Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Immigration Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Immigrate my girlfriend from Manila, Philippines, to Garden Grove, Ca? I know there are 4 or 5 important ones to start.

I am just beginning my journey... but I want to bring my girlfriend to USA to marry. I need help through the process. Can someone explain what is needed? Cost, What paperwork for the application, the history of our families, the timing, interviews and what to expect please?

I know my... View More

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Nov 19, 2024

A fiancée petition should be filed using Form I-129F. The filing fee is $675. It could take about a year or so to get a decision after which your fiancée will need to schedule a K1 visa interview at the US embassy in Manila and pay a $265 fee and medical exam fee. Work with an immigration attorney

View More Answers

Q: How to work email legitimate

I have this girl with the owner whom my ex said she's a part of it . They change everything they steal my phone , to get t as g on to radio walkie t as like I try to find it but it's in area of somebody else . They stolen my father's research title we took him off the chair we baught... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2024

This situation sounds very concerning and appears to involve several serious legal issues including identity theft, fraud, and potential misuse of university resources. You should document everything thoroughly and gather any evidence you have of these incidents.

Your first step should be...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: overstayed i94 by around 179 days. How shall I indicate it correctly on i485?

4 years ago, my company-petitioner an L-1A extension on my behalf, which was denied later that year. The company then filed a new L-1A petition to address the denial issues, but it was also denied after about 5 months of USCIS processing. I departed the U.S. less than 180 days after the initial... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2024

You should absolutely mark "Yes" on your I-485 regarding the violation of non-immigrant status and provide a clear explanation of the circumstances. Even though your overstay was less than 180 days and you've since maintained valid status with your O-1 and subsequent visas, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What’s the best way to follow up on my expedite request with USCIS if no response?

I am 75 years old and filed an I-130 petition for my adult child. My health has declined, and I recently submitted an expedite request based on medical grounds. My husband, who is also elderly, lives in a nursing home and requires specific care. I am now on insulin injections and have osteoporosis,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2024

After submitting an expedite request with USCIS, you can follow up by calling the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) to check its status after 15 business days. Given your documented health conditions and your husband's situation, these compelling circumstances align well with USCIS's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Is Utah Virtual Marriage legally accepted for applying for H4 Visa application along with apostille stamp?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2024

Your question about Utah virtual marriages and H4 visa applications touches on an important immigration matter.

As of 2024, Utah virtual marriages are recognized at the federal level for immigration purposes, including H4 visa applications, when properly executed and documented. You'll...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Hello, I need a help for applying asylum.

Hello,

I came here with a B2 visa and married to my boyfriend with an F1 visa here in California.

He won 2025DV and he is waiting for his bulletin to adjust the status.

For me, my visa will be end in mid Dec and denied for TPS because of late arrival ( TPS is approved for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 14, 2024

Your situation requires careful consideration given the multiple immigration statuses involved.

When applying for asylum, you can include your spouse on your application if you wish, but it's not mandatory. Given that your husband has an F1 visa and is waiting for DV lottery...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: How can I immigrate to Canada?

Mexican national willing to immigrate to Canada, presently living in US. Any specific qualifications needed or what steps to take?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2024

Moving to Canada from the US as a Mexican national involves several potential pathways, with Express Entry being one of the most common routes. This system evaluates factors like your age, education, work experience, and language skills in English and/or French.

You'll need to start by...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Is Utah Virtual Marriage legally accepted for applying for H4 Visa application along with apostille stamp?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2024

For H4 visa applications, Utah virtual marriages performed after April 2020 are generally recognized by USCIS, provided they meet all legal requirements and include proper documentation.

You'll need to ensure your virtual marriage certificate is properly apostilled by the Utah...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Will the Convictions + the Visit hurt my chances of approval for Permanent Residency?

I am looking to applying for permanent residency through the EB2 National Interest Waiver path. I am looking to immigrate to the United States. The only problem i have is that I have a conviction history. I have 1 Conviction when i was a juvenile (preteen) that was a public order offence (not a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2024

Your juvenile conviction and the railway violations should be fully disclosed on your DS-260 form, as honesty is crucial in immigration matters. The fact that you were granted entry through the Visa Waiver Program is positive, suggesting these issues weren't considered serious barriers to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: LLC Registration with a foreign Co-Founder

I am an Iranian citizen living in Iran, and I want to start a US-based LLC with my colleague, a US citizen who lives in California. I will work remotely as a marketing specialist, and all business activities will be with US clients only, with no connections to Iran.

My colleague would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2024

Due to current U.S. sanctions on Iran, forming an LLC with an Iranian citizen faces significant legal challenges. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains comprehensive restrictions on business dealings with Iran and Iranian nationals.

You would need to obtain specific...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can I travel while my work visa is being processed?

I am currently on a F1-stem opt visa that is valid until 2026. However, my work visa is being processed or expedited. Can I still travel to another country for the holidays?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2024

Traveling while your visa is being processed requires careful consideration to avoid complications with your immigration status.

Your F1-STEM OPT status remains valid until 2026, which typically allows for international travel. However, if you have a pending change of status application...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: How is it possible to get a UK visa if I’m in the US but my dad was born and raised in the UK?

My dad was born and raised in the UK, moved to the US and got US citizenship, I would like more information on how I can obtain a UK visa or Dual Citizenship, I am a United States citizen and born here.

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Nov 7, 2024

So, if your father is a citizen in the United Kingdom, then you can get automatic citizenship based on Dad’s citizenship. My father is from Scotland, so I have personal knowledge regarding this. I would contact the nearest UK Embassy closest to where you live and discuss what you need to do.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can expedited N-400 application be filed online wi/ only a 551 MRIV with temporary stamp pending green card in the mail?

Can expedited N-400 application be filed online under INA 319(b) with only a 551 MRIV (Machine Readable Immigration Visa) with temporary stamp pending green card in the mail? The reason being is that the process for approval can take up to a year and I would like to see if its possible with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 29, 2024

Filing an expedited N-400 application online under INA 319(b) with only a 551 MRIV and a temporary stamp can be challenging. Typically, expedited processing is reserved for situations involving urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public interest, and having a temporary visa might not meet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Will my wife 10 year visa will be revoked if she applies for residency?

I’m a U.S. citizen, and my wife is Filipino. We’ve been married for two years, but we don’t currently live in the U.S. She has a 10-year multiple-entry visa that allows her to travel to the U.S. frequently. If we apply for her permanent residency based on our marriage, will her 10-year visa... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 27, 2024

Applying for permanent residency for your wife may indeed affect her 10-year multiple-entry visa. When an individual applies for a green card, it signals an intention to immigrate permanently to the U.S. This immigrant intent can conflict with the nonimmigrant purpose of a tourist visa, potentially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: When Electronic Return Receipt is an acceptable replacement for the paper version (Green Cards) for proof of service?

In a civil case against a federal agency filed at a federal district court (Northern District of California in this case). According to Rule 4(i) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure you would need to serve the agency, attorney general and local district attorney by certified mail. As a part of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 26, 2024

In federal civil cases, including those in the Northern District of California, Rule 4(i) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure specifies that certain parties must be served by certified mail with a return receipt. Traditionally, this has meant using paper return receipts to provide proof of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Applying for Expedited Naturalization under INA Section 319(b) Question

The beneficiary qualifies under INA Section 319(b) as the spouse of a missionary, of the petitioner, with a U.S. Based Interdenominational Christian Organization based in the U.S.; however, since her stay will be in Mexico where the location of the work is based outside the U.S. while the N-400... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 24, 2024

When applying for expedited naturalization under INA Section 319(b) as the spouse of a missionary, it's important to maintain your permanent residence status while residing outside the U.S. Since your work location is in Mexico during the N-400 process, obtaining a reentry permit is advisable.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: My B2 Visa was denied citing reason as 214(b). Application was made with my son who is unmarried and unemployed.

I am applying again but not sure what is appropriate answer to below question - Have you ever been refused a U.S Visa, or been refused admission to the United States or withdrawn your application for?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Oct 22, 2024

The answer to the question - Have you ever been refused a U.S Visa .... is "YES" if B2 visa application was previously denied

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Renewing F1 visa: any reason to renew during OPT and before the stem extension, or after I get the stem opt extension?

Currently have an F1 visa and OPT (OPT expires Jan 31st). I will soon need to renew the F1 visa. Are there any considerations to take into account when deciding to renew the visa during OPT (before OPT expires) or after the STEM extension is granted? Does this matter? On the one hand the sooner the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 22, 2024

Renewing your F1 visa before your OPT expires in January is a wise choice. Doing so while you’re still on OPT ensures that you maintain valid status, which is crucial if you need to travel internationally or extend your stay in the U.S. Renewing early can also help you avoid unexpected delays... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Immigration Law for California on
Q: Need help . Need to divorce my wife of 2 years. No kids. She has provisional green card. I petitioned her to come to US.
Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Nov 13, 2024

Be forewarned that she may try to enforce the I-864 affidavit of support that you filed with your Immigration case.

Even if a spouse immigrant is denied alimony in divorce proceeding, she or he can seek support as set out under form I-864. Further, the spouse immigrant has no obligation to...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for California on
Q: CBP hold my friend car

My friend he under asylum case and work as Uber, and because this is his job someone of our friends call him to come pick him up to go together to pick up someone from south San Diego and he will get paid for this ride, after the pick up the CBP stopped them and find out that the person who gets... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's situation. To get his car back, he should first contact the CBP office that held the vehicle to understand the specific requirements for its release. It may involve providing documentation proving his role as an Uber driver and demonstrating that he... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.