Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Urges Undocumented Philippines Citizens to Leave Voluntarily
Philippines Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez said it would be better for undocumented Philippines citizens to voluntarily leave the U.S. rather than be deported. Ambassador Romualdez made these comments following Donald Trump being elected as the 47th President of the United States and Trump’s appointment of Thomas Homan as the “border czar”. […]
What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?
If you’re applying for adjustment of status (“Green Card”) from within the United States, you have to submit Form I-693, which is a medical exam and vaccination record completed by a specific doctor. Submitting this form shows that you’re eligible for a Green Card based on health reasons. Can Anyone Complete the Form I-693? Only […]
USCIS Clarifies Sustainment Period Policy from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022
On October 12, 2023, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) posted Questions and Answers to announce new policy following the passing of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) on March 15, 2022. With the Q&A, USCIS announces its interpretation of the sustainment period following the passing of the RIA. Under […]
How Can a Lawful Permanent Resident Green Card Holder Become a U.S. Citizen?
A Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”) or “Green Card Holder” can become a U.S. citizen through naturalization if they generally meet certain requirements. LPR Status/ Green Card Holder Status. You must be an LPR/ Green Card Holder at the time of filing for naturalization. You must have also maintained their LPR/ Green Card Holder status without […]
What is an Immediate Relative Under U.S. Immigration Law?
Under U.S. immigration law, an immediate relative is a term used to refer to certain close family members of U.S. citizens who are eligible for immigration benefits. The following family members are considered immediate relatives: Spouses of U.S. citizens Unmarried children under the age of 21 of US citizens Parents of U.S. citizens, if the […]
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity To 48 Months For EB-5 Investors And Married Conditional Permanent Residents
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as “Green Cards”) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the Green Card’s expiration […]
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it will automatically extend Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”) Form I-551 “Green Cards” from 12 months to 24 months to an LPR who files a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (“Form I-90.”). Form I-90 is used for many purposes to replace, renew or reissue […]
Waivers for Immigrant Visa Applicants Refused for Criminal History
Immigrant visa applicants who have a criminal history often face significant obstacles in being able to immigrate to the United States. Immigrant visa applicants who have been found guilty of a “Crime Involving Moral Turpitude” (“CMIT”) are ineligible to immigrate to the United States and obtain a “green card”. Even if the immigrant visa applicant […]
USCIS Extends Evidence of Status for Conditional Permanent Residents to 24 Months with Pending Form I-751 or Form I-829
Starting Sept. 4, 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly filed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence and Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions […]
USCIS to Replace Sticker That Extends Validity of Green Cards
Starting in January 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will replace the sticker that is currently issued to lawful permanent residents (“LPRs”) to extend the validity of their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”). The new document will be a revised Form I-797, Notice of Action (“Notice”). An LPR must file […]