A visa allows someone to legally enter the United States and to live here temporarily. Most visas are eligible for renewal at least once before someone will need to plan to leave the country. Those who abide by certain rules while living in the United States on a visa may potentially qualify for a green card. Also known as a permanent resident card, a green card lets someone live in the United States indefinitely. Unlike visas that only last for a few years, green cards are generally valid for 10 years at a time. Those who are hoping to secure a green card can benefit from bringing in an attor ..read more

A green card is what makes you a permanent resident of the United States. You can potentially stay in the country for years, maybe even the rest of your life, after you adjust your status. Not everyone is eligible for a green card. There are specific rules that apply to those hoping to become permanent residents. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has very specific rules for who can secure a green card. What are the different categories for green card eligibility? 1. Family-based green cards One of the most common ways that people enter the country and become perman ..read more

During new presidential administrations, it’s not uncommon to see U.S. immigration policies change. In January 2021, President Biden took office, and he has reversed several of the restrictions on immigration that were in place during the former president’s term. One of the important changes is that President Biden lifted restrictions that had drastically reduced the number of visas available to come into the U.S. As a result, if you have been waiting for visa availability for a loved one or yourself, those visas should be opening up and making green cards more readily available over the comin ..read more

A work visa allows you to enter the United States temporarily. You may even be able to bring your spouse and your minor children with you. Employment-based visas are a popular and effective means of entering the United States, but they have many limitations. A worker who has lived in the United States for years and been a diligent employee could be quite vulnerable if their employer goes through a rough financial time. Companies trying to balance the budget may need to lay off some of their workers during slow times. Does a layoff impact your work-based visa? Losing your job can affect your ri ..read more

Federal policies on immigration constantly change depending on current events and the balance of political power. Currently, there is a push for immigration reform. Some federal lawmakers want to integrate certain immigration changes into budget negotiations. Currently, members of the House of Representatives have included two potentially significant immigration changes in the budget reconciliation bill. If the bill passes with these provisions still in place, they could have a profound impact on those living in the United States or hoping to secure green cards. What potential immigration refo ..read more

Finding someone with whom you want to spend the rest of your life is invaluable. Love knows no boundaries, so you could easily fall in love with someone you met on a business trip or someone that you connected with online initially. While the heart does not acknowledge geographic restrictions, the government typically does. You can expect to face stressful limitations when you decide you want to marry someone who is a citizen of another country. Thankfully, the law in the United States does allow you to sponsor your fiancé(e) for entry into the United States. Still, there are strict limitation ..read more

If you are someone who could be at risk of deportation and who is also a victim of domestic violence, something you may want to look into is the Violence Against Women Act’s Cancellation of Removal option. This act, called VAWA, provides relief to victims of domestic violence in America before or during deportation proceedings. If you were victimized by a spouse or parent who was a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States and potentially face removal due to the expiration of your visa or other matters, you may be able to take steps to stay in the United States without having to ..read more

If your employer needs services in the United States, they may want to transfer you. You could move from a location in your country of origin to a facility in the United States. Obtaining a work visa can be a real opportunity for your career. However, it will mean leaving behind your home and possibly the people you love. The idea that you might have to endure a lengthy separation from your loved ones could be the only real drawback to a job offer or opportunity in the United States. Do workers entering the United States with an employment-based visa have the option of bringing their family me ..read more

If you are someone who could be at risk of deportation and who is also a victim of domestic violence, something you may want to look into is the Violence Against Women Act’s Cancellation of Removal option. This act, called VAWA, provides relief to victims of domestic violence in America before or during deportation proceedings. If you were victimized by a spouse or parent who was a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States and potentially face removal due to the expiration of your visa or other matters, you may be able to take steps to stay in the United States without having to ..read more

If your employer needs services in the United States, they may want to transfer you. You could move from a location in your country of origin to a facility in the United States. Obtaining a work visa can be a real opportunity for your career. However, it will mean leaving behind your home and possibly the people you love. The idea that you might have to endure a lengthy separation from your loved ones could be the only real drawback to a job offer or opportunity in the United States. Do workers entering the United States with an employment-based visa have the option of bringing their family me ..read more