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Minnesota Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Hello, I live in MN and I was caught shoplifting. I am on H-1B visa with approved I140. I have two main worries/question

The cops said they have issue with their system so they will send me the citation. They said it will be the lowest degree (not sure what that means). The claim was for stealing goods worth $78.xx.

1) As non-immigrant, how much of issue would it be once I start my I-485 process.

2)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2024

Since you're on an H-1B visa, any criminal record, even a minor one, could affect your immigration status. When you file your I-485, the government checks for any arrests or citations, and even small theft charges can raise questions about your moral character. However, a petty theft under... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I have a pending asylum case and a pending TPS case. Can I till apply for H1-B or EB - 2 NIW .
John Akwuba
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answered on Sep 25, 2024

Yes, it is possible to apply for an H-1B visa or an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) while having a pending asylum case or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). However, there are important considerations to bear in mind:

1. H-1B Visa:

• Maintaining Status: In order to apply for an...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Family Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: Hello! I have a J2 visa - my husband kicked me out of the house.

Hello! I have a J2 visa - my husband kicked me out of the house. He is a narcissist, he was a psychological terror for almost 2 years, I am sure he cheated on me too. I work and I am fine. But I would like to know what I can do to stay here legally and disassociate myself from him.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you're on a J2 visa, your legal status is tied to your husband's J1 visa. However, you may have options to remain in the U.S. independently. You could consider applying for a change of status, such as an adjustment to a work visa or student... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I need to find out the total timeline for my fiancé from Peru, to get her K1 visa

I live in the United States and I am a college student. I want to bring her her so we can get married. I am trying to find the fastest way to get her a visitors permit or visa

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Aug 28, 2024

The first step is you file the I 129F, and then, once that is approved at the California service Center, the file is sent to the national visa center (NVC) in New Hampshire for additional processing. When they are finished, they will send the file over to the US consulate in Lima Peru for final... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: What evidence to send for unpaid internship if I get an RFE for employment history when applying for STEM OPT?

I'm on F1 OPT now applied for STEM OPT. On initial OPT I have had two unpaid internship experiences, but all I have is employment verification letter from my previous employer stating my title, dates, hours, etc. If I get an RFE for employment history on STEM OPT, is this evidence enough? What... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) for your employment history while applying for STEM OPT, having employment verification letters from your previous employers is a good start. These letters should include your job title, dates of employment, hours worked, and a description of your duties.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: My tourist visa ends 31st May, I applied for extension on May 1, says case was recieved, Do I have to leave the country

I got the I797C reciept online got the proof my extension submitted but still say case was recieved I am just wondering that if I dont get approval before my legal status ends here Do I need to leave?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 9, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you have applied for an extension of your tourist visa before your current authorized stay expires on May 31st. Receiving the I-797C Notice of Action is an acknowledgment that USCIS has received your application.

In most cases, if you...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: My tourist visa ends 31st May, I applied for extension on May 1, says case was recieved, Do I have to leave the country
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on May 9, 2024

If you have proof that the extension application was filed before your authorized stay expired, you will be considered to be in a period of authorized stay by the Attorney general and will not accrue unlawful presence

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I apply for citizenship if I have a 5th-degree assault charge for 8 years ago, no arrest occurred?

I'm a Green Card holder for almost 10 years, I have a 5th-degree assault charge for 8 years ago; no arrest occurred, and a normal traffic ticket for an accident. Will I be disqualified if I apply for citizenship?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

If you're considering applying for citizenship and you have a history that includes a 5th-degree assault charge from eight years ago, without any resulting arrest, and a minor traffic violation, these incidents could impact your application, but they don't automatically disqualify you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Applied for VISA slot in March 2024 however my employer got changed before that. How to update DS160. Please guide me

In October 2022, my visa status changed from F1 to H1B. Recently, I applied for a visa appointment in India through the DS160 form, submitted in August 2023. I have paid the visa fees and secured a slot for March 2024, opting for the DROPBOX option.

Subsequently, I have accepted a new job,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 12, 2023

In your situation, updating the DS-160 form to reflect your new employment is essential. Since you've already submitted the DS-160 and scheduled an appointment, you'll need to fill out a new DS-160 form with the current employer's information. This is because the DS-160 form, once... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Education Law for Minnesota on
Q: What is the function of an I-20? If the information on my I-20 differs from one on record previously?

Can the US Embassy change information of an international student given his or her I-20 has a different information e.g date of birth, name?

I am a returning student and I am applying for F1 Visa; can I apply with an I-20 that has a different date of birth or name, in the hopes that this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

The Form I-20 is a critical document for international students in the U.S. It confirms your acceptance into a study program at a U.S. institution and your eligibility for an F-1 visa. It also outlines your program start and end dates, field of study, and financial information.

If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I submitted the USCIS's AR-11 change of address form online yesterday, and I still haven't received the AR-11’s ….

confirmation number email.

2- What is the difference between the AR-11 confirmation number they send you by email and the acknowledgment letter with the AR-11 number they send you to your new address?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2023

It's not unusual to experience a slight delay in receiving an email confirmation after submitting the AR-11 form online to USCIS. The email confirmation number serves as an immediate digital acknowledgment that your change of address form has been successfully submitted to USCIS. It's a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I submitted the USCIS's AR-11 change of address form online yesterday, and I still haven't received the AR-11’s

confirmation number email.

2- What is the difference between the AR-11 confirmation number they send you by email and the acknowledgment letter with the AR-11 number they send you to your new address?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2023

It's not uncommon for there to be a short delay in receiving confirmation after submitting the AR-11 form online. The confirmation number you receive by email is primarily for immediate acknowledgment that USCIS has received your online change of address submission. It provides a quick... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Gov & Administrative Law and International Law for Minnesota on
Q: Dear all, Hi Can I travel outside USA with my greencard and my home country's passport? I was admitted as a refugee

Just wanna know if it's must to use 131a refugee travel documents or I can proceed with green card and passport from my home country

Thanks

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

If you have a green card, you generally can travel outside the U.S. using your green card and the passport from your home country. However, as a refugee, there's a risk when traveling with a passport from the country of claimed persecution. If you use that passport, it may be viewed as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can someone explain this document to me? I would like to do whatever it takes to get my fiance here... back HOME!
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Unfortunately, your question is impossible to answer. What does the document address?

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Hello. Does threats of violence - reckless disregard risk qualify for U- Visa?
Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on Aug 9, 2023

It might, you will want to obtain a copy of the police report for an immigration attorney to review to determine which sections of law the police indicate that they investigated and as long as the crime investigated is on the list of qualifying crimes or substantially similar to a qualifying crime,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Trying to figure out a way to meet so we can apply for a k1 visa or to be together.

my girlfriend lives in the Philippines and I'm trying to figure out how we can meet. I've read that they will deny a B2 visa "to meet a boyfriend". what are our options? I can't get a passport so my going over there to meet her isn't possible... the plan was for her to... View More

Gunda Yohanna Brost
Gunda Yohanna Brost
answered on May 23, 2023

It would be best to have an immigration attorney assist you directly with this. Proxy marriages in Utah may work for this purpose.

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Do I need to change my job title on our website if I change the O-net description on my H-1B renewal?

Hi, I currently work as an economist under an H-1B immigrant visa. Economists fall under the O-net code 19-3011.00 on the department of labor's O-net code index. My H-1B, however, expires in June, and for the renewal application, I am changing the O-net code to 19-3099.00 which is for social... View More

Min Hwan Ahn
Min Hwan Ahn
answered on Feb 10, 2023

If you are changing the O-Net code on your H-1B renewal application, it is not necessary to change your job title with your employer or on your company's website. The O-Net code is used by the Department of Labor to classify occupations and does not determine your job title. Your job title can... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: can a person be deported if they were born in other country and adopted by US citizens as a baby?

my friend has lived in the US pretty much his entire life. He was adopted by two US citizens when he was a baby and they brought him to the US as a baby. Hes had a few rough years and was convicted of some drug related stuff. He was contacted by immigration and they are trying to deport him. His... View More

Sarah Gad
Sarah Gad
answered on Feb 1, 2023

This might seem odd, but the answer really boils down to one question: did your friend turn 18 before or after February 28, 2001 at 12:00 a.m.? If your friend turned 18 after this February 28, 2001 cut-off, (or was born after February 28, 1978 at 12:00 a.m.) he should be able to acquire citizenship... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Form I-130 is approved. Can my sister and her 2 boys (19 years old) come to the US and wait for the approval Form I-485?

I have filed Form I-130 for my sister (and her 2 boys) to come from Argentina. I received the approval from USCIS. Can she and her boys come to the US and wait here while we get her I-485 approved?

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jan 26, 2023

By filing the i130, they have demonstrated that they have immigrant intent. This would conflict with traveling her on a tourist visa which is only for non immigrant intent.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Proper course of action.

Our son crossed the US border in Mexicali (October 2022). His court appearance in Fort Snelling is scheduled for February 2024. He was a beneficiary of I-130 filed in 2013; however, he doesn’t have 1-90 and we cannot apply for adjustment of status. He cannot apply neither for driver’s license... View More

Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on Jan 16, 2023

First, your son should make sure that he keeps the immigration court updated on his address, as court dates can be changed, and the court notifies respondents of the change in court date by mailing hearing notices. If he fails to attend a scheduled court hearing, he will be ordered deported.... View More

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