Green Cards
How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Marriage Green Cards?
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 11, 2023
Five U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers currently process Form I-130. - The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 13-54.5 months. - The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 32-67.5 months. - The current average processing time for Form I-485 across 89 field offices is around 20 months.
Read More →How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Marriage Green Cards for a Spouse Abroad?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by ImmigrationHelp Team
Updated December 11, 2023
As the petitioner for your foreign spouse, you’ll file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s currently taking between 14 months for USCIS to process Form I-130 for U.S. citizenship petitioners and 29 to 70.5 months for permanent resident petitioners. As the beneficiary, your spouse will file Form DS-260 with the National Visa Center. The current NVC timeframe for creating and reviewing cases is 16 days.
Read More →Current Visa Bulletin (December 2023)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Written November 26, 2023
There were no changes in wait times for any family- or employment-based green card application categories in December compared to last month (November).
Read More →November 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Written October 18, 2023
There were no changes in wait times for all family-based and employment- based green card applicants in November, compared to last month (October).
Read More →What Is Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 26, 2023
Form I-765 is main official form you use to apply for a work permit. To receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you need to file Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article explains what Form I-765 is and how it’s used. We'll also explain who can file the form, how to complete it, what supporting documents to include, and how much it costs.
Read More →What Happens at a USCIS Biometrics Appointment?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 25, 2023
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) requires a biometrics appointment as part of many applications for immigration benefits. This is sometimes called the "fingerprint appointment." At the appointment, the U.S. government will take your fingerprints, pictures, and signature. These are used to run a background check and for identification purposes. Usually, USCIS will schedule a date and time for the biometrics appointment for you, but sometimes you have to schedule it yourself. If you have a conflict, you can attend your scheduled biometrics appointment early or reschedule it for a later, more convenient time. But it’s best to attend at the scheduled time whenever possible.
Read More →What Is the Form I-94 Travel Record?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 25, 2023
Nearly every foreign traveler to the United States has an I-94 travel record (also known as “Form I-94” or “I-94 Form”). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials issue an I-94 to foreign travelers entering the United States. CBP officials use the I-94 to track arrivals and departures of non-citizens visiting the United States. This article explains Form I-94 in-depth, including how it is used, how to access yours, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Read More →October 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 20, 2023
For family-based green card applicants, there were no changes in wait times compared to last month (September). However, wait times decreased for almost employment-based green card applicants. The exception as the EB-5 category where only India and China (main land born) saw a decrease in wait times while every other country in the category saw no change.
Read More →September 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Written August 31, 2023
There were only few changes to the Visa Bulletin for the month of September. For family-based green card applicants, there was a one month decrease in wait times for spouses and children of permanent residents (F2A) across all countries. For employment-based green card applicants, there was a 3 month decrease for Mexico, the Philippines, and "all other countries" in the EB-2 category, and a 3 month decrease for China (main land born) for EB-3 green cards (skilled workers & professionals).
Read More →August 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 30, 2023
There were very quite a few changes to the Visa Bulletin for the month of August. For family-based green card applicants from Mexico, wait times for F1 green cards decreased by 2 years and 3 months and F2B green cards decreased by 2 years and 4 months. Regarding employment-based green cards, there were no changes in wait times for EB-2 green cards and EB-4 green cards for applicants from any country. Wait times for employment-based green card applicants from India continue to increase in several categories. - There was over a 10 year increase in wait times for EB-1 Priority Worker applicants from India. This means Indian applicants are waiting over 11 years and 5 months for a chance to get a green card. - There was almost a 3.6 year increase in wait times for EB-3 Skilled Worker applicants from India. These applicants are waiting over 14 years and 4 months to get a chance to apply for a green card.
Read More →What Are the Benefits of Getting a Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated July 31, 2023
There are several benefits of having a green card in the U.S., including: - You can apply for citizenship after five years (or three with a marriage green card) - You are protected from deportation - It’s travel easier to travel around and outside of the United States - You can sponsor family members who want a U.S. green card - You’re eligible for federal benefits like student financial aid and Social Security benefits
Read More →June 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Written May 31, 2023
There were very few changes to the Visa Bulletin this month! Most data stayed the same from May 2023 to June 2023. For family-based green card applications, there were no changes at all in wait times compared to last month. For employment-based green card applications, there were only a couple of changes in wait times. The wait time for an EB-3 green card (for other workers) stayed the same for all countries, except for Mainland China where the wait time decreased by 4.5 months. The wait time for an EB-5 green cards for (immigrant investors-unreserved) stayed the same for all countries, except for India where the wait time increased by just over 1 year.
Read More →May 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated May 30, 2023
There is some good news for certain family-based green card applicants this month. Wait times in the first and third preference categories from all countries except Mexico and the Philippines decreased slightly from last month. Wait times are also down by 1 month and 17 days for F4 green card applicants (for siblings of adult U.S. citizens) except for applicants from Mexico, India, and the Philippines. There were both increases and decreases for employment-based green cards compared to last month. This varies by category and country. The most significant change from last month is in the EB-3 category. Applicants in China saw a decrease in wait times of five months. However, applicants for EB-3 green cards from Mexico, the Philippines, and all other countries (except India) saw wait times *increase* by 9 months and 21 days.
Read More →How Long Does It Take To Get a Family-Based Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated April 30, 2023
Green card (lawful permanent resident card) processing times depend on several factors. There are several different green card categories. The two broadest are employment-based green cards and family-based green cards. Your green card category, your employment or family relationship that makes you eligible, and where you are applying from all impact how long it will take to get your green card. Backlogs with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also play a role. This article focuses on how much time it takes, on average, to get different types of family-based green cards. We will look at the application process from start to finish and include information on how to check your green card case status during the process.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Was Approved” Mean for My Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Updated April 6, 2023
If your USCIS case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This means USCIS has reviewed your application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your marriage green card application. You’ll often see several statuses prior to approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It can take anywhere from 10–38 months for USCIS to process and approve marriage green card applications. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Read More →How To Get a Green Card Using TPS Adjustment of Status
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated March 30, 2023
While temporary protected status (TPS) allows certain immigrants to live and work in the U.S., this status is not permanent. One of the easiest ways to remain in the U.S. is by using the TPS adjustment of status process to get a green card. Once you have your green card, you’ll no longer need to fear deportation if your TPS status changes or expires because you’ll be a permanent U.S. resident. This article explains the requirements for successfully changing from temporary protected status to permanent U.S. residency.
Read More →April 2023 Visa Bulletin
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team.
Updated March 22, 2023
There were quite a few changes in wait times for employment-based green cards in the April 2023 Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. State Department this week. To address increasing demand for EB-2 green cards and keep the number of visas issued within 2023 guidelines, the State Department used final action dates for employment-based green cards in April. This led to increased wait times in almost every EB visa category. Indian nationals hoping to get a employment green card are disproportionately negatively affected by this change, with wait times increasing by up to 10 years in some categories. There were no changes in wait times in any preference category for family-based green card applicants.
Read More →March 2023 Visa Bulletin Archive
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team.
Updated March 7, 2023
There were very few changes in wait times between the February 2023 Visa Bulletin and the March 2023 Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. State Department this week. There were no changes in wait times in any preference category for family-based green card applicants. The backlog for employment-based green card applicants in the "Certain Special Immigrants" category increased for every country except El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. There were no changes for the other employment-based green card preference categories.
Read More →What Happens if My Green Card Expires While I Wait for Citizenship?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written March 6, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently added a 24-month extension for those filing Form N-400 for naturalization/citizenship. This automatically extends your green card’s validity for 24-months if you’ve submitted Form N-400 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This way your green card remains valid while you wait for USCIS to process your citizenship application. If you applied for citizenship through naturalization before Dec. 12, 2022, you may still need to renew your green card or submit additional forms to keep your green card valid while waiting for citizenship. You will not be deported for having an expired green card, but you might run into problems while trying to apply for jobs, travel, or renew a driver’s license. In this article, we will explain what to do with an expired green card and how it affects your naturalization process.
Read More →All About USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs): What They Are, How To Avoid Them, and What To Do if You Receive One
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated February 23, 2023
When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines that it needs extra information to make a decision on your immigration case, it will send you a request for evidence, also called an RFE. USCIS will send it to the mailing address you listed on your application. In this article, we will explain what a USCIS request for evidence is, how to avoid RFEs, and how to respond to a USCIS RFE if you receive one.
Read More →What Is USCIS Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated February 23, 2023
Every year, many U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor green card applications for their close family members who are foreign nationals. The first step in most family-based green card application processes is filing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130, officially called the Petition for Alien Relative. USCIS uses this form to verify a real and qualifying relationship between the green card sponsor and the green card applicant. In this article, we discuss the purpose of Form I-130, who can and can’t file Form I-130, the Form I-130 filing fees, and how long it takes USCIS to process the form.
Read More →How To Write an Advance Parole Cover Letter
Written by Paige Hooper.
Written February 19, 2023
Depending on your immigration status, you may need to apply for advance parole before traveling outside the United States. The advance parole application is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to provide official forms as well as evidence when you submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To help keep your application organized, you can add a cover letter to your advance parole application packet. In this guide, you’ll learn more about how the cover letter fits in with the rest of the application documents and the best way to write a cover letter for your advance parole application.
Read More →February 2023 Visa Bulletin Archive
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team.
Updated February 14, 2023
There were very few changes in wait times between the January 2023 Visa Bulletin and the February 2023 Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. State Department this week. There were no changes in wait times in any preference category for family-based green card applicants. The backlog for employment-based green card applicants in the "Other Workers" preference category grew by two years, seven months, and one week for applicants from El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, and all other countries. There was no change in wait times for other workers applying from China and India or for workers in any other category.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My Employment-Based Green Card Application?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Updated February 6, 2023
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received and reviewed your employment-based green card case and decided not to grant you a green card. If USCIS denies your employment-based green card, it will send you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of processing for an employment-based green card only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps. If you decide to appeal your case, you’ll want to have a good immigration attorney at your side.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Updated February 6, 2023
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received and reviewed your marriage green card application and decided not to grant your spouse a green card. If USCIS denies your marriage green card application case, it’ll send you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of processing for a green card only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps. If you decide to appeal your case, you’ll want to have a good immigration attorney at your side.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Was Approved” Mean for My Parent Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Updated February 6, 2023
If your USCIS case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This means USCIS has reviewed your application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your parent green card application. You’ll often see several statuses prior to approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It takes an average of 12 to 24 months for USCIS to process and approve parent green card applications. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Read More →Can a U.S. Citizen's Widow(er) Get a Marriage Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated January 25, 2023
If your American spouse dies suddenly while you're applying for a marriage green card, or if you're considering applying for a marriage green card after your U.S. citizen spouse's death, it is still possible to get a green card. This article explains provisions in U.S. immigration law that allow widows and widowers of U.S. citizens to become lawful permanent residents. We also explain the green card process to follow depending on if you had started the process before your citizen spouse's death and if you're filing from the United States or abroad.
Read More →How Long Does It Take for USCIS and the NVC To Process applications?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated January 17, 2023
If you would like to track your immigration application as it moves along the immigration process or if you are wondering how to check if your application's processing is outside the expected processing timeframes, we've got you covered! This article will explore how to check your application case status - both with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC) - and what to do if your application processing falls outside the normal processing time.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Transferred” Mean for My Parent Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written December 29, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means that USCIS moved your case to a different service center or field office. The new office will continue processing your case from there. USCIS may choose to transfer your parent green card case for several reasons, including staffing shortages or processing delays. Cases may also get transferred if you move to a new jurisdiction. If USCIS transfers your case, it will notify you via your online account and mail you a transfer notice. You don’t need to do anything, but take note that any future additional documentation for your case and any questions you have about your case will need to be directed to the new office.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Approved” Mean for My EB-5 Application?
Written by Peter Fargo.
Written December 29, 2022
If your USCIS case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This means USCIS has reviewed your application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your EB-5 green card. You’ll often see several statuses prior to approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It takes an average of six months for USCIS to process and approve EB-5 cases. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Transferred” Mean for My EB-5 Green Card Application?
Written by Peter Fargo.
Written December 26, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means that USCIS moved your case to a different service center or field office. The new office will continue processing your case from there. USCIS may choose to transfer your EB-5 green card case for several reasons, including staffing shortages or processing delays. Cases may also be transferred if you, the applicant, move and are now in a new jurisdiction. If USCIS transfers your case, it will notify you via your online account and mail you a transfer notice. You don’t need to do anything, but take note that any future additional documentation for your case and any questions you have about your case will need to be directed to the new office.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Transferred” Mean for My Employment-Based Green Card Application?
Written by Peter Fargo.
Written December 26, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means that USCIS moved your case to a different service center or field office. The new office will continue processing your case from there. USCIS may choose to transfer your employment green card case for several reasons, including staffing shortages or processing delays. Cases may also be transferred if you, the applicant, move and are now in a new jurisdiction. If USCIS transfers your case, it will notify you via your online account and mail you a transfer notice. You don’t need to do anything, but take note that any future additional documentation for your case and any questions you have about your case will need to be directed to the new office.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Transferred” Mean for My Sibling Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written December 22, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means that USCIS moved your case to a different service center or field office. The new office will continue processing your case from there. USCIS may choose to transfer your sibling green card case for several reasons, including staffing shortages or processing delays. Cases may also get transferred if you move and are now in a new jurisdiction. If USCIS transfers your case, it’ll notify you via your online account and mail you a transfer notice. You don’t need to do anything, but take note that any future additional documentation for your case and any questions you have about your case will need to be directed to the new office.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent” Mean for My EB-5 Applicatio
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written December 14, 2022
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your case and ensure you’re eligible for an EB-5 green card. USCIS will mail a Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →How To Find Help With Your Immigration Application When You Need Some Extra Help
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated December 13, 2022
With DACA, you can access immigration benefits like work authorization and protection from deportation. In this article, we explainresources you can turn to when you need a bit more help to prepare your DACA application.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Transferred” Mean for My Child Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written December 13, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” means that USCIS moved your case to a different service center or field office. The new office will continue processing your case from there. USCIS may choose to transfer your child green card case for several reasons, including staffing shortages or processing delays. Cases may also get transferred if you move to a new jurisdiction. If USCIS transfers your case, it’ll notify you via your online account and mail you a transfer notice. You don’t need to do anything, but take note that any future additional documentation for your case and any questions you have about your case will need to be directed to the new office.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My Child Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Updated December 13, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly, so USCIS didn’t review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it’ll also return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that caused the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your application and pay your filing fee to move forward with your immigration application. If you aren’t sure how to correct the mistake after reading this article, you may want to contact an attorney for help with your case.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Was Approved” Mean for My Sibling Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written December 10, 2022
If your USCIS case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This means USCIS has reviewed your application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your sibling’s green card. You’ll often see several statuses prior to approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It takes an average of 10 years for USCIS to process and approve sibling green card applications. However, if your sibling is from Mexico, India, or the Philippines, it can take up to 25 years. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My EB-5 Application?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written December 4, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My Employment Green Card?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written December 4, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Received” Mean for My Sibling Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 29, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your sibling green card application. This is just the start of USCIS processing your case. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →Can a DACA Recipient Get a Green Card Through Marriage?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 22, 2022
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program doesn’t yet provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence. But if you’re a DACA recipient and you fall in love with and marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to get a marriage green card. As a green card holder, you’ll have protection from deportation and long-term employment authorization, meaning you’ll never have to renew your work permit. Getting an immigrant visa is also the first step towards naturalization - the process of gaining U.S. citizenship. But to change your immigration status from DACA recipient to green card holder, you must satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Your green card eligibility will depend largely on how you entered the United States and if you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. This article explains the different ways that DACA recipients can qualify for marriage green cards and how long the process takes.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence” Mean for My Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 22, 2022
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your case and ensure you’re eligible for a marriage green card. USCIS will mail a Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →What Is Form G-1145: E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 22, 2022
Mailing your completed application packet to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is an exciting time. You have finally finished gathering your documents and filing fees for the immigration benefit you applied for, and now it's up to USCIS to process your application. There are multiple ways to keep up with USCIS' processing of your application. In addition to tracking your case status online with the USCIS website, you can sign up to receive email and text notifications about updates to your application using Form G-1145. This article explains what Form G-1145 is, and whether you should consider filing the form.
Read More →Can You Apply for Advance Parole With a Criminal Record?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 22, 2022
Getting status and other U.S. immigration benefits may be out of reach for people with criminal records. If you have ever committed a felony, for example, you can't get immigration benefits. Advance Parole is a travel permit available to special immigrants and those adjusting status to green cards. For example, if you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, you can travel abroad and return with Advance Parole. This article explains how you can qualify for Advance Parole and whether or not a criminal record can keep you from getting Advance Parole.
Read More →How To Read the U.S. Visa Bulletin
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 22, 2022
Many green card applicants will have to wait for an immigrant visa to become available before they can file their green card applications with the U.S. government. The visa bulletin is a monthly update that the U.S. government provides to keep green card applicants who have to wait for visas informed about whether the time is right to submit their green card applications. In this article, we explain in more detail what the visa bulletin is and how green card caps come to play, how to read the visa bulletin, and what visa retrogressions are.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My Parent Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 21, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your parent green card application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your parent’s eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My Child Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 21, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 21, 2022
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My EB-5 Application?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written November 15, 2022
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received and reviewed your EB-5 application and decided not to grant you a green card. If USCIS denies your EB-5 case, it will send you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of processing for an EB-5 green card only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps. If you decide to appeal your case, you’ll want to have a good immigration attorney at your side.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence” Mean for My Sibling Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 8, 2022
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your sibling green card case and ensure you’re eligible. USCIS will mail a Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence” Mean for My Child Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 8, 2022
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your child’s green card case and ensure your child is eligible for a green card. USCIS will mail a Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →What Is Immigration Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022
Form I-360 is a very versatile immigration form. Several classes of immigrants may file this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of their green card application process. This article introduces Form I-360, explains its purpose and who can file it, how to file it, and special considerations for VAWA petitioners to keep in mind.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My Child Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written November 1, 2022
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received and reviewed your child’s green card application and decided not to grant your child a green card. If USCIS denies your child green card case, it’ll send you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of processing for a green card only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps. If you decide to appeal your case, you’ll want to have a good immigration attorney at your side.
Read More →What Is the H-1B Visa?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022
The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa that allows foreign nationals working in specialty occupation jobs to live and work lawfully in the United States for U.S. employers. The H-1B visa is valid for a maximum of 6 years, and H-1B visa holders are eligible to apply for employment-based green cards. This article is a guide to the H-1B visa. It explains specialty occupation and the eligibility requirements for the H-1B visa. It also explains the H-1B visa application process and what happens after applying. You will also find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the H-1B visa in this article.
Read More →What To Do if You Are Denied Entry Into the United States With Advance Parole
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated November 1, 2022
For green card applicants based in the United States and people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Advance Parole is a welcome provision. With this travel document, you can leave the United States while in DACA status or while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes your green card application. Advance Parole provides a chance to visit ailing family, study abroad, attend forums and conferences abroad, and catch up with friends. But sometimes the U.S. government does not allow people with valid Advance Parole documents to reenter the United States. This article explains some reasons why the U.S. government would refuse to let you back into the country even with Advance Parole and some things you can do if you find yourself in this situation as an adjustment of status applicant or a DACA recipient.
Read More →What Does USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My Employment-Based Green Card?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written October 31, 2022
The USCIS case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly, so USCIS did not review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it will return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that caused the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your application and pay your filing fee to move forward with your immigration application. If you aren’t sure how to correct the mistake after reading this article, you may want to contact an attorney for help with your case.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My EB-5 Green Card Application?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written October 31, 2022
The USCIS case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly, so USCIS did not review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it will return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that caused the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your application and pay your filing fee to move forward with your immigration application. If you aren’t sure how to correct the mistake after reading this article, you may want to contact an attorney for help with your case.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My Sibling Green Card Case?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written October 31, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly, so USCIS didn’t review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it’ll also return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that caused the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your application and pay your filing fee to move forward with your immigration application. If you aren’t sure how to correct the mistake after reading this article, you may want to contact an attorney for help with your case.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My Parent Green Card Application?
Written by Attorney Curtis Lee.
Written October 26, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly so USCIS didn’t review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it will also return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that caused the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your case and pay your filing fee to move forward with your immigration application. If you aren’t sure how to correct the mistake after reading this article, you may want to contact an attorney for help with your case.
Read More →How To Plan a Courthouse Wedding in the United States
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 19, 2022
Traditional wedding ceremonies can be expensive and stressful to plan. A welcome alternative for some couples is the courthouse wedding. A courthouse wedding is sometimes also called a civil wedding, a civil union, or a civil ceremony. Courthouse weddings in the United States are recognized as valid marriages for marriage green card applications. This article explains how to plan a courthouse wedding in six simple steps.
Read More →Income Requirements for Green Card Sponsors
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 19, 2022
When your spouse sponsors your marriage green card application, they have a responsibility to make sure you have enough financial resources at your disposal when you become an immigrant. To this point, they will need to submit an Affidavit of Support with your green card application to prove that you will be financially comfortable as a U.S. permanent resident. There are certain minimum income requirements for anyone who is your green card financial sponsor. This article explains the minimum income requirements for a green card sponsor, how to calculate your household size, and which sources of income you can include.
Read More →Weekly News Roundup: October 14, 2022 (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team.
Written October 13, 2022
The fourth quarter brings with it an array of immigration news. A few things in this week's bulletin: changes in wait times for Mexican nationals applying for family-sponsored green cards, a legal challenge to visa retrogression laws, a timeline on what to expect from DACA as litigation continues, and why Anna “Delvey” Sorokin’s house arrest matters to immigration advocates.
Read More →What Is a Green Card Re-Entry Permit?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 10, 2022
Before you take a long trip abroad as a green card holder, you need to do some things to ensure you can return to the United States without trouble. To keep your immigration status, you'll need to make it clear to the U.S. government that you are not abandoning your status as a permanent U.S. resident. One way to do this is to apply for a re-entry permit before your long trip outside of the United States. This article is a one-stop guide to everything you should know about re-entry permits for green card holders. You'll learn what a re-entry permit is, who needs it, how to get it, and other travel considerations.
Read More →How To Apply for a USCIS Fee Waiver or Reduction
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 9, 2022
U.S. immigration application filing fees can be quite expensive, but if you can't afford them you have options. You may qualify for a fee waiver if your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your state and you are filing a qualifying form. If your household income is between 150% and 200% of the FPL for your state and you are filing a qualifying form, you may be eligible for a fee reduction. This article explains the difference between a fee reduction and a fee waiver, who qualifies, and how to apply for each.
Read More →Green Card Applications and Criminal Records
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 2, 2022
An important part of the green card application is the criminal background check that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs on every applicant. The U.S. Congress has compiled a list of crimes that can make an immigrant “inadmissible” to the United States under U.S. immigration law. For example, being convicted of an aggravated felony can disqualify you from getting a green card and any future naturalization benefits. This article explains how an applicant’s criminal record can affect their green card application, the types of criminal convictions that will impact their chances of approval, and how to use waivers of inadmissibility.
Read More →The Complete Guide to the U.S. Immigration Medical Exam
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated October 2, 2022
The immigration medical exam is a crucial part of the green card application process. Under U.S. immigration law, all green card applicants must complete the immigration medical exam to confirm that they are in good health and are fit to live in the United States as permanent residents. This article explains the purpose of the immigration medical exam, what's involved in the process, how much the exam costs, how to find a doctor, and what medical tests you will undergo. It also explains certain health conditions that may make you "inadmissible" to the United States.
Read More →What To Expect at Your Green Card Interview: The Process, the Questions, and What To Bring With You
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 21, 2022
Your green card interview will take place at a USCIS field office or U.S. consulate or embassy closest to you, depending on whether you applied from inside or outside the U.S. The interviewing officer will ask you questions about what you put on your application and whether anything has changed between the time you filed and your interview date. This article explains what you need to know about the interview process and how to prepare for it.
Read More →What Is the National Visa Center?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated September 1, 2022
Getting a visa to live or work in the United States usually begins with submitting a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After USCIS approves the petition, it transfers it to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC then handles the visa application process, which includes receiving forms, collecting fees, reviewing documents, and setting up the consular interview.
Read More →Adjustment of Status: How To Apply for a Green Card While in the U.S.
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated August 22, 2022
You can apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status from your home country or the United States. "Adjustment of status" (AOS) is the process that you use to apply for a green card while you're present in the U.S. When you adjust your status, you don't need to go to your home country to complete the permanent residence application process. This article explains everything you need to know about adjusting status to a green card, including eligibility and the step-by-step application process. The article also answers some frequently asked questions about adjustment of status.
Read More →How Do I Replace a Lost Green Card?
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Updated August 7, 2022
Replacing a lost green card is straightforward, but it takes time. You’ll need to fill out Form I-90, pay a filing fee, and attend a biometrics appointment before you can replace your lost green card. Replacing a green card can take more than a year, so you should get the process started quickly.
Read More →How IMBRA Protects Green Card Applicants From Sponsor Abuse
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated June 22, 2022
Several protections are built into U.S. immigration law to shield immigration applicants from different kinds of abuse. For marriage green card applicants and fiancé visa applicants, the International Marriage Brokerage Regulation Act (IMBRA) serves as protection from abusive spouses who are sponsoring your application. This article discusses the history of IMBRA, its provisions, and how it may be helpful for your immigration application.
Read More →What Is Form I-751, Petition To Remove Conditions on Residence?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 30, 2022
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) will give you a conditional green card if your marriage was less than two years old when you applied for permanent residence. Conditional green cards are not valid for as long as regular green cards. You will have to eventually ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remove the conditions on your card so that you can have access to your permanent resident benefits on a long-term basis. This article explains Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, when to file it, how to file it, and what to expect after filing it with the U.S. government.
Read More →What Is an SB-1 Returning Resident Visa?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 30, 2022
As a green card holder, before you depart the United States for any trip abroad, you must make sure that your trip will not have a negative effect on your permanent resident status. If you will be abroad for less than a year, you'll only have to show your green card at a port of entry to be let back into the United States. If you'll be abroad for over one year, you must get a re-entry permit so you don't abandon your residency. If you end up staying abroad for more than two years due to circumstances beyond your control, you may apply for the SB-1 visa. This article explains the SB-1 visa, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Read More →What Is the Public Charge Rule?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 30, 2022
The Public Charge Rule is not a new U.S. immigration concept. From as early as 1882, U.S. Congress used the concept to deny visas to people who would become a “public charge” as immigrants. A public charge is anyone who would become dependent on the U.S. government after gaining immigrant status. In 2019, the Trump administration proposed a new Public Charge Rule, which began in 2020, and made it much tougher for immigrants to get permanent resident status. This article explains the history of the Public Charge Rule and what it means for you today.
Read More →What Tax Documents Do You Need To Submit With a Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 30, 2022
To prove that they can be a dependable financial resource to you, your family-based green card sponsor has to submit tax documents to the U.S. government with your application for permanent resident status. For a marriage green card application, your sponsor is usually your spouse and they'll have to submit tax documents to prove that they meet the minimum income requirements. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about which tax documents to include in your marriage green card application.
Read More →What Supporting Documents Do You Need for a U.S. Marriage Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Updated May 26, 2022
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse for a marriage green card. They and their spouse will need to submit certain documents to the U.S. government when they apply. The application process and documents you will need are different when the spouse seeking a green card is living inside of the United States (adjustment of status) and when they are living outside of the United States (consular processing). This guide will serve as a document checklist for both processes.
Read More →Removal of Conditions on Marriage Green Cards
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 26, 2022
Years ago, the U.S. government instituted tighter measures to help prevent marriage fraud. Issuing conditional green cards (CR-1 visas) to newly-married couples was one of those measures. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) places conditions on your green card so they can re-assess whether your marriage is based on a bona fide relationship with your spouse. This article explains the removal of conditions process for marriage green cards and answers some frequently asked questions about the process.
Read More →Is It Risky To Travel With Advance Parole?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 26, 2022
For Deferred Action and Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and adjustment of status applicants, the U.S. government makes provision for a travel document called Advance Parole. Advance Parole allows immigrants based in the United States to travel abroad while in status or while waiting for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to process their paperwork. If you have DACA or are applying for adjustment of status, your approved Advance Parole document will serve the same purpose as a U.S. visa, allowing re-entry to the United States upon returning. In this article, we explain Advance Parole, how to get it, and highlight some of the risks involved in traveling back to the United States on Advance Parole.
Read More →The Ultimate Guide to the U.S. Immigration Process
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 26, 2022
The United States is a very popular immigration destination because of the many benefits and privileges U.S. citizens and green card holders enjoy. If you have decided to immigrate to the U.S., you are probably wondering what the immigration process is like. There are many different kinds of U.S. immigrant visas. Still, the U.S. immigration process generally begins with an eligible sponsor filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the foreign national who wants to come to the United States. This is called petitioning. If all goes well with petitioning, the next step is usually that the foreign national applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad or adjusts status to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This article will walk you through the different U.S. immigrant visa types and provide a step-by-step guide on applying for them.
Read More →How To Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate for Your Green Card Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Every couple must provide evidence of a valid marriage involving a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to complete their marriage green card application. This article explains how to get a copy of your marriage certificate for your application, which alternative documents you can submit, and what to do if there’s no legal record of your marriage.
Read More →How Can My Undocumented Immigrant Spouse Get a Green Card Through Marriage?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
If you are married to an undocumented immigrant, you are not alone. According to the Wall Street Journal, about 1.2 million undocumented immigrants are married to United States citizens. And that number doesn't even include undocumented immigrants married to U.S. permanent residents. Getting a marriage green card protects your spouse from deportation and, as immediate relatives, gives them a path to naturalization. But applying for a marriage green card can be a difficult process. And in most cases, it is even more challenging when your spouse is undocumented. This article will help you weigh the benefits and risks of applying for a marriage green card for your undocumented spouse.
Read More →Missing I-94 Arrival Record - How Do I Prove Lawful Entry to the United States?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Every year thousands of people apply for a green card based on their family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you want to apply from inside the United States, you must prove that you entered the country lawfully. To prove that, you normally submit a copy of your I-94 Arrivals and Departure record with your Green Card application. The I-94 officially documents all the dates when you left and came into the United States through ports of entry. But what happens if you can't find your I-94 record? This article explains how to get a copy of your missing I-94 record and discusses other ways you may be able to prove lawful entry into the United States.
Read More →How To Get a Sibling Green Card
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
If your sibling is a U.S. citizen who is 21 years or older, they can sponsor a lawful permanent resident application for you if you are a citizen of a foreign country. The process for getting a sibling card is usually long. However, it is still possible for your siblings to join you in the United States. This article explains the sibling green card application process, the eligibility requirements, how much it costs, and why it takes so long for siblings to get green cards.
Read More →How To Get Advance Parole for Business Travel
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
For many people applying for immigration benefits, Advance Parole is necessary to travel abroad while they wait for the U.S. government to process their application. Other immigrants, like recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), must also have an approved travel permit before leaving the United States if they'd like to return. Advance Parole makes it possible for immigrants with business ties abroad to leave the United States temporarily for work. In this article, we'll explain what business reasons you can get Advance Parole for as well as the step-by-step application process for getting the travel permit.
Read More →Same-Sex Couples and Marriage Green Card Applications: Common Questions and Concerns About the Process
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Same-sex couples must be treated equally under U.S. immigration law thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the United States v. Windsor case, which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. Even further, in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that every state be required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Following both Supreme Court rulings, gay marriage is legal in every U.S. state. Accordingly, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will view same-sex marriages the same as opposite-sex marriages in deciding on family green card applications. USCIS will not factor in the spouses' genders or biological sexes in making visa application decisions. Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are welcome to apply for marriage green cards, just like heterosexual couples. However, gay and lesbian couples do face some unique challenges in applying for a marriage green card. This article discusses these challenges and explains how to address them.
Read More →Can DACA Recipients Apply for a Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Since President Obama introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, eligible undocumented youth have received protection from deportation. The Trump administration terminated the DACA program in 2017, but President Biden restored DACA at the start of his presidency. DACA recipients enjoy benefits like an employment authorization permit. But DACA status and the work permit are only temporary. They are valid for two years, after which DACA recipients have to renew their status. Plans to grant DACA recipients more long-term legal status in the United States have been on the docket for a while but have yet to pass into law. It is still possible for some DACA recipients to get green cards. This article explains the existing pathways for DACA recipients to get green cards.
Read More →How To Apply for a Marriage Green Card From Abroad
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Foreign spouses of U.S. lawful permanent residents can only apply for their marriage green card through consular processing. This means that they will have to submit their green card application through the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate in their home country to become lawful permanent residents themselves. This article explains the step-by-step consular processing timeline for getting your green card as the spouse of a U.S. green cardholder.
Read More →How To Notify USCIS (or the NVC) About a Change of Address
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
According to U.S. immigration law, most non-citizens living in the United States must inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when they change addresses. This does not mean that you must ask the U.S. government for permission to move houses. You just have to make sure you inform them after you move. Beyond complying with the law, this is important because USCIS will have updated address information for you when they have to mail you an important notice. This article explains how to go about notifying USCIS about a change of address and which foreigners have to do this under the law.
Read More →How To Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
When you apply for a marriage green card, you'll have to prove to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the marriage you're basing your application on is legitimate. You'll do this in different ways, including providing legal marriage documents showing that you share true love with your spouse. If you've been previously married, you'll also have to prove that all your previous marriages have legally ended — either by death of your spouse or divorce. This article explains how to get a copy of your divorce decree and other marriage termination documents for your marriage green card application.
Read More →How To Change Your Status From a J-1 Visa to a Marriage Green Card
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Many Americans and lawful permanent residents are married to foreign citizens. As a student exchange visitor on a J-1 visa, it's possible to meet and fall in love with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident during your time in the United States. If you marry someone who's a U.S. citizen or green cardholder, you can get a green card. In this article, we explain what the marriage green card process is like depending on your spouse's U.S. immigration status, and whether or not you've overstayed your visa. We'll also discuss some things you should consider before filing your application, like the home residency requirement and the 90-day rule.
Read More →How to get a Change of Status from an F-1 Visa to a Green Card After Marriage
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
Some international students in the United States fall in love with, and marry, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents that they meet during their studies. You may consider adjusting your status from the nonimmigrant F-1 visa to a green card for immigrant visa status after you get married. This article explains some things to consider when adjusting your status from an F-1 visa to a marriage green card and explains the application process depending on your spouse's immigration status.
Read More →10 Reasons for Your Green Card Application Denial
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
There are a lot of moving parts to the green card application process, and it's important to pay careful attention when you’re putting your application together. Sometimes, making mistakes on your application can cause the U.S. government to deny it. Other times, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will deny your visa application because you are inadmissible for one reason or the other. In this article, we're highlighting 10 of the most common reasons why the U.S. government would deny your green card application.
Read More →How To Get a Green Card for Your Child (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written May 25, 2022
As a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or U.S. citizen, you can petition for your foreign-born child who is seeking U.S. resident status to immigrate to the United States and receive their own green card. The marital status and age of your children tend to be the largest factors for this application process.
Read More →What Is the Green Card Number?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written February 16, 2022
If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States applying efor citizenship or filling out other government forms, you may need to enter your green card number. This guide explains what the green card number is, how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses it, how to locate the number on your green card, and how to understand what the different parts of the green card number mean.
Read More →How To Obtain Police Reports and Court Records for a Green Card Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written November 28, 2021
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a background check on every immigration application. If you're applying for a green card and you have had any interactions with U.S. law enforcement, you'll have to disclose your criminal record to USCIS with your application. Generally, it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney if you have a criminal record before submitting your green card application. This article explains how to determine if you have a criminal record, where to get a copy of your criminal record, and the step-by-step process to request a copy from U.S. federal and state authorities.
Read More →What is an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written October 31, 2021
When you're applying for a marriage green card, you'll need a financial sponsor to submit an Affidavit of Support on your behalf. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will process your Affidavit of Support to determine that you have enough financial resources available to you as a U.S. immigrant. This article explains everything you should know about filing an Affidavit of Support using Form I-864. You'll learn the requirements and obligations of a financial sponsor and who is exempt from filing an Affidavit of Support.
Read More →K1 Fiancé Visas vs. Marriage Green Cards: What Are the Differences?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written November 18, 2020
U.S. citizens who would like to marry their foreign fiance have two options to bring their partner to the United States: a marriage green card (spouse visa) through Consular Processing or a K-1 fiance visa. U.S. green card holders may not apply for a K-1 Visa. The main differences between a K-1 fiance visa and a marriage green card are their timing, location, and cost. The K-1 visa is often the quicker option for international couples. It takes 9-15 months and costs $800. With this visa, the couple can begin life in the U.S. immediately after their wedding. They will still have to apply for a marriage green card for the foreign spouse to stay in the U.S. The process of adjusting status from a K-1 fiance visa to a marriage green card takes 4-6 months and costs $1225. Consular marriage green cards (spouse visas) are issued after the couple is married outside of the U.S. The consular marriage green card application process takes 11-32 months and costs $1,210. The foreign spouse cannot move to the U.S. until the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approves their green card application. Choosing between a K-1 fiance visa and a spouse visa can be tricky, but this article is here to help!
Read More →How To Renew Your Green Card: Everything You Need to Know About the Green Card Renewal Process in 2022
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Written September 17, 2020
You can renew your green card in four steps: 1. Fill out Form I-90 and prepare to submit it online or by mail. 2. Gather and make copies of any required supporting documents for your green card renewal application. 3. Pay the $540 green card renewal fee ($455 for the green card, $85 for biometrics). 4. Submit your application online or via mail to the proper address. Most people renew their green cards when their current card has expired or is set to expire in the coming six months. You may also apply for renewal if your card has been lost, damaged, or stolen or if your legal name or other information is no longer correct.
Read More →What Is Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for a Spouse?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
To file a marriage green card petition, you and your spouse will have to submit several forms to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The entire process begins when your U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse successfully files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf. Sometimes, depending on your unique background, you will have to provide important extra information with Form I-130. You’ll often do that with Form I-130A. This guide explains Form I-130A, who needs to file the form, and how to file it.
Read More →