Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Virginia Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: I am on L1 B visa and I am expecting Baby on Sep 21st he would be citizen, as parents do we have any way to get GC
Matthew J Hartnett
Matthew J Hartnett
answered on Sep 7, 2016

Unfortunately, having a US citizen child does not confer any immigration benefits for the parents. The baby can't file for parents until he or she is 21 years old. But perhaps there are other options for you through employment if you are on a L-1B visa. Consider a consultation with an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: I sponsor my husband to USA and he got 2 years green card. I found out I got pregnant with my friend. will it affect him

my husband got 2 years green card through me. I got pregnant by accident with my friend when I went to the party. I dont want to abort the baby and not want to leave my husband. once my baby is born I want to put my friend name on the birth certificate. does it affect my husband when I renew the... View More

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

One way or another, in order to remove the conditions on his residence at the end of two years, your husband will have to prove to USCIS that he entered into marriage with you in good faith. His burden will be more difficult in this instance, but it is not necessarily impossible. When it is time... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: Do I have to extend my P4 visa which is dependent visa?

My dad works in the circus and he has a p1 visa. Therefore, I legally study in the US. My visa has expired one year ago on my passport. I read p4 dependent visa can stay or study as long as p1 visa holder stays or works in the US. But my friend's mother told me that I'm an undocumented... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Sep 2, 2016

Even though the P-1 may have been extended, I believe the P-4 dependent still needs to seek approved extensions of the visa using USCIS Form I-539. You need to consult with an immigration attorney immediately to review your visa, documents, and situation to see what steps you need to take to come... View More

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

Like our...
View More

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

View More Answers

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....
View More

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

15 years of successful immigration...
View More

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...
View More

View More Answers

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

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.