What is a K-3 Visa and How is it Different from a CR-1/ IR-1 Visa?
Quick Comparison: K-3 vs CR-1/IR-1 K-3 Visa CR-1/IR-1 Visa Visa type Nonimmigrant Immigrant Who qualifies Spouse of a U.S. citizen Spouse of a U.S. citizen (IR-1) or LPR (CR-1) Primary forms I-130 + I-129F I-130 Status upon entry Nonimmigrant; must file AOS after arriving Immigrant immediately; becomes LPR at port of entry Must file Form […]
Why is Your Case Taking So Long? USCIS Processing Delays Remain at Crisis Levels
Why Hasn’t Your Case Been Decided Yet? Nationwide, you and millions of families, businesses, and individuals applying for immigration benefits are waiting longer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to process and approve applications and petitions. Based on previously available USCIS data, in Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2014, an average case took about five months […]
USCIS Policy Update to “Requests for Evidence” and “Notices of Intent to Deny”
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the circumstances in which officers should issue Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) and Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”). In 2013, USCIS published guidance instructing officers to issue RFEs in cases involving insufficient evidence before denying such […]
USCIS Announces New Policy Highlights for Expedited Processing
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has released a new policy update pertaining to expedited processing. Under the updated criteria, USCIS provides further guidance as to whether expedited processing may be warranted. The new policy highlights include the following: Clarifies criteria and circumstances under which USCIS will generally consider expedited requests. Restores the […]
What Is a Form I-130? 20+ Answers About the Petition for Alien Relative
A Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relatives, is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to establish a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card Holder) and a foreign national immediate relative (“Beneficiary”) . Submitting the Form I-130 is the first step in helping your eligible Beneficiary […]
What is a Transportation Letter or Boarding Foil?
Quick Summary: Transportation Letter and Boarding Foil Question Answer What is a boarding foil or transportation letter? A temporary document issued by a U.S. Consulate allowing an LPR to board a flight back to the United States without a green card Who needs one? Lawful permanent residents whose green card was lost, stolen or destroyed […]
House of Representatives Passes Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act
On Saturday, August 22, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed The Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act (H.R. 8089). The legislation seeks to temporarily prevent planned furloughs by the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (“USCIS”) by immediately increasing USCIS premium processing revenues. In May 2020, USCIS notified Congress of a massive projected budget […]
USCIS Scheduled to Increase Business Visa Application Filing Fees
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is scheduled to increase its filing and processing fees for business visas in 2020. Below are examples of the proposed increased fees by visa category: L-1 and H-1B Visas: L-1 visa petitions (for temporary workers, non-immigrant) are scheduled to increase by 77 percent from US$460 to US$815, while […]
Extending Your American Visa. Is it Possible?
Quick Answer Summary Question Answer Can you extend a U.S. visa? Partially — you cannot extend the visa stamp in your passport, but you can extend your authorized stay What are you actually extending? Your authorized period of stay as recorded on your I-94 record What form is needed? Form I-539 filed with USCIS from […]
What medical conditions would cause you to be denied an immigrant visa?
Important note: This article provides general legal information based on the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It is not medical advice. Individual cases may differ depending on health status, visa type and current CDC guidelines. If you are concerned about how a health condition may affect your visa application, consult an experienced U.S. immigration […]