Green card for Father Mother and Sister of a US Citizen Approved!
| |

Green card for Father Mother and Sister of a US Citizen Approved!

Date Last Updated:

Family-based US immigration can be a long and complicated process. A proper understanding of the rules and wait times often determines the best approach forward. We recently helped a US citizen sponsor his father and mother for green cards. Due to wait times, after the father was approved, he was able to sponsor the sister for a green card. We explain their immigration journey and why this path was the best for their situation here.

Can I get a green card as a “non-controlled Canadian” without an I-94?
| | | |

Can I get a green card as a “non-controlled Canadian” without an I-94?

Date Last Updated:

With the exception of E visas and K visas, Canadian citizens are visa-exempt and do not require a visa stamp before entering the United States. In most cases when entering the United States as a visitor, Canadians are admitted with a brief inspection and no record of admission or I-94. This is called a “non-controlled” admission. We discuss going from a visitor as a “non-controlled Canadian” to a green card here.

Canadian Visitor to US Citizen in 4 Years!
| |

Canadian Visitor to US Citizen in 4 Years!

Date Last Updated:

Canadian Visitor to US Citizen in 4 Years! One of the most common scenarios we see practicing US immigration law on the northern border with Canada is for visitors that enter the United States and marry US citizens. We recently helped a client complete the journey of entering the United States as a visitor, marriage to a US Citizen, and eventually US citizenship.  Read their US Immigration story here.

I overstayed a visa and married a U.S. citizen. Can I still get a green card?
| |

I overstayed a visa and married a U.S. citizen. Can I still get a green card?

Date Last Updated:

Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of undocumented immigrants inside the United States entered legal immigration status and then overstayed their status. Many enter as tourists, students, or non-immigrant workers. When their visa status expires, they simply remain in the United States and overstay their legal admission by months, years, or even decades. Thus making them undocumented or illegal. In some cases, the foreign national develops a relationship with a US citizen that leads to marriage. We discuss the process of going from a visa overstay to a green card through marriage here.

What are the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for a green card?
| | |

What are the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for a green card?

Date Last Updated:

As part of the process of obtaining a green card while inside the United States, the intending immigrant must submit USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. One of the many requirements is proof of vaccination against COVID-19. We discuss the required medical examination and the COVID-19 vaccination requirement here.

Mandamus Actions for Immigration Processing Delays
| | | | |

Mandamus Actions for Immigration Processing Delays

Date Last Updated:

If you have a US immigration matter that has been pending well beyond standard processing times, you have exhausted all available administrative remedies, and the US government still fails to act on your case, you may be able to find relief with a mandamus action. We discuss mandamus actions to address processing delays for US immigration matters here.

How do I get a Social Security Number (SSN) on a Non-Immigrant Visa?
| | |

How do I get a Social Security Number (SSN) on a Non-Immigrant Visa?

Date Last Updated:

Certain foreign nationals inside the United States on non-immigrant visas are authorized to work because of their status, while others are only authorized to work for an identified employer. We discuss how to obtain a social security number (SSN) if you have valid work authorization either through employment or because of your status.

How do I prepare for my immigrant visa medical exam?
| | |

How do I prepare for my immigrant visa medical exam?

Date Last Updated:

Once the National Visa Center (NVC) reviews your documents and your case is documentarily qualified, your immigration visa case is then forwarded to your local US Consulate or US Embassy for your immigrant visa interview. Prior to your immigrant visa interview, a medical exam must be completed with an embassy-approved doctor, also referred to as the Panel Physician. Exams conducted by other physicians will not be accepted. We explain how to prepare for your immigrant visa medical exam below.

How does social media impact the visa process?
| |

How does social media impact the visa process?

Date Last Updated:

As part of the visa process, both the DS-160 and the DS-260 contain questions regarding social media accounts and social media identifiers. Questions regarding social media accounts have been put into place as added background and security measures for foreign nationals coming to work and live in the United States. We discuss how social media impacts the visa process below.

How do I bring my household belongings to the USA?
| | |

How do I bring my household belongings to the USA?

Date Last Updated:

After you have been approved for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa allowing you to work and live in the United States, you might have household belongings you wish to bring with you. Prior to moving any belongings to the United States, there are procedures you need to be aware of before moving your belongings. Find out about the process of bringing your belongings to the United States here.