Articles Posted in Family Visas

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In this post attorney Jacob J. Sapochnick discusses the new changes to the October visa bulletin and how these changes can affect your family based or employment based petition.

The October 2015 Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State shows a newly revised system of dual cutoff dates.

As of October, the visa bulletin contains a new, separate cutoff date chart for filing the application for adjustment (form I-485). The cutoff dates in the filing chart are much later than the final action cutoff date chart.

For example, the employment-based, second preference (EB2) for China’s cutoff date for filing in October is May 1, 2014, while the cutoff date for final action is January 1, 2012.

This is a HUGE change, effective as of October 1, 2015, and applies to both the employment-based and family-based categories.

For further questions please call our office.

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In this episode, attorney Jacob J. Sapochnick, discusses one of our most frequently asked questions: What is the purpose of the affidavit of support Form I-864? Click below to hear more.

– Form I-864 must be filed by the Petitioner or sponsor of a family-based US green card petition

– The purpose of the Affidavit of support is to ensure the government that the immigrant is not inadmissible

– Financial obligations of a Petitioner or sponsor are lifted once the permanent resident reaches 40 social security quarters which equates to about 10 years of work- must have been earned lawfully- once the sponsored immigrant becomes a US Citizen, if the sponsored immigrant dies, or if they cease to have lawful status in the US and depart

For further questions please call our office.

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In this episode, attorney Jacob J. Sapochnick, discusses one of our most frequently asked questions: I am a green card holder, when can I apply for citizenship? Click below to hear more.

The answer to this question is very important.

If one is still married with the US citizen, one can apply for a citizenship after three years. However, if one is divorced to the US citizen, one can only apply after five years since the date of one’s green card.

But any other form – except being married to a US citizen – i.e. green card through employment, you must wait five years

For further questions please call our office.

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In this episode attorney Jacob Sapochnick, Esq. answers one of our most frequently asked questions, what are the best ways to get a green card to live and work in the United States?

Here are the top 5 most common ways to obtain a green card:

– Family sponsorship. If it’s not an immediate relative you must wait in line with what is called as the priority date

– Green card lottery. If you win it, it’s free.

– Sponsorship by an employer

– Investing in the EB-5 program

– For asylum or refugees

For additional questions on how you can live and work in the United States please call our office for a legal consultation.

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If you are considering a fake, or sham, marriage as a means of getting U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card), you probably already know that what you are planning is illegal. In this episode attorney Jacob Sapochnick, Esq. explains the consequences of entering into a fake or sham marriage.

For questions and legal advice please call our office for a legal consultation.

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Interested in applying for your adjustment of status to permanent resident? Here are the top 5 frequently asked questions from viewers like you regarding this topic.

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In this video, Attorney Jacob Sapochnick Esq,  will explain how to legalize an illegal spouse.

For more information and eligibility questions please contact our office.  Remember to follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram 

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In this video Attorney Jacob J Sapochnick Esq., explains one of our most frequently asked questions: Can I get a Green Card from an E2 Visa?

While there is no direct way to convert an E2 Visa to a Green Card, there are ways to get a Green Card from an E2. Normally E2 Visas are non immigrant visas, so the intention is to return to the home country one way.

You are eligible to apply for a Green Card while under E-2 status as long as you meet the guidelines through one of the following methods:

  • EB-1 Green Card: You can obtain a green card while under E-2 status if you are an “Alien of Extraordinary ability” or a “Multinational Manager or Executive.” If you find yourself in one of these categories, you can file an immigration petition under one of these categories
  • Family Based Immigration Green Card: You may obtain a green card if you have close relatives in the United States. Your relatives may file a petition in this case.
  • National Interest Waiver: If you are an “alien of exceptional ability,” have an advanced degree or an equivalent level of experience, and can show that your services will greatly benefit the United States, then you may file a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
  • Employment Based Immigration: If you can find an employer who is willing to file a Labor Certification form with the Department of Labor, then you may qualify for a green card through the employment based immigration process. Or Self Petition EB2 based on a self petitioned H1B.
  • EB5 Visa – Green Card based on investment of 500K or Million depending on the location in the US.

For more information on this subject contact our office and please remember to follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram 

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In this post, Attorney Jacob Sapochnick Esq,  discusses at what age and how a child can legalize their undocumented parents.

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Guidelines and Procedure: 

To petition for your parents (mother or father) to live in the United States as green card holders, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Green card holders (permanent residents) may not petition to bring parents to live permanently in the United States. In order to obtain a green card for parents of US citizens when the parent is located in the United States, the US citizen and foreign national parent will apply for the green card using the adjustment of status process. Because the foreign national parent is considered to be the immediate relative of the US citizen child, many issues that would make adjustment of status impossible for another type immigrant will be waived for the parent. For instance, some parents who are presently in the United States unlawfully can take advantage of the adjustment of status process and stay in the US for the duration of processing, while other types of green card applicants would need to return to the home country and apply there. However, parents who entered the United States without inspection (EWI) will not, necessarily, be permitted to stay and adjust status. If your parent entered without inspection (EWI), contact an immigration lawyer to to discuss your situation prior to filing any paperwork with USCIS.

For more information on this topic please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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In this post, Attorney Jacob Sapochnick Esq,  will explain the process of obtaining a green card based adjustment of status utilizing ShowMe drawing technology.

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Overview:

An immigrant who is married to a U.S. citizen becomes what is called an “immediate relative” in USCIS terminology. There are no limits on the number of immediate relatives who are allowed to apply for permanent residence (a green card) each year. The only waiting period is the time it takes for the paperwork to be processed by the U.S. government. But this is where things can get complicated.
Even if the immigrant is currently in the United States, he or she cannot count on being able to apply from within the U.S., through the process known as “adjustment of status.” Instead, the immigrant may have to leave the U.S. and apply for the green card overseas, through what’s called “consular processing.”
There are many benefits to staying in the U.S. during the entire green card application process. With adjustment of status, the couple won’t be separated, and the immigrant will receive a work permit once the application is pending at USCIS. The U.S. spouse, who must attend the interview, can provide moral support, and be on hand to answer any questions about his or her capacity as a financial sponsor. And, the couple can bring an attorney along; especially useful if there are any complications in the case, such as a criminal conviction.
The key to whether someone can adjust status is, in most cases, whether he or she entered the United States legally or illegally.

 

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