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Virginia Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: can i marry my jamaican boyfriend visiting the us on a r b1/b2 visa
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Aug 22, 2016

Almost certainly, but you (or he) needs to speak with an immigration attorney about whether he will be able to stay in the US after you've married. More information is needed to assess what needs to be done for him from an immigration standpoint. Consult with an attorney sooner rather than later.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Marrying a US citizen while on B1/B2 Visa, is it possible to change the status after marraige

I am 32 years scientist from Pakistan, i will visit this November to attend conference and on the same trip i want to marry my girlfriend. She is a US citizen from Crewe, VA. Is it possible for us to marry ? What we have to do to change status.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Aug 17, 2016

The main issue is that you appear to have what is called "dual intent" - you intend to come as a temporary visitor for business, but you also appear to intend to come on a permanent basis to marry your girlfriend. Coming to the US with the intent to stay is not allowed on a B1/B2. There... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Wrong 6C1 visa refusal and questions 31-35 on Part 12 of N-400 application

I am applying for citizenship and have some concerns on how to answer questions 31 through 35 on Part 12 of my N-400 application. About 10 years ago, I was wrongfully refused a H4 visa at a consulate abroad under section 6C1. After review of the case, the consulate overturned the refusal and... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Aug 12, 2016

This is a very case-specific question that requires the review of the actual documents by an experienced immigration attorney. Consider consulting with one in your area - it would be better to spend some money now than jeopardize your immigration status later. Good luck to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law and Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: US Citizen wanting to marry a Native Canadian/Canadian citizen

My boyfriend and I have been dating long distance for over a year. He came to visit at the beginning of July and has been here since then on a B2 visa. We have had several week-long visits but never one this length. We have discovered in this time of "living" together that we have... View More

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Aug 8, 2016

If your relationship is legit and you can provide enough proof to the officers interviewing you will be fine. I suggest contacting an immigration attorney to get advice on what kind of proofs will increase your chances of approval.

All the best.

-Shan Potts

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: i'm almost through with my citizenship. my question is i have a 6months old daughter back home and i will like to know

if my daughter automatically becomes a citizen after my oath ceremony? even though she was born before i became a citizen

Camlinh Nguyen Rogers
Camlinh Nguyen Rogers
answered on Jul 24, 2016

There are questions and answers similar to the mentioned situation on our website at http://aba-us.com/other-services/?lang=en. You can take a look for general information. Good luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Im US resident and want to help my boyfriend who is undocumented immigrant. What should I do?

He got robbed and filed for the "domestic violence green card", but it has been 2 years, and we haven't heard any news. Is there any way I can help him? Thanks

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jul 13, 2016

If he has been the victim of a crime and has applied for a "U Visa," he is likely already on the best path. If you were married, you could petition for him as your spouse, but he may have to return to his home country for processing. If he had an attorney help with the pending... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: A man is here on a extraordinary visa has a work permit and SSN. He wants to marry an older woman. Will the age

difference affect his application for a green card and permanent residency? He is 34 and she 59. Also will it be a problem for him if he moves from CA to VA.

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jun 21, 2016

What is the "Extraordinary" visa? The age difference would raise a doubt for sure but if the man and women truly love each other and can prove that they are not getting married only for the purpose of getting a green card, it shouldn't be a problem.

All the best....
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Can I change I-130 category from unmarried son of GC holder to married son of citizen and keep the same priority date.

My parents are green card holder and they applied for my green card in 2010 under unmarried son and daughter category. I got married in 2014 and my priority date is current now. Can I get the green card through petition filed in 2010? Also my father is a citizen now can i change category to married... View More

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jun 13, 2016

You should change your category and unfortunately you will not be able to retain the same priority date.

All the best.

-Shan Potts

Like our facebook page for regular immigration and visa updates - www.facebook.com/pottsmartinez

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: What is the penalty of failure to carry green card.

I was given a ticket, and will be going to court in VA. He told me I violated a federal law

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 30, 2016

The Immigration & Nationality Act says at section 264e:

"Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: I came USA in 2011 as F-1 visa, now i am in OPT. My sister is US citizen. can i apply for greencard via Form I-130

how long it will take for Process and if i submit I-485 form, how logn it will take to change my status?

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 25, 2016

While I am not well acquainted with student visa programs, I do know about family petitions, and petitions for siblings of adult US citizens are currently backed up 13 years (longer if you're from Mexico or the Philippines). While an I-130 could be filed on your behalf now, you could not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Filed for my wife's I 130 (myself US citizen). How long it usually takes for them to be able to travel to U.S?

Just want to know how long it usually takes to get approved and for the consulate in her home country to process her visa (she is in Peru/Peruvian citizen)

Camlinh Nguyen Rogers
Camlinh Nguyen Rogers
answered on May 9, 2016

There are questions and answers similar to the mentioned situation on our website at http://aba-us.com/other-services/?lang=en. You can take a look for general information. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: If my filipina girlfriend gets a tourist/work visa to Canada can I as a legal American marry her while she is in Canada?

I can't fly to the Philippines right now because I own some back child support thus my passport will most likely be denied for renewal.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 7, 2016

This seems to be a question more appropriate for a Canadian lawyer to answer as it implicates Canadian marriage laws, which likely differ between provinces and could possibly involve residency requirements. I'm not certain what information you need regarding immigration law. Seek out a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: My boyfriend is entering the US with a Visa Waiver Program. How can he stay with me without going back if we marry.

He is coming from Belgium.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 4, 2016

This is a dodgy situation that needs a private discussion with an immigration attorney in your area. The Visa Waiver Program is intended for nonimmigrant travel (business, vacation, etc.) and is not meant to be used by people who, in reality, do not plan to return to their home country. He could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Can I go visit my country, with concealment issue?

I am a green card holder and I have been convicted of concealment of 18$ with 30 days of jail that got dismissed with 2 years. I could not get my citizenship because of that they said i have to wait for the 2 years then they will see if i can get or not. I want to go visit my country this summer... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 27, 2016

Most attorneys are going to be hesitant to advise you on this specific question anonymously without knowing your specific facts and criminal history. If you have other criminal history, you very likely may have a problem. Before you leave, consult with a local immigration attorney. Your home... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: If I am 18 but my mother pays the passport fees ($150), who does my passport belong to?

My mother paid the money required to receive a passport/updated passport. I am 18 years old and a legal US citizen. She told me that I am not allowed to keep this passport in my possession because it is not mine, seeing as I did not pay for it. She also stated if I tried to take this passport of my... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 20, 2016

Your passport is the property of the US Government and is meant to be held in the possession of the identified person - you. I do not see how she can report it stolen if it is not her own document. Your other option is to report it stolen yourself and pay the fees to receive a new one directly to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Can I get a dream act ? I'm currently in 10th grade and entered the us at 10 years old

I was caught while entering the us illegally but I attended every one my courts and my lawyer was able to close my case but he couldn't obtained any type of legalization

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 19, 2016

We don't really have a DREAM Act yet. You are probably thinking of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). There are a few requirements for DACA, but one that may be a problem in your case is that you must be in the US since June 2007. If your lawyer in immigration court was unable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Finance visa

My boyfriend and I plan on getting engaged he is in the Netherlands but currently residing as an illegal immigrant What's is the best option we have to bring him to the United States ?

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 13, 2016

It depends on your own immigration status (US citizen? Permanent resident?). You may have options to bring him either as a fiance or by a family petition if you marry beforehand. His undocumented status in the Netherlands may or may not come into play. Your best course is to consult with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: I filed an I-130 for my husband & it has been received, can I also file an I-485?

He has been in the US for two years & we have been married for one year.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 7, 2016

It primarily depends on his immigration history (did he enter without papers, did he overstay a visa?). Consult with a local immigration attorney to discuss his background and eligibility. If you had an attorney for the I-130, ask him/her. Good luck!

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: my mother had some type of residency but was on probation and left for a family emergency did not tell any one and fled

to mexico came back got arrested then deported for almost 10 years can I sponsor her after the 10 years so she can come back legally ? what can I do ?

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 5, 2016

It may or may not be possible depending on when, how, and why she was deported (or if she was even "deported" within the meaning of the law). You're going to have to consult with an immigration lawyer and lay out all the facts with him/her to find out if this is a reasonable option... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: my 12 year old brother and my 11 year old sister are u.s citizens and are currently living in El Salvador with my mother

, I want to bring them here to the U.S with me but their passports are expired. What do I need in order for them to come back to the U.S and be enrolled in school. I'm currently 18 turning 19 on sept. 04 and my mother is giving me permission to do so since she has sole custody of them.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Apr 5, 2016

First things first - they need renewed passports. Review the American Citizen Services page at the US Embassy - San Salvador website for requirements: http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/service.html.

Whether or not mom can give you permission to assume custody would depend on if there is a...
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