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Massachusetts Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What is the process for someone who currently lives outside the US but is looking to get an H1B visa to come work here?

Person works in the IT field

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2024

To get an H1B visa for working in the IT field in the US, you'll need to follow a few key steps. First, secure a job offer from a US-based employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. This employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor to demonstrate that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I have some questions related to my Conditional Residency.

I'm a Conditional Resident since June 2020. I received the I-797 twice, and my Conditional residency was extended until 2026 now. It is my understanding that , after 2 years of Conditional plus one year of Residency, I could be able of applying for the citizenship. I know Immigration is so... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

As a Conditional Resident, it's important to understand the requirements for applying for citizenship. Typically, you must have been a Permanent Resident for at least 3 years before you can apply for naturalization. However, if you obtained your Conditional Residency through marriage to a U.S.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I get a fiancé visa with a domestic and not enough income?

I can get my mom to co sponsor or her aunt who lives in America as far finances go I only get ssi. But for my criminal record I was charged with sexual assault and domestic. My ex told the police I slapped her and pressured her into sex when she didn’t want. This was 10 years ago. I pleaded... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2023

Under U.S. immigration law, there are various factors that can impact your ability to petition for a fiancé visa. Regarding the income requirement, if you do not meet the financial criteria, a joint sponsor, like your mother or the fiancé's aunt, can help meet the Affidavit of Support... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My wife is on H4 visa. If she transfers to a J1 visa, will she become ineligible for the AOS to green card during I-485?

Hi,

I am an H1B holder and my wife is a H4 holder currently. My employer has started processing my green card application which is at the PWD step(filed in May this year). So if everything goes well, given the current timeline, the I-140 will be processed(with Premium Processing) by the end... View More

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Sep 19, 2023

1. Wife needs to get approved for a J1 waiver before she will be approved for I-485

2. Even if she switches to H4, she still needs to fulfill the 2 yr home residency requirement or get approved for a J1 waiver before she will be granted LPR status

3. You can sponsor your wife for a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: I am adopted and a US citizen. What isthe fastest way to bring my biological siblings in the US

I was adopted at 6 months by my parents i have two biological sisters( same biological mother and father) and a half sister (same biological father). I want to start the process to bring them here . What is the process? Do i file a relative sponsorship or do i need additional forms ?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 31, 2023

Relative sponsorship is no longer possible for your biological relatives if you have been legally adopted. Work with an immigration attorney to explore alternatives

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I send a 2nd sponsor affidavit to Immigration without getting the okay.

My husband had his visa interview already, but they need my w2. I don’t pay taxes but the first sponsor does. I send 1099 for both of us, and uploaded another sponsor affidavit without getting the okay. Do you think they will accept it?.

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Include an explanation as to why you are submitting documents from a 2nd joint sponsor

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What to expect when leaving the US after overstaying a visa?
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 23, 2023

Overstaying for more than 180 days but less than one year would subject one to a 3 year bar from returning to the US. Overstaying for 1 year or more would subject one to a 10 year bar from returning to the US.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the requirements to sponsor my wife from China, came to the U.S. Via J2, currently under Asylum.

Sponsor for, green card, citizenship, work permit, does the 3 years of marriage have to pass before applying?

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jun 5, 2023

A United States citizen can sponsor a foreign national who entered the country with a visa. This is so even though your spouse may be out of status. However, if she entered with a J visa, she may be subject to the 2 year home residence requirement. You should work with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the requirements to sponsor my wife for her green card, work permit or citizenship, are they different?

Is the 1st requirement, that prior to any application you be married for 3 years?

Gunda Yohanna Brost
Gunda Yohanna Brost
answered on Jun 5, 2023

It depends on where she is and how she came

To the US if she’s here. Please hire an immigration lawyer.

3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: what are the requirements to sponsor my wife, for her eventual citizenship? is is different for her children?

what are the sponsors financial requirements, is there another option besides tax returns to provide income documentation?

Giselle M. Rodriguez
Giselle M. Rodriguez
answered on May 23, 2023

Thanks for your question!

The requirements to sponsor your wife vary depending on whether you are looking at completing the adjustment of status process or the consular processing routes.

Other financial documentation includes paystubs, W-2’s or 1099’s (If applicable); Employer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello , I want to file a petition for my mother and my sister who is 39 however she is under the trysomy 21 down syndro

my sister is dependant on my mother ,mom can't take care of her because of mom medical situation

Carl Shusterman
Carl Shusterman
answered on May 9, 2023

While you can sponsor your mother for a green card if you are a US citizen, if you sponsor your sister, the waiting time for a green card is over 10 years. Please see

https://www.shusterman.com/green-cards-for-parents/

and

https://www.shusterman.com/green-cards-for-brothers-and-sisters/

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I have O3 visa & we got I140 approval for EB1B. Can I independently apply 4 O1 as priority dates aren’t current for GC?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

As an O-3 visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for an O-1 visa if you meet the eligibility criteria for the O-1 category. The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: When I can Apply for citizenship, is it 5 years from the date of issue of my Greencard or from the asylum approval date?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

The five-year period for eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship starts from the date that you became a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and received your green card. This is typically the date on which the green card was issued, which can be found on the front of the card.

If you received...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: i arrived to US last month with B2 visa. i want to change my visa to green card. my sister is Citizen can she request?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2023

If you arrived in the US on a B2 visa and wish to obtain a green card, you may be eligible to do so through a family-based immigration process if you have a qualifying family member who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

If your sister is a US citizen and at least 21 years old,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I filed an i130 for my French husband in March, still waiting wondering if there is anyway he can stay in the Us

We wanted to know if there is anyway he can stay in the US while this is pending. He travels back and forth for 3 months at a time but it’s becoming costly at this point. We are also planning our big family wedding in June since when we got married in jan of 2022 it was during Covid.

Min Hwan Ahn
Min Hwan Ahn
answered on Jan 30, 2023

Filing only the I-130 petition for your husband will not be enough for him to remain in the United States while the petition is pending. To allow him to stay, you must also file an I-485 application for adjustment of status.

If you are a U.S. citizen, filing the I-485 application for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: hi, i gave asylum and i won green card but i don't know where to give the documents given to me i don't know how to get
Ana S. Mendieta
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answered on Nov 17, 2022

Dear writer, I strongly suggest you contact an immigration attorney in your locality or go to a legal aid office for further assistance in obtaining your green card based on asylee status.

On the internet I found this information. I do really hope this helps you.

Catholic...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My girlfriend and I currently want to get married. She is twice divorced She is an American she can help me to my green

I’m in asylum process she help to get papers to previous husbands

Giselle M. Rodriguez
Giselle M. Rodriguez
answered on Oct 19, 2022

Hi - Thank you for your question!

Generally, the asylum process could take years to get to the final stage. If eventually, you do in fact get married, you should maybe consider the marriage-immigration process. However, I would have to ask a few follow-up questions regarding your entry and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I’m petitioning my mom.she had an expedited removal 10 years ago.Do I have to submit additional info with form I-I30?

She was removed at the border under 7AiI and prohibited to enter US for 5 years. She has remained in her home country and it has been 10 years since incident. Do I need to include additional information/evidence before submitting form? It is my understanding that I-I30 is only to establish... View More

Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on Aug 24, 2022

You will need to provide the information requested on the I-130 related to removal proceedings but you should not need to submit any documents. Once the case gets to NVC you will likely be asked for the documents.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: First MCH was in 2011. Then few individual hearings but didn't call. Now get again MCH this month after 11 years.

CR1 thr marriage. ,I 751 denied in 2011. Applied in court for judge to review. Letter of notice of master calendar hearing in removal proceedings.

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 14, 2022

What is the reason you do not retain a local immigration counsel to review the I-751 denial and assess your removal case de novo?

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Small spelling mismatch in mother's passport [US citizen immediate relative green card application]

Hello! My mother's current passport has a small spelling mistake (an extra character added to last name). She has already used this passport and traveled to the US with it. Before applying for her green card, we will try to amend the mistake and get her a new passport issued with the correct... View More

Giselle M. Rodriguez
Giselle M. Rodriguez
answered on Jul 29, 2022

Hi - Thank you for your case description and for explaining your concerns.

Most USCIS forms have a section/question where it asks whether the applicant has used other names in the past or at present - That may be a good starting point for you in disclosing that.

With regard to...
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