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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
Hello I want to inquire about F2's restrictions. I am on F2 visa in the States right now and I am wondering if I can continue to do my research work in China. I have been doing research work for this company in China before I came to the States with an F2 visa. I know I cannot work in the... View More
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answered on Jun 14, 2024
As an F2 visa holder, you're restricted from engaging in employment in the United States, whether paid or unpaid. However, working remotely for a company outside the U.S., such as the research work you mentioned in China, can be a gray area.
If you continue your research without... View More
The duress or distress (not sure) was caused by a sibling who made me sign a form against my will.
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answered on May 25, 2024
If you believe you were coerced into making an immigration decision against your will, I would strongly encourage you to seek help from an immigration lawyer or accredited representative who can advise you on your rights and options. Organizations that may be able to assist include:
- The... View More
If I wanted to get a test result in an illegal way, but I was deceived, I transferred money but never received a result, you can send this to ic3. In fact, I have not yet broken the law.
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answered on May 12, 2024
I'm sorry to hear that you were deceived and lost money in this situation. Being scammed is awful and I empathize with how frustrating that must be. Even though you did not end up breaking the law, attempting to obtain test results illegally is still ill-advised.
If you believe you... View More
I realized I made a horrible mistake in the moment but I am an F1 student. I shoplifted at QFC in Seattle. I was wondering how long does the video recording last at QFC stores? Are these stored indefinitely?
If I get caught after the criminal statute of limitations, are they likely to press... View More
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answered on May 9, 2024
The best course of action is to never shoplift in the first place. Since you have already done so, I would strongly urge you to refrain from shoplifting ever again. Continued criminal activity could jeopardize your immigration status and ability to remain in the United States.
In terms of... View More
my current immigration status h4 ends on 11/15/2025, my change of status to h1b approved from 12/05/2023 to 11/1/2026, when can i change to new status? im still in my old status
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answered on Apr 17, 2024
Based on the information you provided, here are the key details:
- Your current H-4 status is valid until 11/15/2025.
- Your change of status to H-1B has been approved, with validity from 12/05/2023 to 11/1/2026.
In this scenario, you can change to your new H-1B status on or... View More
select the date you want your change of status to occur on, if approved your change of status will occur on the date of your current non immigration status ends, or the date of approval or the requested date whichever occurs later
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answered on Apr 17, 2024
The instructions for the USCIS Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) regarding the requested date for change of status can be clarified as follows:
When filling out Form I-539, you have the option to select a specific date on which you want your change of status to... View More
I have been married and living with my husband for 9 years and we have a 6 year old daughter. I got my green card 7 years ago upon my arrival in the US. We have not submitted the removal of green card conditions (I-751) because my husband does not want me to get citizenship.
(1) Can I... View More
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answered on Apr 17, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, here are the answers to your questions:
(1) Applying for citizenship without submitting I-751:
If you obtained your green card through marriage and have been married for less than 2 years at the time of getting the green card, you... View More
I have been married and living with my husband for 9 years and we have a 6 year old daughter. I got my green card 7 years ago upon my arrival in the US. We have not submitted the removal of green card conditions (I-751) because my husband does not want me to get citizenship.
(1) Can I... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2024
No. You must file the I-751, with or without your husband. The fact that you allowed the two years to expire means that you can be placed in removal proceedings for failing to file the I-751.
Filing a self petition based upon divorce based upon irreconcilable differences may be the better... View More
I'm a foreign citizen living & working in WA state, with L-1B visa. I would like to manage money for my friends & relatives and do some investment for them. They are also all foreign citizens.
There will be less than 5 clients, and less than 100K USD managed assets.
Do... View More
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answered on Mar 30, 2024
As a foreign citizen working in the United States on an L-1B visa, there are a few important considerations when it comes to managing money for friends and relatives:
1. Registration: Generally, if you are managing money for others and investing on their behalf, you may need to register as... View More
The son will turn 21 after 5 days from entering the US. This does not give enough time for his father (the k1 holder) and his fiance to marry and file the I-485 before the son turns 21. They are worried that the son will lose his eligibility to file the adjustment of status. Could you please help... View More
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answered on Feb 27, 2024
In the situation you've described, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may offer a solution for the K-2 visa holder who is turning 21 shortly after entering the United States. This act was designed to prevent minors from losing their eligibility for certain immigration benefits due to... View More
My girlfriend came to the United States from Nicaragua over a year ago due to political persecution. She has a 15 year old son in Nicaragua still who is there with his sister who is 25. We talk with them all day every day, but they need to be reunited. It appears I can file the I-134A and try to... View More
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answered on Feb 24, 2024
Navigating the process of bringing your girlfriend's 15-year-old son from Nicaragua to the United States can be complex. While obtaining legal guardianship in Nicaragua may seem like a viable option, it's important to understand that this may not necessarily facilitate his entry into the... View More
My parents were also naturalized US Citizens from Germany and Austria.
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answered on Jan 24, 2024
As a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Germany, the possibility of maintaining dual citizenship depends on the laws of both the United States and Germany. The U.S. does not prohibit dual citizenship. When you become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you are not required to renounce your previous... View More
My brother appeared for his B2 interview in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia (where he is settled and working for last 12 years). He was given a 221(g) slip and was asked to submit additional information (travel history) which he did in the next 1 week. It is almost 22 months since the case is stuck in... View More
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answered on Dec 29, 2023
1. Hiring a lawyer might be beneficial in your brother's situation. An attorney with experience in immigration law can provide guidance on the specific issues related to administrative processing and potentially help expedite the process. The lawyer can communicate with the U.S. consulate or... View More
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answered on Dec 28, 2023
As a visitor to Washington state on a temporary visa, you may not be eligible to enroll in health care coverage through the state exchange. Typically, eligibility for health care coverage through state exchanges is determined by factors such as residency and citizenship status.
If... View More
As my H4 EAD is valid for another two years , I would Like to file COS to H4 status while I am in USA , will my will h1b to H4 cos be effective immediately and I Can continue to work using my H4 EAD card , when I have a Valid H4 I797 A with Valid I94 provided by USCIS before my H1b COS petition... View More
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answered on Dec 8, 2023
If you are currently on an H1B visa and wish to change your status to H4 while remaining in the United States, you can file a Change of Status (COS) petition. It's important to understand that the COS from H1B to H4 does not become effective immediately upon filing. The change in status will... View More
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answered on Dec 7, 2023
If you currently hold an H-4 EAD and have also received an I-797A approval for H-1B, you have the option to choose which status you wish to maintain. Your H-4 EAD remains valid until its expiration in November 2025, as long as your spouse maintains their H-1B status and you don't violate the... 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
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