How Long Does Immigration Keep Your Records?
When you’re going through the immigration process, you might be curious or even concerned about how long immigration keeps your personal records and history. There’s a common rumor that after some time, your immigration file is erased or destroyed, but this isn’t the case. Understanding the timeline for how long immigration keeps your records can…
The Biden Family Unity Parole Program Paused
The announcement of the Biden Family Unity Parole Program in July brought a wave of excitement and hope for many couples navigating the complex U.S. immigration process. The program aimed to provide a quicker, more efficient pathway for couples with one partner in the U.S. without documents, allowing them to complete the entire immigration process…
Step Two of the Spouse Visa Process
If you’re working through the spouse visa process, you probably already know it’s a lot of paperwork and waiting. But each step you complete brings you closer to being with your spouse in the U.S. Step two involves dealing with the National Visa Center (NVC), a key part of the immigration process. While it might…
First Step of the Spouse Visa Process
If you’re ready to begin your spouse visa journey, understanding the first step is key. This process starts with filing a petition, which serves to prove your legal marriage and demonstrate that your relationship is real and based on love. Navigating the complexities of immigration can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to gathering all…
The Dangers of DIY Immigration
The U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming, especially for couples eager to begin their lives together. With a plethora of online resources and forums, it may be tempting to handle your own immigration case without the help of an attorney. However, this decision carries significant risks that could complicate your journey toward a successful outcome.…
New Program Offers Faster, Safer Path to a Green Card for Couples
If you’re a couple navigating the complex U.S. immigration process, the latest announcement from August 19, 2024, might be the good news you’ve been waiting for. The Biden administration has launched a new program designed to help certain undocumented individuals who are married to U.S. citizens complete their green card process entirely within the United…
Can You Change Your Filing from a Spouse Visa to a Fiancé Visa?
The U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like the process is dragging on. Many couples, eager to be reunited, start to wonder if they made the right choice in their visa application. A common question that arises is whether it’s possible to switch from a spouse visa to a fiancé visa…
When the Countdown Starts for Your Immigration Interview
The journey through the US immigration process can be stressful, especially when it comes to scheduling your interview. Many couples find themselves asking, “When does the countdown for interview scheduling really start?” Whether you’re applying for a spouse visa, going through the adjustment of status process, or navigating the fiancé visa journey, understanding these timelines…
The Impact of Presidential Changes on Couple’s Immigration Cases
Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, especially with the potential shifts in policy that a new presidency might bring. Many couples find themselves worried about how these changes could affect their immigration cases. What powers a president has over immigration laws and what remains unchanged, ensuring that couples are well-informed and prepared…
Top Five Mistakes to Avoid as a Green Card Holder
Embarking on life as a green card holder in the United States is an exciting new chapter, brimming with opportunities. As you step into this journey, it’s important to grasp not only the freedoms but also the responsibilities that come with your new status. Understanding the crucial do’s and don’ts can protect your dreams from…
Tips for Scheduling Your Fiancé Visa Interview
Receiving instructions from the US embassy to schedule your fiancé visa interview is an exciting milestone, yet it can quickly turn into frustration if no interview slots are available. This situation is common across various US consulates and embassies worldwide, each operating with its own set of rules and schedules, often leading to unpredictable availability.…
What Happens After Being Documentarily Qualified by the NVC?
Being declared documentarily qualified by the National Visa Center (NVC) marks a significant milestone in your visa application process. This status means that the NVC has reviewed and accepted all required documents, positioning you closer to the final stages of the immigration journey. However, many applicants find themselves pondering what comes next, specifically regarding when…
Navigating Stress During the Immigration Process
The immigration journey can often feel like a high-stress marathon, with bureaucratic hurdles and uncertain outcomes contributing to anxiety. However, managing this stress is crucial not only for your mental health but also for effectively handling the immigration procedures. Stress is a natural part of the human experience, especially evident during significant life changes such…
5 Mistakes to Avoid at Your USCIS Marriage Interview
The journey to obtaining a green card through marriage is punctuated by the USCIS interview—a pivotal moment where couples must demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship and their adherence to immigration laws. While many focus on what to say, understanding what not to do is equally important. #1 – Avoid Interrupting the Officer Respect…
I-134 and I-864 Affidavit of Support Forms
Understanding the specific requirements and forms that pertain to your situation is important. Two such forms, the I-134 and I-864, play roles in different stages of the immigration process, particularly for couples navigating this journey together. While both forms aim to prevent the immigrant from becoming a public charge, they are used at different stages…
Is a Spouse Visa the Right Next Step If Your Fiancé Visa Is Denied?
When a fiancé visa is denied, it can feel like a major setback in your journey to life together in the United States. Navigating the US immigration system can be challenging, especially after experiencing the disappointment of a fiancé visa denial. Many couples believe that simply switching to a spouse visa application will resolve any…
How Much Evidence to Submit for Spouse and Fiancé Visa Applications
Embarking on the journey to secure a spouse or fiancé visa is much more than just filling out forms; it’s an opportunity to share your unique love story with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process requires presenting a compelling narrative of your relationship through various pieces of evidence. From financial records that…
Step 5 of the Fiancé Visa Application: USCIS Interview
Step Five centers around the USCIS interview—where couples must validate their relationship and the immigrant beneficiary’s eligibility. This interview assesses detailed aspects of both partners’ lives together, scrutinizing the authenticity of their relationship through various questions about their history, marriage, and plans. Whether you’re preparing for an interview or hoping for a direct approval, understanding…
Step 4 of the Fiancé Visa Application: Entering the US
After your successful consular interview, where your fiancé visa is stamped into your passport, the next phase begins with your arrival in the U.S. This step is crucial as it sets the clock ticking on a 90-day period within which you and your fiancé must legally marry. It’s essential to monitor the expiration date on…
New Green Card Policy for Undocumented Spouses
In a significant development, President Biden has announced a new policy that promises to reshape the landscape for undocumented individuals married to U.S. citizens. The upcoming policy is designed to create a streamlined pathway to lawful permanent residency for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. This marks a profound shift from existing procedures, which often require…
Step 3 of the Fiancé Visa Application: The Consular Interview
If you’ve followed the steps we’ve discussed previously, you have successfully navigated the initial filing (Step 1) and managed the paperwork and requirements that followed (Step 2). Now, as you approach the crucial consular interview, it’s important to understand what lies ahead and prepare thoroughly to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Step 3…
Step 2 of the Fiancé Visa Application: Consular Interview Prep
After your I-129F form (fiancé visa petition) is approved, the next step involves preparing for the transition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the National Visa Center (NVC). This phase is crucial because it ensures that all your paperwork is in order for the upcoming interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.…
Step 1 of the Fiancé Visa Application: Form I-129F
Embarking on the journey to unite with your partner through a fiancé visa involves meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of immigration laws. The first step in this process is completing and submitting Form I-129F, a petition that serves as the foundation for proving your legitimate, love-based relationship to U.S. immigration authorities. Form I-129F is…
Filing for a Fiancé Visa After Divorce
Understanding when you can file a fiancé visa after finalizing a divorce is crucial for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives in the United States. This guide provides essential insights into the immigration considerations following a divorce. There is no specific waiting period mandated by U.S. immigration law after a divorce…
2024 USCIS Work Permit Processing Times
Great news for immigrants awaiting work permits in the United States! Recent updates from USCIS indicate a significant reduction in processing times, particularly for those undergoing marriage-based adjustment of status. Historically, obtaining a work permit could be a lengthy process, with wait times extending up to a year or more, especially during the height of…
Is the Petitioner’s Presence Necessary at the Consular Interview?
The interview at a US embassy or consulate is a pivotal part of securing a spouse or fiancé visa. This interview primarily involves the immigrant beneficiary, where they are questioned about their immigration history and the details of their relationship to ensure its legitimacy. Contrary to what many might assume, the US petitioner is generally…
2024 Adjustment of Status Medical Exam Updates
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a significant update to the medical exam requirement for green card applicants, simplifying the process and alleviating some of the stress for applicants. The medical exam is an important part of the marriage adjustment of status process, where the immigrant beneficiary must undergo a health examination…
Consequences of Violating the USCIS 90-Day Rule
The 90-Day Rule is a significant regulation in U.S. immigration law that affects individuals entering the country on non-immigrant visas, particularly tourist visas. It is designed to assess the intentions of visitors who may appear to misuse their visas for purposes other than those permitted. This rule is a guideline used by immigration officers to…
The USCIS 90-Day Rule Explained
Understanding the 90-Day Rule is important for anyone navigating the complex landscape of U.S. immigration, especially for couples where one partner may be in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa. This rule plays a critical role in determining the intent of persons entering the U.S. and affects decisions related to changing one’s immigration status. The…
Virtual Utah Marriages and U.S. Immigration
The option of Utah virtual marriages represents a modern solution to traditional marriage challenges. Initiated before the pandemic but popularized during it, these marriages have provided a legal alternative for couples facing logistical or bureaucratic obstacles. A virtual Utah marriage allows couples, potentially in different locations, to legally marry through a digital platform. This innovative…