Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am an asylum seeker from Ethiopia and looking to begin the asylum process in the United States. I need guidance on where to start and what steps to take. Are there specific forms or documentation I need to prepare or be aware of? Additionally, any advice on common challenges or considerations... View More 
answered on Mar 19, 2025
First you need to make sure you file for asylum within 1 year of your entry. Use Form I-589 to file the asylum. If you are in immigration court proceedings you need to file with the immigration court. Otherwise you can file with USCIS. Without knowing the specifics of your case it’s hard to... View More
I invited my stepmother to the USA, specifically to California. She is undocumented, although she has applied for a green card and has a receipt number. She originally entered on a visiting visa, which has since expired. She is planning to travel to Minnesota and stay for life. Can she travel by... View More
answered on Mar 8, 2025
A person with a pending adjustment of status (ie. Green card) application is considered to be in a period of authorized stay by the attorney general
I’m currently on STEM OPT. I have a job and my employer is enrolled in e-verify program. I file taxes and everything legally. I have a question regarding a new opportunity to open a business in the field of direct sales to distribute Amway products. I will be provided with a registered company... View More
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answered on Feb 5, 2025
As an individual on STEM OPT, your primary focus should be on your job that is directly related to your field of study. Your visa status allows you to work for an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program, but any additional work, such as a side business, needs to be carefully considered.... View More
Is always de same time for everyone ? I read in some places say 3 years y other 5 years . I’m married with my husband for 5 years but in USA just few months
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answered on Jan 29, 2025
If you already have your green card, the time you need to wait before applying for U.S. citizenship depends on how you obtained it. Since you are married, the waiting period could be three years if you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, you must have been living... View More
My green card expired because I stayed in my country for 5 years now I’m in the USA again , I married in my country with an American citizen 4 years of married now we move to the USA I travel with a tourist visa , I’m filling the I130 but i don’t understand this question I130 FORM... View More
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answered on Jan 26, 2025
If you have never been placed in immigration proceedings, such as removal or deportation proceedings, the answer to the question “Was the beneficiary EVER in the immigration proceedings?” on Form I-130 would be "No." Immigration proceedings typically involve formal legal actions by... View More
I am an employee of company X on H1B, having joined the company in July 2024. Due to a family emergency, I need to travel to India as my father is critically ill and requires urgent attention.
I currently have a valid visa stamped until March 2026 from my previous employment Y
Could... View More
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answered on Jan 6, 2025
Re-entering the U.S. on an H1B visa with a valid stamp tied to a previous employer is legally possible under certain conditions, but there are critical factors to consider:
Key Points:
Valid H1B Status with New Employer:
You must have an approved H1B transfer or petition... View More
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
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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
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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... View More
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.
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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
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
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
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
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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
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?
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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... View More
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
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?
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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
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
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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
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
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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... View More
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?
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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
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?
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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
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
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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
answered on Aug 25, 2023
Unfortunately, your question is impossible to answer. What does the document address?
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