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I am an international student on an F-1 visa enrolled at Penn State University. On April 4, 2025, my SEVIS record was terminated by SEVP, unexpectedly placing me out of valid immigration status. ISSA confirmed that they did not initiate the termination. I am about 4 weeks away from graduation, with... View More 
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
This situation is stressful, especially with graduation so close. Since your SEVIS record was terminated without action from your school and your academic standing is solid, it's important to first request the reason for termination directly from SEVP, if it's not already clear. Your... View More
How can Venezuelans be deported to El Salvador to be put in jail, and does this violate multiple laws since they're not even being sent back to their own country?
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answered on Mar 28, 2025
Generally, countries deport non-citizens to their country of citizenship or permanent residence, not to third countries. Deporting Venezuelans to El Salvador instead of Venezuela would be highly unusual under normal immigration enforcement practices. This type of third-country deportation would... View More
I am a pathology resident on an O1 visa and recently received my hardship waiver approval. I need guidance on transitioning to an H-1B visa or possibly renewing my O1 visa. I face a choice between consular processing and change of status within the U.S. Given my previous experience with lengthy... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2025
I understand your complex situation with the O-1 visa transition after receiving your hardship waiver. Immigration decisions are particularly stressful for medical professionals when residency timelines are at stake.
Your concern about consular processing risks is valid, particularly with... View More
have to file my I-751 to remove conditions on my Green card. I have petit theft charge for which I have completed MIP program. I want to know what documents needs to be submitted related to the criminal history?
I have following documents with me received form my attorney.
1-... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
When filing your I-751 with a petit theft charge, include your electronically certified court record showing that you completed the MIP program and that your case resulted in a Notice of Administrative Nolle Prosequi. You should also attach the certified Clerk’s Certificate of Disposition, as... View More
I was deported from the Bahamas for overstaying my visa. Do I need a waiver to apply for a spousal visa to the USA? I have not applied for any immigration petitions in the USA since my deportation.
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answered on Mar 9, 2025
If you were deported from the Bahamas due to overstaying your visa, this alone does not automatically mean you'll need a waiver for a U.S. spousal visa. The United States typically evaluates immigration waivers based on violations of U.S. immigration law or certain criminal issues. Your... View More
I added an old acquaintance’s name to my house deed 10 years ago, supposedly for $1, with the understanding that he would own the house when I die, to help him stay in the country. I now want to remove him from the deed and add my three siblings instead. What steps do I need to take to remove his... View More
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answered on Mar 9, 2025
To remove your acquaintance's name from the deed in Pennsylvania, you'll first need to talk with him about voluntarily signing a new deed transferring his interest back to you. Since he was added to your deed willingly, the simplest method now would be for him to execute a "quitclaim... View More
As a beneficiary of an I-730 refugee/asylee relative petition, I currently hold a homeland passport and a green card. I have never left the U.S. before, and I plan to travel outside the U.S. for one month. Will I be able to re-enter the U.S. with just my homeland passport and green card, without... View More
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answered on Mar 1, 2025
As a green card holder, you can typically re-enter the United States after short trips abroad using your valid homeland passport and green card. These two documents are generally sufficient for lawful permanent residents returning from trips lasting less than one year, with a month-long absence... View More
As a beneficiary of an I-730 refugee/asylee relative petition who currently has a green card, I entered the US using my passport. I would like to know if I can return to my homeland and re-enter the US using my green card and passport. What are the US laws or regulations I need to be aware of... View More
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
While you have a green card, traveling back to the country you fled from could potentially jeopardize your immigration status, especially as an I-730 asylee relative. The very act of returning to your homeland might be interpreted by immigration authorities as an indication that you no longer fear... View More
Entered the country without authorization over 20 years ago and later received my green card through 601-a inadmissibility waiver in 2015. never arrested or charged by immigration or law enforcement. Do I need to disclose the inadmissibility waiver on my n400?
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
Yes, you need to disclose your I-601A waiver on Form N-400. The application specifically asks about prior immigration proceedings and waivers, and it's crucial to be completely truthful in your citizenship application. Providing false information or omitting important details could be... View More
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answered on Jan 7, 2025
Your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) as a religious worker gives you specific limitations. Working outside your sponsoring church could jeopardize your Green Card application, as the religious worker category requires you to maintain employment with the organization that sponsored your... View More
8 § 3929 §§ A2 F3 Retail Theft-Alter Label/Price Marking it's first offense , i didn't plead guilty just paid restitution , i was on ARD for 24 month and case dismissed , then case expundged ,
my question is i'm a green card holder apply for Citizen soon is that going to... View More
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answered on Jan 7, 2025
Your situation with the retail theft charge is complex, and since it involves immigration law, it's important to be careful. Even though you completed ARD and had the case expunged, immigration authorities can still see the original arrest and charge during the citizenship application process.... View More
My mother is a green card holder. She went out of usa with the intention of coming back after 5 months. But due to my father heath she had to take care of him taking him to his dialices appointment she stayed one year and a half out sitde the us. My father passed away and now she want to come back.... View More
answered on Nov 25, 2024
A green card holder who stays outside the US for a continuous period of over a year loses the LPR status. She will need to apply for an SB-1 (returning resident) visa. Work with an immigration lawyer
on the tracking number the uscis nebraska center received my package so is it normal to not receive nothing ? how do I contact them about this ?
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answered on Sep 25, 2024
It can be normal for USCIS to take some time to send receipt notices, but a month is slightly longer than usual. Typically, you should receive a receipt notice within 2-4 weeks after they receive your application. Delays sometimes happen due to high processing volumes or other factors.
To... View More
I am in the process of formalizing my citizenship. We'd like to get my Thai Wife (and Son) citizenship as well. How to?
The plan had been to move to Toronto next summer, as seems getting Canadian citizenship would be easier. But Son's decided he wants to finish his HS here... View More
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answered on Aug 30, 2024
To help your wife and son gain Canadian citizenship, the first step is for you to obtain your Canadian citizenship through your father, if you haven't already done so. Since your father is Quebecois, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent. Once you have formalized your status,... View More
I am in the process of formalizing my citizenship. We'd like to get my Son citizenship as well. How to? He is 14, if that matters.
We had planned on moving to Toronto next summer, but he's decided he wants to finish his HS here (he's in a top-rated and very special school,... View More
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answered on Aug 30, 2024
To get Canadian citizenship for your son, you need to first confirm your own citizenship. If your father is Quebecois and you are eligible for Canadian citizenship, you may be able to pass citizenship to your son. This usually involves proving your own Canadian citizenship and providing evidence of... View More
I am a US citizen (born in PA and have lived in OH, NY, MD, and MI) but have been living in Germany for the past 3 years. At the beginning of this year, I got married and I wanted to change my last name to take my husband’s last name, but I also want to change my middle name to my maiden name. In... View More
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answered on Aug 5, 2024
Changing your name in the US while residing abroad can be a bit complex, but it is possible. To change your name, you generally need to file a petition with the court in the state where you last resided or where you have some form of residency connection. Since you have a birth certificate from... View More
My house was condemned unfairly. It is not unsafe or unsanitary. My kids and I are now homeless. I appealed and have a hearing in August. City officials are saying I don't have a chance no matter what I do. Even if I do what they are saying is making it condemned. How can I fight this? I need... View More
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
You need to consult a real estate attorney who has experience dealing with property disputes and local government regulations. This type of lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and represent you at your hearing in August. They can also challenge any... View More
So I recently got married, and on the marriage certificate it has my wife's maiden name, she wants to change it to my last name, (with her maiden name becoming her middle name) how to go about this?
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answered on Jun 20, 2024
To change your wife's last name after marriage in Pennsylvania, you can follow these general steps:
1. Start with the Social Security Administration:
- Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
- Provide proof of identity and the marriage certificate... View More
I am in USA finishing my studies and want to have my wife come and stay here with me. She is of poor means and I am a student. I am living in my parents home and they are willing to be sponsors for my wife. The idea is for her to come ASAP and that is why we were thinking that a multiple tourist... View More
answered on Jun 6, 2024
Firstly, I'm providing the advice below with the presumption that you yourself are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If not, there are many more things to address.
I often receive this question from clients that want to be reunited with their spouse as quickly as... View More
LPR is eligible for rescission – misrepresentation of facts material to both marriage and eligibility for spousal LPR.
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answered on Jun 5, 2024
Here are the key points regarding withdrawing an approved I-130 petition and rescinding the beneficiary's LPR status due to misrepresentation:
- An I-130 petition can be withdrawn by the petitioner even after it has been approved by USCIS. This is done by notifying USCIS in writing of... View More
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