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Washington Immigration Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: I recently got divorced in Costa Rica. I live in the United States and hired a lawyer in Costa Rica to represent me.

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

Stanislav Kshevitskii
Stanislav Kshevitskii
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I continue to do unpaid work or do unpaid research work remotely in the States on an F2 visa?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: What practices cover making a bad immigration decision under emotional/psychological and economical duress?

The duress or distress (not sure) was caused by a sibling who made me sign a form against my will.

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Immigration Law, Banking and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Illegal way

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.

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Shoplifted with a bunch of friends but didn't get caught

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: my current immigration status ends on 11/15/2025, my change of status approved from 12/05/2023 to 11/1/2026, when can i

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: please clarify this point in uscis 539 form instruction

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I apply for the US citizenship without submitting I-751 if I have been with my husband for 7 years in the US?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I apply for the US citizenship without submitting I-751 if I have been with my husband for 7 years in the US?

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

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I'm a foreign citizen working in WA state. Do I need any registration to manage money for my friend? (also foreigners)

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can a K2 visa holder file I-485 if he is over 21 years old? (given that he entered the US before he was still under 21)

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I become a guardian of a 14 year old in Nicaragua and then bring him here to the United States?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I am a naturalized US citizen since 1973. I was born in Germany in 1956. Can I have dual citizenship?

My parents were also naturalized US Citizens from Germany and Austria.

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: If a B2 visa of immediate family member is stuck in Admin processing 221(g) for almost 22 months, can a lawyer help?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I’ll be in Washington state for 6 mnths on a visitor visa. Can I sign up for health care coverage via the state exchan
T. Augustus Claus
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: As my H4 EAD is valid for another two years , I would Like to file COS to H4 status while I am in USA

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I have H4 EAD valid till nov-25 i797A for h4 Got selected in H1B and got i797a approval,want to continue in H4 EAD help
James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Does a family sponsored green card require the sponsor's approval to get the citizenship?

My husband and I married abroad in 2013. He was a green card holder back then and applied for my green card. I got mine, and came to the US in 2015. The green card category is F21. We have been living together for 9 years and have a 7 year old daughter. I want to apply for citizenship, but my... View More

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti
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answered on Dec 5, 2024

You do not require that approval.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How can I find a lawyer knowledgable in United States and Costa Rican law? Is there a website I can use? I need…

to speak to someone about the enforcement of alimony orders between these countries.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
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

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: My wife is a Costa Rican national and has permanent residency in the United States which she obtained through…

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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