulfilling duties as a citizen. You must take the oath to officially become a U.S. citizen.
No, you do not have to memorise the words. USCIS provides the oath at the ceremony itself, so you can read it as you recite it. The focus is on understanding and agreeing to the obligations it represents, not on memorization.
September 18, 2023
Yes, a church or religious organization can help a foreign national pursue permanent residence. Often this starts with an R-1 religious worker visa, which lets you work in a qualifying religious role in the U.S., and then the church can file the necessary petition (Form I-360) needed to eventually apply for a green card.
To qualify, you must be coming to the U.S. to work in a genuine religious vocation or occupation for a recognized denomination. This includes ministers, clergy, missionaries, or religious instructors, not non-religious staff. You must belong to the denomination for at least two years and have a job offer from the church.
August 16, 2023
To qualify for a U Visa, you must have been a victim of a qualifying crime, suffered substantial physical or mental harm because of it, have information about the crime, and be willing to assist law enforcement, as verified by a law enforcement certification. The crime must have occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. law.
Yes. Certain family members may be eligible for U Visas if you qualify as the principal applicant. This can include spouses, children, and, depending on age, parents or siblings under specific conditions. Their eligibility depends on your approved U Visa status.
June 21, 2023
Divorce does not automatically take away your permanent green card. If you already have a 10-year green card, your immigration status generally stays the same even after a divorce. You can live and work in the U.S. and renew your green card without it being tied to your marriage.
If your green card is conditional (valid for two years), divorce can complicate removing the conditions. You must prove your marriage was entered into in good faith to USCIS and file Form I-751, possibly with a waiver of the joint filing requirement, or you risk losing your status.
Whatever your situation is, we are here to ensure the immigration process goes smoothly and protect you from issues that may come up. We provide you with a sense of comfort and ease as you go through this time in your life. Reach out to our experienced American immigration lawyers to schedule a consultation today at 314-416-8000.
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The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a crucial, legally binding contract required by U.S. immigration law to ensure that an immigrant applicant has adequate financial support and will not become a “public charge” (dependent on the U.S. government for financial subsistence).
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique program established by the U.S. government to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. It makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.