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!
August 11, 2025
Yes. Under the H-1B portability rule, you can begin working for a new employer once they file a non-frivolous H-1B transfer petition with USCIS and receive a receipt notice. You do not have to wait for final approval, but you must be in a valid H-1B status when the petition is filed.
To change jobs, you must be in a valid H-1B status, your new employer must file a new H-1B petition (Form I-129), and the job must qualify as a specialty occupation. The employer also needs an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) before submitting the petition to USCIS.
July 22, 2025
Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can petition to sponsor a parent for a green card. Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot sponsor their parents — they must first become naturalized citizens.
The first step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relatives, for each parent. This form establishes the qualifying parent-child relationship and begins the immigration process.
April 28, 2025
Visa denials often happen when forms are incomplete or filled out incorrectly, when supporting documents are missing, when applicants fail to prove they will return home after temporary travel, or when they perform poorly at the visa interview. These issues give consular officers reasons to refuse the application.
In many cases, yes. You may be able to address the specific reason for denial, correct errors, add missing documents, or file a waiver depending on the situation. An immigration attorney can help identify the problem, explore options, and prepare a stronger reapplication or appeal.
March 26, 2025
No. Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS has waived the requirement that adjustment of status applicants provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination with their Form I-693 medical exam. USCIS will not issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny, or deny applications solely for lacking COVID-19 vaccination documentation.
Under the updated policy, applicants no longer need to show they received the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the immigration medical exam for adjustment of status. Other required vaccinations on Form I-693 remain in place, but documentation of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for approval.
March 10, 2025
You should bring the original documents you submitted with your application and any supporting papers. This usually includes your interview appointment notice, passport or ID, birth or marriage certificates, tax records or pay stubs, and any USCIS notices you received. Having well-organized originals helps the officer verify everything quickly.
If you are not comfortable speaking English, you can bring an interpreter. The interpreter must not be involved in your case, like a spouse or family sponsor. This ensures you can clearly understand and answer questions during the interview.
February 3, 2025
An H-1B visa is a work visa that lets U.S. employers hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree. You cannot apply on your own — a U.S. employer must file the petition and supporting forms on your behalf.
Because the number of H-1B petitions usually exceeds the annual cap, USCIS runs a computerized lottery to select entries for processing. The filing season opens on April 1 each year and stays open until all visa slots are filled.
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.