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I'm a U.S. citizen and my sister is visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa. She has filed a Form I-539 to extend her stay, and it's still processing. She has been here for eight months legally. Can I file Form I-130 for her and also submit Form I-485 for adjustment of her status?
answered on Jun 7, 2025
A sibling petition (Form I-130) can be filed now, but the wait time before the applicant can apply for a green card is typically 14 to 15 years. To adjust status in the U.S. later through Form I-485, the sibling must maintain lawful status for the entire waiting period. If they fall out of status,... View More 
I came to the U.S. from Thailand at the age of 5 as a refugee from the war in Burma, part of the Karen minority group. My family was granted asylum in 2008. My mother, who held all our immigration documents, passed away last year while living with my brother in Arkansas. I attended her funeral but... View More
answered on May 19, 2025
My condolences and sorry you are having this experience.
Since your family was granted asylum in 2008, and you were a minor at the time, there's a good chance you derived citizenship through your mother, If you were under 18 when your mother became a U.S. citizen. It's important... View More
Am I eligible to get automated revalidation and Visa stamping in Canada for returning back to USA?
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answered on Apr 29, 2024
Based on the information you provided, it seems like you are asking about the possibility of using the automatic visa revalidation process to attend a conference in Canada and then return to the United States. However, there are a few important factors to consider:
1. Automatic Visa... View More
My brother and I are applying for dual citizenship. One of the requirements in our case are adoption papers or perhaps an immigration N-400 form which would link our birth certificate name with my US military stepfather's last name. We were both naturalized in 1972 prior to turning 18. I do... View More
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answered on Apr 29, 2024
To obtain adoption and immigration records, you can follow these steps:
1. Adoption Records:
- Contact the court where the adoption was finalized. The court should have records of the adoption proceedings.
- If you know the state where the adoption took place, you can... View More
I am the petitioner in my adult son's case. I withdrew the affidavit of support right before his visa interview at the US Embassy in Manila. I changed my mind and want to reinstate the affidavit of support. Is this possible and if so how?
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answered on Mar 19, 2024
Reinstating an affidavit of support after withdrawal can be a complex process, but it's not impossible. Initially, you should contact the US Embassy in Manila directly to explain your situation and inquire about the possibility of reinstatement. Each case can vary, and they can provide the... View More
Lawyer said i have to wait 6 months to go back to the us to visits my family. i crossed with no issue.
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answered on Jan 16, 2024
Your lawyer's advice about waiting six months before returning to the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa is a common recommendation, but it's not a strict rule set by immigration law. The B1/B2 visa is for temporary visits, and the U.S. authorities assess each entry based on your intention to return to... View More
I got this as a legal Permanent Resident due to reduction in income as well as increased expenses. No employment at all and also going to college as a full-time student. Trying to apply for US Citizenship, afraid that this can become an issue.
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answered on Dec 26, 2023
Receiving SNAP benefits and Medicare typically does not directly affect your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. As a legal permanent resident applying for citizenship, the primary considerations are factors like your length of residency, physical presence, moral character, and understanding of... View More
I got this as a legal Permanent Resident due to reduction in income as well as increased expenses. No employment at all and also going to college as a full-time student. Trying to apply for US Citizenship, afraid that this can become an issue.
answered on Dec 26, 2023
Receiving Snap and Medicare does not affect your eligibility for citizenship. If you obtained your LPR through a sponsor who submitted an affidavit of support for you, it may affect them depending on the timeframe. Also, if you intend to sponsor a family member for LPR, you may need to use a... View More
My H1B is approved, and I am currently involved in training. My employer has not generated paystubs since I am in training; they will be generated at the end of this month. I am currently on vacation, and during this time, USCIS conducted a site visit but did not find me at the location. The... View More
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answered on Dec 10, 2023
In your situation, the key issue is compliance with H1B visa regulations. If your H1B is approved but you haven't received paystubs due to being in training, this could raise questions during a USCIS site visit. H1B visa holders are typically required to be paid starting from the employment... View More
I am a U.S. citizen and my sister is visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa. She has filed Form I-539 to extend her stay, which is still processing. She's been here for eight months legally. Due to my recent thyroid cancer diagnosis, I need her support for my treatment. Can I file Form I-130 for... View More
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answered on May 30, 2025
I’m sorry you’re facing thyroid cancer and understand how important your sister’s help is right now. You’re doing the right thing by looking at every option you can.
You may file Form I-130 to start the sibling immigration process, but a brother or sister is placed in the F-4... View More
I was in a locked stall on my college campus, feeling very stressed, and I masturbated quietly while wearing headphones. I suddenly saw a dark object, possibly a phone, rise over the stall divider and drop quickly when I turned my head. I became terrified I was filmed without consent. I reported it... View More
answered on Jun 7, 2025
You are not at risk of deportation for masturbating in a locked bathroom stall. You had a reasonable expectation of privacy, and your actions were not illegal. If someone filmed you without consent, they violated the law, not you. This may constitute voyeurism or unlawful surveillance.
Your... View More
I'm on F-1 STEM OPT with an authorized full-time job, and I've been asked to officiate a friend's wedding as a one-time event. I'll need to get ordained to perform the ceremony, which includes guiding the couple through vows and signing the marriage license. I won't receive... View More
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answered on Mar 20, 2025
You are on F-1 STEM OPT with a full-time job and are considering officiating a friend's wedding as a one-time, unpaid event. You plan to get ordained solely to perform the ceremony without receiving any payment or benefits. This volunteer activity is not linked to your paid employment.... View More
I have two fourth-degree assault misdemeanors from over three years before my marriage. There was no jail time; I completed probation, an anger management class, and court-ordered community service. I have not started the green card process yet. Can I still be granted a marriage green card?
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
Your situation with two fourth-degree assault misdemeanors won't automatically disqualify you from getting a marriage-based green card. It's important that these were misdemeanors rather than felonies, and you've completed all required probation, anger management, and community... View More
I am currently undergoing flight training at a Part 141 flight school with an F-1 visa and an I-20 issued through the school. I hold a private pilot license and am hope to have additional flight training outside of my school by renting airplanes and hiring an individual instructor.
This... View More
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
Your situation requires careful consideration, as flight training regulations for F-1 visa holders can be complex. Based on FAA and immigration regulations, taking additional flight training outside your approved Part 141 school could potentially violate your F-1 visa status, even if you already... View More
I have been invited to visit a church in Oregon which is private and has kept ICE and police away, but they have been aiding and abetting illegal aliens.
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answered on Jan 27, 2025
In Oregon, private citizens have limited authority to make arrests. A citizen’s arrest is typically allowed only when a person witnesses someone committing a felony or when they have probable cause to believe the person has committed a felony. Federal immigration laws, including those related to... View More
i lived in the US from 14 to 32 years old. I got into homelessness and drugs and ultimately deported due to felony charges and given a 10 year ban. My ban is now over. Can i ever get a new greencard? I am now married to a US citizen. Can i at least visit again? I can prove that in the 10 years i... View More
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answered on Jan 27, 2025
Yes, it is possible to apply for a green card, but your situation will require careful handling due to your prior deportation and criminal history. Since your 10-year ban is over, the fact that you are now married to a U.S. citizen could make you eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility, which... View More
I am wanting some advice on legal separation in general as a permanent green card holder where I stand if we separate or divorce. And if I can get help in more of a full investigation into this matter, to gather more evidence.
Thank you
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answered on Nov 20, 2024
I'm so sorry you're going through this painful situation. Discovering potential infidelity is deeply distressing, and you're wise to think about your legal options while processing these emotions.
As a permanent green card holder, your immigration status remains secure... View More
maximum misdemeanor sentence in oregon is 364 days and based on my reading as long as its not a sentence of one year or longer i should be fine my question is im applying for my removal of condition for my greencard and recently USCIS just sent me rfe about the final court disposition is this gonna... View More
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answered on Aug 12, 2024
When applying for the removal of conditions on your green card, USCIS reviews any criminal history, including misdemeanors. Since you were placed on a diversion program for your misdemeanor theft charge, the outcome and final court disposition are crucial to your application. USCIS wants to see... View More
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answered on Aug 25, 2023
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) eligibility criteria can vary based on the specific country designated for TPS and the regulations in place. Generally, TPS allows eligible nationals of certain countries to temporarily live and work in the United States due to conditions in their home country that... View More
I'm having difficulty completing the USCIS Citizenship application. I'm required to give details of every time I've EVER been cited by a law enforcement officer.
I can only roughly remember the date I got a speeding ticket last summer. I've been cited 3 other times over... View More
answered on Feb 10, 2023
Sometimes citations come up in the court system so you can start there (either searching online or going in person and asking clerk to search your name for citations). If that does not work you could try asking the DMV for your driving record and seeing if they come up (or maybe even your... View More
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