Have a Legal Question?

Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Minnesota Immigration Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: How can I apply for citizenship while unemployed and explore fee waiver options?

I have been living in the U.S. as a green card holder for 10 years and wish to become a U.S. citizen. I am unemployed and concerned about the cost of the application fee for naturalization. I'm interested in learning about any fee waiver options or assistance programs available to help me... View More

John Akwuba
PREMIUM
John Akwuba pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 23, 2025

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about applying for U.S. citizenship as a green card holder, your options for fee assistance, and where & how to apply.

________________________________________

1. Where to Apply & How the Process Works

• To become a...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Am I exempt from the Trump June 2025 travel ban with I-512T?

I am a Yemeni citizen residing in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and have received the I-512T travel authorization for non-US citizens. I am planning to travel to Egypt for a family visit. Am I exempt from the Trump June 2025 travel ban?

Julia Sverdloff
PREMIUM
Julia Sverdloff
answered on Jun 8, 2025

Yes. As a Yemeni TPS holder with a valid I-512T travel document, you are exempt from the June 2025 travel ban as long as you were inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025. You may travel and re-enter, but carry your I-512T and passport, and expect possible screening on return.

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: How to start the asylum process in the U.S. as a seeker from Ethiopia?

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

Caridad Pastor
Caridad Pastor
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

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: How to start the asylum process in the U.S. as a seeker from Ethiopia?

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

Symantha Rhodes
Symantha Rhodes
answered on Mar 20, 2025

The procedures for seeking asylum in the United States differ based on two primary factors: whether you are currently in removal proceedings and whether you file Form I-589 within one year of your most recent entry. The initial step involves filing Form I-589, "Application for Asylum and for... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: How to start the asylum process in the U.S. as a seeker from Ethiopia?

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

Caridad Pastor
Caridad Pastor
answered on Mar 19, 2025

Sorry about the misspellings. Autocorrect just doesn’t do well for me. What I meant is you might want to a local nonprofit. You can find some by going to https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers. If you can afford one, hire an immigration lawyer. Asylum is not... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Can I legally re enter US if I have a valid Stamped Visa from my previous employer. I’m on H1B

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

John Akwuba
PREMIUM
John Akwuba pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
John Akwuba pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

View More Answers

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 pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I am Mexican, I have a visitor visa. How can I move in with my MN based boyfriend?

I am currently in Mexico right now. We have been together for almost three years now (long distance) and it’s time we settled down for good to start building our lives together, I’d like to know what are my options to make it work? Thank you!

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 18, 2024

If you’re inside the US, he can sponsor you to adjust status for your green card after you get married. There is an issue of “intent” when you enter the US with a visitor visa as to whether you’re intending to visit or stay permanently. Sometimes the officer will ask you questions and look... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: I am Mexican, I have a visitor visa. How can I move in with my MN based boyfriend?

I am currently in Mexico right now. We have been together for almost three years now (long distance) and it’s time we settled down for good to start building our lives together, I’d like to know what are my options to make it work? Thank you!

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 18, 2024

As a Mexican citizen with a U.S. visitor visa, you have a few options for moving in with your boyfriend in Minnesota, but it's important to follow the proper legal procedures. Here are some possibilities:

1. Get married: If you and your boyfriend decide to get married, you can apply...
View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Minnesota on
Q: My wife got a misdemeanor charge against me for domestic assault. She's illegal immigrant legally married

She's legally married to me. My question is can she still get her papers. We have been working on them with our immigration lawyer. Now we have came to some personal life problems that got her sent to jail. 2 years married. Is there something we can do to fight for this as she's in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 23, 2023

In cases involving a misdemeanor charge, such as domestic assault, the impact on immigration processes can be significant. For someone in the process of obtaining legal status, a criminal charge can pose challenges, potentially affecting the outcome of their immigration application.

The...
View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Help with family petition paperwork roles of petitioner and beneficiary?

I'm currently in the process of completing the paperwork for a family petition and I'm struggling with understanding certain parts of the forms. Specifically, I'm unclear about the roles of 'petitioner' and 'beneficiary' within the paperwork and want to ensure... View More

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Nov 5, 2025

Reach out to an immigration attorney directly for your case specific questions as this is a public forum

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Immigration Law, Public Benefits and Banking for Minnesota on
Q: Legality of "Address First" method for proving residency of homeless individuals.

I am exploring the legality of using a host's address as proof of residency for homeless individuals under an "Address First" method, as opposed to the traditional "Housing First" approach, to validate their identity and reclaim important documents like school transcripts... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2025

You can lawfully use a host’s address as a mailing or “contact” address in several systems; the key is to distinguish “residence” from “mailing” and to avoid any false statement about where you actually live. For Social Security and public benefits, you may list a reliable mailing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Minnesota on
Q: Facing challenges with SB1 visa application for wife due to extended stay abroad after medical issues.

My wife, a legal permanent resident of the United States, left for her home country in April 2023. Due to medical issues, she was hospitalized and had to stay longer for recovery, eventually being discharged in May 2025. We've applied for an SB1 visa to return to the U.S., but we are facing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 18, 2025

The key to moving forward with your wife’s SB1 visa application is to clearly document the reasons for her extended stay abroad. Gather all medical records, hospital discharge papers, and any other evidence showing that her stay was due to serious health issues and not a voluntary abandonment of... View More

Q: Ex-husband not paying for house; facing eviction & immigration threats in MN.

I am facing eviction because my ex-husband failed to fulfill his promise to pay for our house until our divorce was finalized. We have an agreement stating he would cover these expenses as support for our children, but he hasn't helped financially for two years and refuses to communicate with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2025

You do not forfeit child support or court protection because of your immigration status, and your ex’s threats to contact immigration can be treated as coercion and potential domestic abuse. Document every threat and nonpayment, and be ready to seek an Order for Protection or a Harassment... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.