Resources
✦Frequently Asked Questions
No. Immigration law is federal law, so we can represent clients throughout the entire United States, regardless of where they live.
Processing times vary based on the category, country of birth, and current backlogs. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may obtain green cards within 12–24 months, while certain preference categories can take years. Consult with an attorney for an estimate specific to your situation.
If you filed an adjustment of status application (I-485) within the U.S., you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are going through consular processing abroad, you generally cannot work in the U.S. until you receive your immigrant visa.
The H-1B has an annual cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders). When registrations exceed the cap, USCIS conducts a random lottery. Registration typically occurs in March for the following fiscal year.
Overstaying can result in being found inadmissible for future visas, accrual of unlawful presence triggering 3-year or 10-year bars to reentry, and potential removal proceedings.
Generally after holding a green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). You can file Form N-400 up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement.
Contact an immigration attorney immediately. An NTA begins removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge. Do not ignore it — failing to appear can result in an in absentia removal order.
Yes. Decisions by Immigration Judges can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and BIA decisions can be further appealed to the appropriate U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Time limits are strict — generally 30 days.
You must generally file within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Exceptions exist for changed or extraordinary circumstances. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Check your USCIS case status online at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using the receipt number on your USCIS notice (Form I-797).
✦Document Checklists
What to prepare before your consultation
01
Initial Consultation
- Valid passport (for you and any family members involved)
- Any previous immigration documents (visas, I-94, approval notices)
- Current I-797 receipt or approval notices
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Any correspondence from USCIS, ICE, or Immigration Court
- Employment offer letter or employer information (if employment-based)
02
Family-Based Petitions
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence of the petitioner
- Marriage certificate (for spouse petitions)
- Birth certificates for petitioner and beneficiary
- Passport-style photographs
- Evidence of bona fide relationship (photos, joint finances, correspondence)
- Divorce decrees for any prior marriages
- Tax returns and proof of income (Form I-864 Affidavit of Support)
03
Employment-Based Petitions
- Detailed resume or curriculum vitae
- Copies of all diplomas and degrees
- Credential evaluation for foreign degrees
- Letters from current and prior employers
- Job offer letter with detailed job description
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Any professional licenses or certifications
- Evidence of extraordinary ability (publications, awards, etc.) if applicable
04
Removal / Deportation Defense
- Notice to Appear (NTA) and any court notices
- All prior immigration documents and applications
- Criminal records (if any) — dispositions, police reports
- Proof of continuous presence in the U.S.
- Evidence of family ties in the U.S. (children, spouse)
- Evidence of hardship if removed (medical, financial, etc.)
- Character reference letters
✦Common Immigration Terms
The final stage of the green card process involving the filing of paperwork with the USCIS within the U.S., rather than filing at an embassy or consulate abroad, known as consular processing.
A formal request for a green card or nonimmigrant visa. In the case of most green cards and nonimmigrant visas, an application cannot be made until one obtains proof that one is qualified through an approved petition.
The person who makes a formal request for a green card or nonimmigrant visa.
The individual who benefits from a petition by becoming qualified to make an application for a green card or visa.
The U.S. government agency involved with many types of employment-based green cards.
The U.S. government entity that operates U.S. embassies and consulates.
The annual lottery program held for nationals of certain countries who want to immigrate to the U.S.
A popular term used to describe the Alien Registration Receipt Card, a card that proves one is a United States Permanent Resident.
A small green or white card given to all nonimmigrants when they enter the U.S.
Refers to spouses of U.S. citizens, children under 21 with at least one U.S. parent, or parents of children over 21 who are U.S. citizens.
A term that refers to potential immigrants who are disqualified from obtaining visas or green cards.
A process that allows you to get a green card through a job offer from a U.S. Employer.
A private company under contract with the Department of State for the purpose of processing the final green card application process.
Refers to foreign individuals who take legal action to become U.S. citizens.
One who comes to the U.S. temporarily for some particular purpose but does not intend to remain permanently.
Allows a person, under certain circumstances, to enter or re-enter the United States for humanitarian purposes.
A non-U.S. citizen who has been given permission to live permanently in the U.S.
A formal request that one be legally recognized as qualified for a green card or certain nonimmigrant visas.
The U.S. person or business who makes the formal request that one be legally recognized as qualified for a green card or nonimmigrant visa.
A humanitarian process whereby those in the United States who seek safe haven from being returned to their home country are allowed to stay.
Groups of people who fall into certain categories and who are given their chance at green cards under the annual quota system.
A green card applicant's place in line. The date on which one first makes a formal filing for a green card.
Refers to qualified green card applicants who are allowed into the U.S. in limited numbers.
A legal proceeding in a U.S. Immigration Court to decide whether or not an individual will be allowed to remain in the U.S.
Special groups of people who qualify for green cards under the annual quota.
Allows someone to temporarily stay in the U.S. if they come from certain countries experiencing conditions of war or natural disasters.
Generally refers to being present in the U.S. after entering without inspection or after staying past the expiration date on an I-94 card.
The U.S. government agency having responsibility for most immigration matters.