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I have Canadian citizenship and a U.S. permanent residence card valid until 2028. I plan to travel to France for two weeks. With no previous issues regarding my status and given that Canadian citizens don’t have additional visa requirements for France, is there a risk of being detained at the... View More 
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
As a Canadian citizen with a valid US permanent residence card, your two-week trip to France shouldn't pose significant issues for your return to the United States. The key document you'll need is your permanent residence card (green card), which serves as your entry document. When you... View More
I work as a cashier for a large company and was called to the Asset Protection (AP) office to translate during an incident with suspected shoplifters who did not speak Spanish. I witnessed the AP staff intimidating and taunting these individuals, making disrespectful remarks about their immigration... View More
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answered on Mar 15, 2025
Yes, you absolutely have the right to report this kind of behavior. Even if someone is suspected of wrongdoing, they must still be treated with respect and dignity. The degrading comments and intimidation tactics you witnessed are inappropriate and may violate workplace policies or... View More
If someone was deported with a removal order for not appearing at their hearing, and they have just been deported to Nicaragua, what actions or options do they have to come back to the US? The individual has a US citizen girlfriend and family, although none are US citizens, and they have two DUI... View More
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answered on Mar 15, 2025
Your situation is challenging because a removal order typically bars reentry for several years (often 5-10 years), and returning without proper authorization could result in severe penalties including criminal charges. The DUI charges further complicate matters as they may be considered crimes... View More
My wife’s EB3 I-485 application, based on employment, has been pending for the past four months. She recently received an RFE regarding a birth certificate issue, which has been resolved. We got married recently, and I am planning to file my own I-485 as a derivative adjustment applicant. I am... View More
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answered on Mar 9, 2025
You can still file your I-485 as a derivative applicant even if your wife's EB3-based adjustment application is approved before you submit yours, provided you were legally married before her approval date. USCIS recognizes your eligibility as a derivative beneficiary based on your marital... View More
As an 18-year-old Irish citizen currently in Afghanistan, I'm unable to travel alone due to local restrictions that prevent women from doing so. I previously contacted Irish authorities last year, and while there was initially a plan for me to return, that is no longer the case. There are no... View More
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
Your situation sounds incredibly challenging, and I want you to know that help is available. As an Irish citizen, you have fundamental rights to return home, and there are organizations dedicated to supporting people in circumstances like yours.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and... View More
I have been married to my husband for 10 years, and we have a 7-year-old daughter together. Despite our rocky times, we live together and can demonstrate the legitimacy of our marriage through photos, joint leases, and other documentation. We married abroad while my husband had a green card, and I... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
You have a complex situation that deserves careful consideration, given USCIS's administrative error and your husband's unwillingness to cooperate with the I-751 filing.
Based on your circumstances, you may be eligible for an I-751 waiver since you've been married for 10... View More
I have been married for 10 years and currently live with my husband. We have a 7-year-old daughter together. My husband is unwilling to sign the I-751 petition, and our relationship has not been ideal, with his desire to maintain control. There have been two police calls against him in the past,... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
You can file an I-751 waiver without your husband's signature if you can demonstrate that your marriage was entered into in good faith but has become problematic. The documented police calls and the controlling behavior you've described could support your case, though gathering additional... View More
I had worked there for 2 months, i just checked my paycheck and noticed social security withholdings and federal tax withholdings. I needed the money to survive since its not free for me to live here
answered on Feb 18, 2025
If you never represented to your employer that you were a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident or had a Social Security number, then you should not have a problem when you file an application for a marriage-based green card case. In the event that Uscis believes that you have committed some... View More
I worked as a semiconductor manufacturing specialist with the understanding that my employer would sponsor my green card and cover legal fees if I accepted a $46K salary (below market rate of $55K). However, he did not fulfill his promise, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, which led to financial... View More
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answered on Feb 4, 2025
Given the serious nature of your situation involving labor exploitation and sexual abuse, you may qualify for a T visa, which provides protection for victims of human trafficking. Your experience with wage theft, coercion, and sexual exploitation while working under vulnerable circumstances... View More
My mom arrived in the U.S. on August 4, 2024, with a six-month B2 visa that expires on February 2, 2025. We initiated her family-based adjustment of status process. Specifically, we submitted Form I-130 online on December 17, 2024, and received the receipt notice for it. Concurrently, we mailed her... View More
answered on Jan 23, 2025
Hopefully you referenced the I-130 receipt number in the I-485 application or included a copy of the receipt notice with the I-485 application because if you did not, then the application may be in the process of getting rejected.
I would inquire with the lockbox as to the status of the... View More
Got married in Washington state.
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answered on Jan 21, 2025
When filling out Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), you should list your name exactly as it appears on your legal documents, including your middle name if you have one. Immigration officials use this information to verify your identity across multiple documents and databases.... View More
Years ago as teenagers, my girlfriend at the time (wife now) and I attempted to cross border into Canada from WA for a concert with small amount of illegal drugs on us. We were both arrested, with our car being impounded. We were released, denied entry and turned around. I've been able to... View More
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answered on Jan 6, 2025
Having a past arrest, even without a conviction, can impact your eligibility for a NEXUS card. The program requires applicants to demonstrate they are low-risk travelers, and any history of legal issues is carefully reviewed during the application process.
However, each case is assessed... View More
I am the respondent and appellant in a protection order case. It was later revealed that the person used a fake first name since entering the United States. I have documents, pictures, and evidence from their social media interactions. However, I have not communicated with the person directly;... View More
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answered on Dec 11, 2024
Let me help you understand the legal implications of your situation while being mindful of both your rights and obligations under the protection order.
Regarding online searches, looking up publicly available information about someone, even if they're using a different name, generally... View More
My husband and I married abroad in 2013. He was a green card holder back then and applied for my green card. I got mine, and came to the US in 2015. The green card category is F21. We have been living together for 9 years and have a 7 year old daughter. I want to apply for citizenship, but my... View More
My lawyer is asking me if I want an official English translation of my divorce decree from the “Casa Amarilla” that would include an apostille. He said in order for the decree to be used or recognized in the United States, it must have the apostille. I called a lawyers office here in Washington... View More
answered on Oct 18, 2024
Both the U.S. and Costa Rica are signatories of the 1961 Hague Convention which abolished the requirement that U.S. consular officers authenticate Costa Rican civil documents for use in the United States. The Convention became effective in Costa Rica in 2011.
The Government of Costa Rica... View More
to speak to someone about the enforcement of alimony orders between these countries.
answered on Sep 5, 2024
It could take some research and legwork on multiple websites. These could include legal directories, consular offices, and various bar associations. Good luck
our marriage. However she moved back to Costa Rica a year ago and doesnt plan to return. I am a United States citizen. We have been married 5 years and got married in Costa Rica. We are currently getting divorced in Costa Rica, I signed power of attorney to a lawyer there. She is asking for $2000... View More
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answered on Aug 31, 2024
Enforcing an alimony order from Costa Rica in Washington State can be complicated but not impossible. Your wife would need to go through the legal process of domesticating the foreign divorce decree in the U.S., which typically involves proving that the Costa Rican court had proper jurisdiction and... View More
I graduated in May 2024 with an MBA degree and I am currently on my F1 OPT. I have been working on a business idea for some time, and would like to start an LLC to formalize my business and use it as my OPT for the first year. I have already spoken to my DSO and while they have not raised any red... View More
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answered on Aug 16, 2024
You can form an LLC while on F1 OPT, but there are some important limitations to be aware of. While starting the business is allowed, working full-time for your own company can be problematic. The U.S. immigration rules for OPT require that employment be directly related to your field of study, and... View More
14/6/2024 it was sent to department of state for visa processing.
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
Your I-730 case was approved on May 21, 2024, and then sent to the Department of State for visa processing on June 14, 2024. The next steps involve the National Visa Center (NVC) receiving your case. The NVC will assign a case number and notify you when they are ready to start processing your visa... View More
Due to a recent family emergency, I unintentionally abandoned my I-485 application by leaving the United States with an O-1 visa without first obtaining an Advance Parole. I have received an RFE indicating the issue and the potential denial.
I already received approval for my I-130... View More
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
If you left the US without Advance Parole, you will need to take some specific steps to address your situation. First, you should formally withdraw your current I-485 application by writing a letter to the USCIS office handling your case. In your letter, explain the circumstances and request the... View More
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