What to Do If You Open the Visa Package Envelope Labeled “DO NOT OPEN”
The visa packet is a crucial component in the US immigration process for fiancé and spouse visas. After a successful interview at a US embassy or consulate abroad, you receive this packet. It contains important documents including your passport with the visa and a sealed envelope marked “DO NOT OPEN”. This sealed envelope is not…
Unveiling the Truth About Case Tracker Apps
When embarking on the U.S. immigration journey, staying informed about your case status is crucial. With the advent of case tracker apps, many couples find themselves wondering about the reliability, safety, and utility of these tools. This article aims to shed light on the key aspects of these apps to help you make an educated…
Green Card Options for Snowbirds: Navigating U.S. Immigration for Bi-National Couples
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be particularly challenging for couples who wish to maintain a bi-national lifestyle, often referred to as “snowbirds.” In our recent weekly live immigration attorney chat, Attorney Megan Pastrana from Immigration for Couples delved into this topic, offering valuable insights for couples looking to balance life in multiple countries while…
Virtual Utah Marriage: Valid for Immigration?
Navigating the complex landscape of U.S. immigration can be daunting for couples spread across the globe. With advancements in technology and the shifting circumstances brought about by global events such as the pandemic, new avenues have opened up for couples seeking to unite and build a life together in the United States. One such avenue…
Important New Announcement About Work Permits
https://youtu.be/4uiavVaaA58 We have some fantastic news that could significantly impact your immigration journey. If you’re going through the immigration process, especially if you’re married to a United States citizen and seeking a green card, this update is for you. In the world of U.S. immigration, there’s a crucial component known as the “adjustment of status.”…
Top 3 Reasons Couples Get Denied at Their Interview
https://youtu.be/aKzFBr_SanM Fiance and marriage-based visa applications have a reasonably high approval rate, but not all cases sail smoothly through the system. In fiscal year 2022, immigration statistics showed that approximately 15% of these cases were not approved. It’s crucial for couples to understand that it’s their responsibility to prove their relationship’s authenticity and eligibility for…
Why did my friend’s case go faster?
When navigating the labyrinthine world of immigration, you’re bound to encounter the perplexing conundrum of varying processing times for seemingly similar cases. You might find yourself wondering why your friend’s fiance visa was processed faster than yours, or perhaps why your case, seemingly identical to another’s, took a different amount of time to reach a…
Which is Better: Spouse or Fiance Visa?
The question of whether to opt for a spouse visa or a fiance visa is a common one for couples beginning their immigration journey. While both paths have their merits, the choice largely depends on your unique circumstances and goals. Let’s break down the key considerations. Speed of Processing: First things first, let’s address a…
What is a NOID?
In the world of immigration, there are numerous hurdles and complexities that individuals may face during their journey towards obtaining legal status in a new country. One such obstacle that has been the source of confusion and anxiety for many is the “Notice of Intent to Deny” or “NOID.” We want to shed light on…
AOS Processing Times in 2023
As we near the end of 2023, immigration processes continue to be a hot topic, especially for couples seeking to adjust their status and obtain a green card in the United States. One burning question that remains on the minds of many is, “How long will my case take?” In this blog, we will explore…
Documents You Need for Your Greencard Interview
If you’ve recently been scheduled for a counselor or Embassy interview, you’re likely filled with excitement and anticipation. But you might also be wondering, “What documents should I take with me to my interview?” Keep in mind that the specific requirements can vary based on your country of origin and your unique case but we’ll…
What is your focus during your immigration journey?
In the midst of the immigration journey, one key question looms large: Where is your focus? If you’ve never pondered this question before, here’s a beautiful quote to guide you on this path: “What you focus on grows.” Let’s take a moment to really let that sink in – what you focus on, whether positive…
When is the right time to talk to an immigration attorney?
Navigating the intricate world of immigration can be a complex and often overwhelming experience, particularly for couples facing the prospect of an international move. Knowing when to seek the expertise of an immigration attorney is a critical decision that can significantly impact the trajectory of your journey together. This guide aims to provide clarity on…
5 USCIS Red Flags
Embarking on the journey to obtain a Marriage Green Card, whether through a spouse visa or a fiancé visa, can be both exciting and challenging. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) scrutinizes each case meticulously to ensure that the relationship is genuine and not just a means to obtain immigration benefits. USCIS…
Do I need to request my K1 Visa Extension?
All right, today we’re going to discuss a crucial topic: K1 Visa petition extensions. Some individuals have been asking whether they need to extend their fiance visa petitions. This question came to us from a recent individual on our Facebook page, and it’s a great question. Let’s start with some basics. In the K1 fiance…
Marriage Visa vs Fiance Visa: Which one is faster?
Are you and your fiancé facing the dilemma of choosing between a fiancé visa and a spouse visa? Are you puzzled by the conflicting opinions regarding which one is faster? Well, you’re not alone. In the complex world of immigration, everyone seems to have an opinion, and it can be overwhelming for couples just starting…
How Do Children Born Outside the US Get Citizenship?
If you are a U.S. citizen and your child is born outside of the United States, you may wonder how to prove their citizenship. The process can be a bit complex, but it’s essential to ensure your child’s rights as a U.S. citizen. In the United States, there are two primary ways individuals can…
What to Expect at Your Naturalization Interview
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an exciting and important milestone in your journey, but it often involves a naturalization interview. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you can expect on the day of your naturalization interview and what you should be prepared for in terms of documents and questions. Arrival and Wait Time…
Important Update for the Naturalization Process in the US
Are you on the path to becoming a United States citizen through the naturalization process? If so, there’s some fantastic news you should know about!Over the past few weeks, we’ve observed a growing trend at USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) offices that could significantly impact your journey to citizenship. What’s the exciting development? USCIS…
3 Tips to Maintain a Long Distance Relationship
One of our viewers recently asked us for advice on maintaining a solid connection while facing the ups and downs of an immigration journey and being miles apart for so long. They wondered how to ensure that their relationship remains strong and vibrant during these stressful times. We’ve got three fundamental tips that we’ve not…
Top 4 Tips for Your Consular Interview
Are you gearing up for your Consular interview? Whether it’s for a spouse visa or a fiance visa, preparing for the interview is crucial for a successful outcome. Attorney Megan Pastrana has 4 tips for a successful interview! Tip 1: Follow the Pre-Interview Checklist Once your interview is scheduled, you’ll receive a pre-interview checklist via…
Can you use a tourist visa after you file a K1?
If your fiancé or spouse already has a valid visa, like a tourist visa or ESTA, they can still visit the United States to see you even after you file for your Spouse or Fiance Visa. But here’s the catch – every time they enter the US, immigration will decide if they have genuine intentions…
Will Drug Use Impact My Immigration Case?
When you embark on the immigration journey, honesty is your strongest ally. During the application process, you will encounter a question about past drug use or abuse. This includes any history of drug abuse, marijuana usage, alcohol addiction, or the use of controlled substances. Being truthful in your responses is crucial, as failing to do…
How do you register a foreign marriage in the USA?
If you’ve recently gone through the spouse visa process and were married in another country, you might be wondering how to register your foreign marriage in the United States. Once you complete the spouse visa process and obtain your green card, it’s natural to want to ensure that your marriage is recognized by the U.S.…
Family Immigration Petitions: Who Can You Sponsor?
Once you’re a U.S. citizen there are a few different categories of individuals you can petition for. These categories include your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. However, it’s important to note that there are two primary distinctions within these categories: immediate relatives and non-immediate relatives. Immediate Relatives: Spouses, Parents, and Children Immediate relatives are…
K1 Visa Wait Times in 2023
The immigration process involves multiple steps, each with its own set of wait times. Estimating the total wait time involves considering all the various steps across different immigration departments and offices. With that in mind, let’s dive into the details of K1 Visa wait times, focusing on the journey to bring your loved one to…
How long do you have to file for AOS once married?
After the fiancé visa process, couples are ready for immigration to be kind of in the rear-view mirror. Couples are excited about wedding planning and although it’s not fair to say they forget about the immigration case, it’s not top of mind when they’re getting acclimated to being together and starting their lives together. It…
How do you get married in the United States?
We’ve been flooded with questions about the process of getting married in the US which is exciting because that means that they are probably engaged or thinking of popping the question. As soon as they begin to entertain those thoughts, they start to wonder what the marriage process is like in the United States.…
Top Consular Interview Questions for Spouse & Fiancé Visas
With both the Spouse Visa and the Fiancé Visa Processes, the Immigrant Beneficiary is required to attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad. The purpose of this interview is for the consular officer to ask questions about the beneficiary’s immigration history and background because their job is to do a final check…
My Spouse Visa Was Approved – What Next?
After your Consular Interview, they will let you know their final decision regarding your application. One outcome is that they say, “we can’t make a decision today.” If this happens, they’ll give you a piece of paper that explains why. It might state that they need more evidence, they might need a more complete background…