If your I-140 was approved and sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing but you want to adjust status in the U.S., you generally don’t need special permission. When your priority date becomes current, you can file Form I-485 directly with USCIS — include a copy of your... View More

Even if you drop charges or say you don’t want to press charges, the prosecutor can still continue the case. Domestic violence cases are handled by the state, not by the victim alone.

• Trying to recant can sometimes make the situation worse for both of you — prosecutors often view... View More

Congratulations on your recent marriage and upcoming addition to your family!

Your prior I-485 denial (due to lack of cooperation from your previous spouse) does not automatically jeopardize your new adjustment of status application, as long as your current marriage is genuine and you meet... View More

Yes, your plan is viable! But CBP holds discretion and you must be well-prepared with documentation to show you’re maintaining STEM OPT rules. Your 150-day unemployment clock can continue while you’re abroad, as long as you haven’t exceeded it. Recommendations:

Pre-travel: verify... View More

Traveling to St. Thomas (USVI) as a green card holder is considered domestic travel, so CBP inspection at the mainland airport is usually routine. Since you have valid green cards, REAL IDs, and passports, and no criminal or immigration violations, there should be no problem re-entering the U.S.... View More

A valid U.S. passport does prove citizenship, but for kids who became citizens through parents, I always recommend also getting a Certificate of Citizenship. Unlike a passport, it never expires and is useful if there’s ever a passport renewal issue, lost passport, or questions about how... View More

Yes, it’s generally safe. As long as your green card is still valid, you can travel abroad and return without needing a renewal receipt. A short trip to Mexico (like one week) is fine. You should not face issues with ICE or CBP unless you have prior immigration violations or criminal history,... View More

F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work or earn income in the U.S., including through self-employment, online work, or any form of active trading for profit.

Selling your personal gold jewelry occasionally is allowed, as long as it is not part of a regular business or commercial... View More

Yes, but it will be very complicated. Since your father was deported due to a domestic violence-related conviction, he is likely inadmissible to the U.S. and would need special permission to return.

Here’s what would likely be required:

1. You can file Form I-130 as his adult U.S.... View More

You should answer “No” to the question, since it refers to your physical presence at the time you are completing and submitting the visa appointment scheduling, not your future travel plans. Even if you have a confirmed itinerary to arrive shortly after, you are not physically in Brazil at the... View More

Once you became a lawful permanent resident, your husband is no longer eligible to maintain H-4 status, as that classification is only for dependents of H-1B visa holders. Although his H-4 EAD (category C26) may appear valid through April 2026, it is only valid as long as he remains in valid H-4... View More

Yes, you can still file Form I-730 for your child if you are granted asylum.

Even though you marked “No” on your Form I-589 regarding including your child as a derivative, and even though your child is now over 21, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) protects your ability to petition... View More

If you entered the U.S. at age 25 and 3 months, you were still within the Selective Service registration window (which ends at age 26). If you didn’t register and were required to, USCIS may ask for an explanation. However, if you actually entered after turning 26, then you were not required to... View More

Unfortunately, having a valid EAD alone—especially one based on a pending adjustment of status—does not meet the federal definition of lawful immigration status for firearm purchases under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5). The hunting license exception typically applies to nonimmigrants on temporary... View More

Yes. As a Yemeni TPS holder with a valid I-512T travel document, you are exempt from the June 2025 travel ban as long as you were inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025. You may travel and re-enter, but carry your I-512T and passport, and expect possible screening on return.

Frequent options trading that generates consistent income—like 20–24 trades a month and $1,000 in profit—can be viewed as active income, which may violate F-1 visa rules prohibiting unauthorized employment or self-employment.

While occasional investing is allowed, trading at this... View More

Filing under EB-2 does not restrict or prevent you from later pursuing an EB1-C petition. These are separate immigrant visa categories with different requirements. You may maintain or proceed with the EB-2 PERM-based process while independently pursuing EB1-C if your role meets the multinational... View More

While your 5-year visitor visa allows you to be in the U.S. temporarily, it does not offer a path to lawful permanent residence. If your father had filed an immigration petition on your behalf before his passing, humanitarian reinstatement may be available — but it typically requires a close U.S.... View More

Yes, your H-1B can be reactivated since you were previously counted under the cap and only used 3 of the 6 years. Your employer can file a cap-exempt petition for the unused time. The prior F-2 denial under INA 214(b) should not negatively affect an H-1B petition or visa stamping, as H-1Bs allow... View More

If you failed to submit the final STEM OPT evaluation (Form I-983, page 5) before your SEVIS transfer, you should promptly contact your previous DSO and request that they upload the final evaluation retroactively to SEVIS. You can complete the evaluation now with your former employer and provide it... View More