Concurrent Filing of USCIS Form I-130 and Form I-485: An Overview One of the Step Green Card Process
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Concurrent Filing of USCIS Form I-130 and Form I-485: An Overview One of the Step Green Card Process

When a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident wants to bring a foreign-born relative to the United States, concurrent filing of USCIS Form I-130 and Form I-485 can be an efficient route. It offers potential benefits such as speed, the ability to apply for employment and travel authorization, and staying in the U.S. while awaiting a decision. Read on to discover the ins and outs of concurrent filing.

I worked illegally. Can I still get a green card through marriage to a US Citizen?
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I worked illegally. Can I still get a green card through marriage to a US Citizen?

Working in the United States without immigration authorization is illegal. In some cases, foreign nationals enter the United States as tourists, students, or non-immigrant workers and then overstay their legal immigration status. When their visa status expires, they simply remain in the United States and continue to work without authorization. In some cases, the foreign national marries a US citizen. We discuss the process of going from a visa overstay and unauthorized work to a green card through marriage here.

TN Visa Issued Even With an Approved I-130
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TN Visa Issued Even With an Approved I-130

Our client had an approved I-130 pending NVC processing but has also received an offer to work in the United States. We assisted our client to obtain a TN Visa and then eventually a green card. We discuss the process of going from a TN Visa with the approved I-130 to a green card here. 

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!

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?

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

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.

Important Information for Green Card Holders: Having a Baby Abroad? Follow These Steps!
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Important Information for Green Card Holders: Having a Baby Abroad? Follow These Steps!

If you are a green cardholder temporarily residing abroad and have recently welcomed a baby, congratulations! However, it’s vital to be aware of an important requirement regarding your child’s entitlement to lawful permanent residence in the United States. Failure to comply with this requirement within two years of your child’s birth could jeopardize their automatic right to permanent residence, leading to a complex and time-consuming immigration process. In this article, we will explain the necessary steps you need to take to safeguard your child’s status. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

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

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.

Understanding the Risk of US Green Card Revocation: An Essential Guide
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Understanding the Risk of US Green Card Revocation: An Essential Guide

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. 

How do I give up my green card?
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How do I give up my green card?

If you no longer live inside the United States, or otherwise wish to give up your US Permanent Resident Status (Green Card), you must record the withdrawal with either USCIS through USCIS Form I-407. Here’s how to give up or relinquish your green card.