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

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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!
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Canadian Visitor to US Citizen in 4 Years!

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

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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.

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.

I-751 Removal of Conditions Approved after Divorce and Notice of Intent to Terminate
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I-751 Removal of Conditions Approved after Divorce and Notice of Intent to Terminate

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If you received your green card through marriage to a US Citizen within the first 2 years of your marriage, you will receive a conditional 2-year green card. At the end of the 2-year green card, you must file USCIS Form I-751 Removal of Conditions to receive a 10-year permanent green card.  Unfortunately, sometimes marriages end in divorce and the foreign national spouse is left to file USCIS Form I-751 on their own merits. With a divorce, the process can get messy. We have helped many individuals obtain a permanent 10-year green card after divorce and even a Notice of Intent to Terminate.

Can I get married while in the United States on a visitor visa?
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Can I get married while in the United States on a visitor visa?

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Most people are familiar with the K-1 fiancé(e) visa or 90-day fiancé(e) visa used to enter the United States to marry a US  Citizen. A fiancé(e) visa is not the only way to enter the United States for purposes of marriage. In fact, a fiancé(e) visa is only required if your intent is to marry and remain permanently in the United States. Learn about how you can enter the United States to marry a US citizen as a temporary visitor.

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.

TN Visa to Green Card through Marriage Approved!
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TN Visa to Green Card through Marriage Approved!

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We often help TN visa holders to go from their nonimmigrant TN visa to US permanent residence (Green card). This can be done in several ways one of the most common is through marriage to a US citizen.  Find out about going from a TN visa to a green card through marriage to a US Citizen.

What will I be asked during my marriage based green card interview?
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What will I be asked during my marriage based green card interview?

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When you apply for a green card for a spouse inside the United States through adjustment of status, the final step of the process is an in-person interview with a USCIS officer. The purpose of this interview is to verify the facts of the case and the bona-fides of the marriage. In other words, was the marriage entered into for love or for a green card. We discuss the marriage-based green card interview and the types of questions you should expect here.