Adjusting status refers to the process of allowing certain immigrants already present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also dubbed a Green Card. Several necessary forms must be properly prepared and submitted along with supporting documents to apply for adjustment of status. Taking time to understand each form’s purpose and complete them accurately improves your case’s likelihood of being approved. Form I-485: The Core Adjustment of Status Application The most important form is Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or A ..read more

The K-1 visa provides a pathway for foreign nationals engaged to American citizens to immigrate to the United States to get married. Also known as the fiancé visa, the K-1 allows the beneficiary to enter the U.S. and gives them 90 days to wed their petitioner. To obtain this special visa, the engaged couple must meet several eligibility criteria and compile the necessary documentation. Navigating the K-1 visa process involves filing an accurate visa petition, gathering relationship evidence, attending a consular interview abroad, and entering the U.S. to get married within the 90-day timeframe ..read more

Obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States can be an arduous process full of complex requirements and long wait times. Employment-based green cards offer one pathway to permanent U.S. residency, but successfully getting approved relies heavily on securing a qualified job offer from a U.S. employer willing to petition for you. As the sponsoring petitioner, the employer is essential in guiding foreign nationals through the green card process. Overview of Employment-Based Green Cards Employment-based green cards provide a way for foreign nationals to permanently reside and wo ..read more

The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification is the first step for many employers seeking to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the PERM program ensures that employing foreign workers will not have a negative effect on the job prospects, income, and working conditions of U.S. citizens who are qualified, available, and willing to accept the job. To obtain PERM certification, employers must demonstrate that they were unable to find any qualified U.S. workers for the position after conducting extensive recruitment ..read more

The adjustment of status process enables particular immigrants in the U.S. to obtain permanent residency without leaving the country. However, the intricate application risks denials and delays without expert legal guidance. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate eligibility, paperwork, and long processing times to improve the chances of getting approval. Understanding the Adjustment of Status Process If you are already present in the United States and fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can obtain permanent residency without having to leave the country through adjustment ..read more

The employment-based green card allows foreign nationals to settle and pursue a career in the United States based on an offer of employment. Securing one is the goal of many employees and employers, but the process poses challenges. Staying current on the latest trends and policy changes is essential for successfully navigating this ever-evolving visa landscape. Skyrocketing Demand Meets Inflexible Limits The past two fiscal years set new records for employment visa usage, fueled by a temporary double-up of available numbers. However, even the boosted quotas proved inadequate to meet escalatin ..read more

For those who receive the status of lawful permanent United States resident, frequently referred to as a green card, there are likely questions about how this impacts tax obligations. As a green card holder, you are treated as a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes and must report worldwide income to the IRS, no matter where you reside or work. Being aware of what this entails for your taxes is important. When you first receive your green card, your U.S. tax residency generally begins on the initial day you are physically present in the country as a lawful permanent resident, which is the appr ..read more

If you are looking to get a green card through employment, you have likely come across the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. Known as employment-based green cards, these allow qualified foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. When applying, it is important to understand the difference between these three green card options to make the correct choice for your situation. What Are Employment-Based Green Cards? Employment-based green cards are permanent resident cards sponsored by U.S. employers. There are five preference categories, the main three being: EB-1 for prio ..read more

Submitting Form I-485 allows you to apply for a green card while living in the United States through a process called adjustment of status. When you file this essential form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’ll need to complete a key next step — attending a biometrics appointment. Here, USCIS captures your fingerprints, photographs you, and records your digital signature. These biometrics verify your identity and enable essential background checks during your adjustment journey. This article explains what you’ll encounter during biometrics and why providing prints and ..read more

If you are seeking a green card in the United States, you need to understand how priority dates determine when you can apply. A priority date essentially marks your place in line for a green card, and it is assigned when your I-130 petition is first filed. Monitoring your priority date is essential because green card availability depends on whether your priority date is current, according to the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin. What Is a Priority Date? When a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsors a relative for a family-based green card, the first step is filing Form I-130 wi ..read more