Green Card Expiring or Expired: What To Do?
A green card, officially known as a United States Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that confirms an individual’s lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. While the status it represents is “permanent,” the physical card has an expiration date, typically ten years from the date of…
K-1 Fiancé Visa: 9 Important Things To Know
Eligibility for those in a hurry: To apply for a K-1 visa, the foreign partner must live outside of the United States, be legally unmarried and eligible for marriage, have had a face-to-face meeting with their U.S. citizen partner in the past two years, and must not have serious criminal convictions. You must also marry…
VAWA Requirements & Evidence Explained
If you’re looking to escape an abusive situation and you’re connected to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can be your beacon of hope. It allows you to apply for a green card independently, giving you a chance to find safety and start anew. Let’s walk through…
7 Ways To Get a US Green Card (Without Marriage)
When it comes to getting a green card in the U.S., you might think marriage is the main way. But guess what? There are plenty of other paths to call America home. Whether you’ve got special talents, are looking to invest, family ties beyond a spouse, or need protection, there are options that don’t involve…
United States Map With Abbreviations, Capitals & Time Zones
Here is the complete table with all U.S. states, their abbreviations, capitals, and predominant time zones (as seen in the map above): State Abbreviation Capital Time Zone Alabama AL Montgomery Central Alaska AK Juneau Alaska Arizona AZ Phoenix Mountain Arkansas AR Little Rock Central California CA Sacramento Pacific Colorado CO Denver Mountain Connecticut CT Hartford…
12 Most Immigrant Friendly States In 2024
The United States has more immigrants than any country in the world, leading it to be known as a melting pot. In fact, there are over 40 million immigrants living in the United States as of 2024, which is roughly 20% of the world’s immigrants. Interestingly, over half of all immigrants in the United States…
Can Undocumented Immigrants Fly Domestically in 2024?
Embarking on a domestic flight often sparks excitement or signifies a much-needed break, but for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., it can also entail a web of considerations and apprehensions. Navigating through the nuances of legality and risk, this guide aims to light your way through the complexities of traveling within the country. Can an…
Complete Guide to B-2 Visa: Tourism Visa
This article is designed to clearly explain the B-2 visa, detailing the application process and the necessary requirements to obtain one. Grasping the nuances of this visa is essential for ensuring a fulfilling and memorable experience during your stay in the United States. What is the B-2 visa? The B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa…
Green Card Holders: 5 Ways to Bring Your Parents to the U.S.
As a Green Card holder, you might wonder if you have the ability to petition (aka sponsor) your parents for permanent residency in the United States. The straightforward answer is no; Green Card holders are not eligible to directly petition for their parents1. This privilege is reserved for U.S. citizens who are at least 21…
How To Increase Your Chances of Winning The Green Card Lottery
Winning the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, often referred to as the Green Card Lottery, can be a life-changing opportunity. While it might seem like a daunting task given the sheer number of applicants, there are practical steps and strategies you can employ to improve your chances. In this article, we’ll take you through the process,…
How Long to Get Green Card After Marriage? 4 Scenarios
Obtaining a green card after marriage is not something that happens overnight; the current average wait time is roughly 16.5 months. A green card, or Permanent Resident Card, is a legal document that grants immigrants the right to live and work permanently in the United States. While there are various paths to a green card,…
B-1 Visa for Business Vistors, Explained
A B-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States for foreign citizens who wish to enter the U.S. for temporary business purposes. The B-1 visa is commonly referred to as a “business visitor” or “visitor for business” visa. In order to apply for a B-1 visa, applicants typically need to demonstrate the…
EB-4 Visa for Special Immigrants: What You Need To Know
The EB-4 Visa is a U.S. immigrant visa category for “special immigrants” as defined by U.S. immigration law. This designation includes various specific roles and situations, often encompassing people who have served roles that promote U.S. interests, humanitarian causes, or who hold particular jobs that require them to be allowed permanent residence for their continued…
EB-5 Visa for Investors: What You Need To Know
In the diverse landscape of U.S. immigration, the EB-5 visa stands out as a unique intersection of foreign investment and pathways to permanent residency. Designed with the dual purpose of stimulating the American economy while offering foreign nationals a shot at the coveted green card, the EB-5 is an opportunity for American residency and to…
Which States Can Undocumented Immigrants Get a Driver’s License?
A total of 19 states plus the District of Columbia have laws that let undocumented immigrants apply for a driver’s license. These driver’s licenses may have certain restrictions, such as “not acceptable for official federalpurposes”, so it is important to understand the rules for each state. Below is a list of all the states that…
Why Did I Get a NOID from USCIS & What to Do?
Submitting an immigration petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be a momentous occasion, filled with plans and anticipation. However, the process is also fraught with uncertainty, and receiving a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) from USCIS can be disheartening. The good news is if you did recently receive a…
Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Seeking Parole Explained
At the Mexico-U.S. border, a disheartening change has crushed the hopes of countless Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans seeking parole. Even when they arrive at a bridge or official Port of Entry, their pleas for refuge in the United States are met with a stark and unforgiving reality: denied entry and immediate deportation to Mexico….
Biden Administration Waives 26 Laws for South Texas Border Wall
In a notable change, the Biden administration is waiving 26 laws in South Texas to speed up border wall construction. This mirrors Trump’s approach, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlights about 245,000 illegal crossings this year in the area. The central focus of this new construction is Starr County, located in the Rio…
EB-3 Visa: Everything You Need To Know
Among the pathways to U.S. permanent residency, the EB-3 visa stands out as a preferred option for skilled professionals, workers with relevant experience, and even certain unskilled workers. This employment-based immigrant visa not only offers a chance to work and live in the U.S. permanently but also paves the way for bringing families together. Dive…
Is Massachusetts a Sanctuary State?
Massachusetts grapples with a complex identity when it comes to being a sanctuary for immigrants. The term “sanctuary state” tends to mean a region limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, but its application is not black and white in Massachusetts. While the state has no clear sanctuary law, various policies, and a 2017 court ruling,…
EB-1 Visa: Everything You Need To Know
The EB-1 visa stands as one of the most prestigious U.S. employment-based visas available to foreign nationals. Specifically designed to attract a select group of individuals, this visa type offers a fast track to obtaining a green card and permanently residing in the United States. Aimed at recognizing those at the zenith of their professions,…
USCIS Eliminates $85 Biometric Fee for I-539 Applicants
Starting October 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has removed the $85 biometric services fee for everyone filling out Form I-539. This form is used by people who want to extend or change their nonimmigrant status, such as H-4, L-2, E, and other categories. Why This Matters? Before, most people filling out…
Can Green Card Holders Vote?
Quick Answer: In the United States, only U.S. citizens who meet the required age and residency conditions can vote. Typically, those holding green cards are excluded from participating in federal elections, though certain states may grant the right to vote in local and state elections. Voting in a federal election by a green card holder…
EB-2 Visa: Everything You Need To Know
In a world filled with aspirations and dreams, the United States often shines as a beacon of opportunity. For countless individuals worldwide, the desire to live and work in the land of freedom and innovation is more than just a wish; it’s a lifelong ambition. If you find yourself among these dreamers, yearning for the…
Green Card Processing Times By Type of Green Card
Obtaining a U.S. green card, a hallmark of the American immigrant’s journey, can be both an exhilarating and intricate experience. The duration of this process is often a significant concern for aspirants, as it is shaped by a myriad of factors, from one’s relationship to a U.S. sponsor to country-specific quotas. With hopes and dreams…
How Many Sanctuary States & Cities Are There in USA?
If you’re dreaming of a life in the U.S. or searching for safer shores, you may have come across the term ‘sanctuary state’. This isn’t just a catchy phrase – it could be a lifeline for many immigrants hoping to find a welcoming home in America. Currently, 11 states and Washington D.C. are considered “sanctuary…