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

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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.

How do I renew my green card?
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How do I renew my green card?

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Current green cards have a validity of either two (2) years, or ten (10) years, and must be renewed. Previous green card versions did not have an expiration date. These green cards are no longer valid and should be replaced with a new green card. Here is how to renew or replace your green card.

NVC UPDATE – National Visa Center (NVC) Suspends Public Inquiry Telephone Line
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NVC UPDATE – National Visa Center (NVC) Suspends Public Inquiry Telephone Line

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Effective May 23, 2022, the National Visa Center (NVC) has permanently suspended the public inquiry telephone line. You are no longer able to call the NVC to inquire about your pending applications. Find out how the suspension of the NVC telephone line impacts your ability to contact the NVC.

What happens after I file Form I-485 Adjustment of Status?
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What happens after I file Form I-485 Adjustment of Status?

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If you are lawfully in the United States, you may qualify to file USCIS Form I-485 for adjustment of status. After you file USCIS Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status, there are several things to keep in mind while you wait for your final interview. It is important to keep copies of any submissions and I-797 notices for your records and to respond in a timely manner to any USCIS requests. We review the adjustment of the status process and what to expect below.

USCIS Form I-864 affidavit of support: How to determine if a sponsor meets the income requirements
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USCIS Form I-864 affidavit of support: How to determine if a sponsor meets the income requirements

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For most family-based immigration I-130 petitions the sponsor is required to complete USCIS Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. Form I-864 is used to verify that the sponsor meets the financial requirements to sponsor their family member for US permanent residence. See how to determine if a sponsor meets these income requirements.

How do I find a doctor to perform my immigration medical exam and what should I expect?
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How do I find a doctor to perform my immigration medical exam and what should I expect?

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Depending on your type of immigration case, you may be required to obtain a medical examination as part of the immigration process. The medical exam is done by designated medical professionals who complete USCIS Form I-693 as part of the process. We explain the medical examination and who is qualified to perform one here.

My I-485 is pending, how do I transfer it to a different preference category?
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My I-485 is pending, how do I transfer it to a different preference category?

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If you have a pending I-485 Adjustment based on an underlying I-130 Petition or I-140 Petition and the wait time for the preference category you field under has changed, you may be able to transfer your pending I-485 to another preference category with a shorter wait time. This is commonly referred to as “interfiling.” We discuss how to transfer your I-485 to a different preference category here.

My immigrant visa appointment has been scheduled, now what?
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My immigrant visa appointment has been scheduled, now what?

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Once you have submitted all the requirements documents to the National Visa Center (NVC) and your case has been documentarily qualified, you will be scheduled for the next available interview at your US Consulate or Embassy. You are required to appear in person for the interview and must bring the required supporting documents. Read here for what to expect at the immigrant visa interview here.

What is an “A-Number” for immigration purposes?
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What is an “A-Number” for immigration purposes?

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All immigrants to the United States are assigned a unique registration number for identification purposes. This number is commonly referred to as an Alien Registration Number, Alien Number, A-Number, A#, or USCIS number. Find out more about your A-Number or USCIS number here.

Can my green card be revoked?
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Can my green card be revoked?

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A US Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) must abide by certain conditions to maintain their green card. Despite being called “Permanent Residence” a green card can be revoked. We see this most often after international travel or a long-term stay outside the US, and attempted re-entry to the US.  If you are not careful to maintain your green card, it can be revoked. We discuss how your green card can be revoked here.