Jonathan is the proud husband and son of American immigrants. Prior to co-founding ImmigrationHelp.org, Jonathan practiced at two international law firms and graduated from both law school and college at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served as an advisor on international law to both the IMF and the World Bank. In 2017, Jonathan was recognized by FastCase as one of the 50 most innovative leaders in the legal profession. When he isn’t fighting for immigrant rights, Jonathan can be found at the gym, traveling, watching soccer, and reading.
Articles written by Jonathan Petts
November 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
There were no changes in wait times for all family-based and employment- based green card applicants in November, compared to last month (October).
Read More →September 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
There were only few changes to the Visa Bulletin for the month of September. For family-based green card applicants, there was a one month decrease in wait times for spouses and children of permanent residents (F2A) across all countries. For employment-based green card applicants, there was a 3 month decrease for Mexico, the Philippines, and "all other countries" in the EB-2 category, and a 3 month decrease for China (main land born) for EB-3 green cards (skilled workers & professionals).
Read More →What Are the Benefits of Getting a Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
There are several benefits of having a green card in the U.S., including: - You can apply for citizenship after five years (or three with a marriage green card) - You are protected from deportation - It’s travel easier to travel around and outside of the United States - You can sponsor family members who want a U.S. green card - You’re eligible for federal benefits like student financial aid and Social Security benefits
Read More →How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Form I-129F for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
The processing time for a K-1 fiancé visa ranges from 12–18 months, and involves U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the National Visa Center, and a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate in your foreign fiance’s country of residence. Right now it’s taking USCIS 5.5 to 15.5 months to process Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé, and it’s taking the NVC 16 days to create and review cases.
Read More →How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Asylum and Asylum Work Permit Applications?
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not release data on the process time for Form I-589, which is the application for asylum status. USCIS does release data about Form I-765, application for a work permit based on asylum. - It's currently taking USCIS 5.5 to 15 months to process work permit applications (Form I-765) for individuals with approved asylum status. - It's taking USCIS an average of 1 months to process Form I-765 for individuals with a pending initial asylum application. - It's taking USCIS 16 months to process Form I-765 for individuals applying to renew or replace their asylum status.
Read More →How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Marriage Green Cards?
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Five U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers currently process Form I-130. - The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 13-54.5 months. - The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 32-67.5 months. - The current average processing time for Form I-485 across 89 field offices is around 20 months.
Read More →October 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
For family-based green card applicants, there were no changes in wait times compared to last month (September). However, wait times decreased for almost employment-based green card applicants. The exception as the EB-5 category where only India and China (main land born) saw a decrease in wait times while every other country in the category saw no change.
Read More →How Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Marriage Green Cards for a Spouse Abroad?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by ImmigrationHelp Team
As the petitioner for your foreign spouse, you’ll file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s currently taking between 14 months for USCIS to process Form I-130 for U.S. citizenship petitioners and 29 to 70.5 months for permanent resident petitioners. As the beneficiary, your spouse will file Form DS-260 with the National Visa Center. The current NVC timeframe for creating and reviewing cases is 16 days.
Read More →How To Find Help With Your Immigration Application When You Need Some Extra Help
Written by Jonathan Petts.
With DACA, you can access immigration benefits like work authorization and protection from deportation. In this article, we explainresources you can turn to when you need a bit more help to prepare your DACA application.
Read More →How To Apply for Citizenship by Naturalization
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who meets residency and background check requirements, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. There are many benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen. For example, once you become a U.S. citizen, you will be able to vote in U.S. elections, travel to and from the U.S. as you please, and apply for your eligible family members to receive U.S. green cards. The application process is pretty straightforward. For most people, it costs $725 and takes 7-15 months. This article explains how to apply for U.S. citizenship in seven easy steps.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My VAWA Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →All About the Dream Act
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Millions of undocumented immigrant youth called Dreamers live in the United States without legal status. A series of proposed laws, called the DREAM Act, could fix this problem by giving Dreamers a pathway to lawful status and, eventually, citizenship. Since 2001, the DREAM Act has never passed into law. But the DREAM Act’s most recent version was approved by the House of Representatives on March 18, 2021 and could go to a vote before the Senate. If you're looking to learn more about the history and future of the DREAM Act, this article has you covered!
Read More →U.S. Immigration Stats - What is the Current State of Immigration in the United States?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The immigrant population in the United States is very diverse, representing nearly every country in the world. Every year, millions of people move to the U.S., making it the country with the most immigrants in the world. Because of this, immigration features heavily in public and political conversations in the United States. In this article, you can learn about the current state of immigration in the United States and get some answers to some of the most popular questions about immigration today.
Read More →How To Spot and Avoid Immigration Scams
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Filing for immigration status requires a lot of paperwork. Many people get help with their immigration applications. While there are credible services out there to help you file your paperwork, you should know how to spot and avoid common immigration scams. This is especially true if you’re paying for help. It’s important to understand common immigration scams because falling victim to one can hurt you financially and harm your immigration proceedings. The article explains what the most common scams are, how to spot new scams, and what to do if you have been scammed.
Read More →What Is USCIS Form G-28I?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Though it's rare, you may need a foreign lawyer to represent you in a case involving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abroad. In these instances, you’ll need to submit a completed Form G-281 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article explains what Form G-281 and how the U.S. government uses it, who can file it, and how to complete it.
Read More →How To Apply for a U.S. Passport
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you recently became a U.S. citizen, congratulations! You are now eligible to apply for a U.S. passport. The U.S. passport process is very straightforward, and passport applications are processed much quicker than the other immigration applications you’ve been used to. This article is a step-by-step guide to the application process for a U.S. passport if you’re applying for the first time.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent” Mean for My VAWA Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your case and ensure you’re eligible for the immigration benefit you applied for. USCIS will mail a Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →2022 Immigration Predictions
Written by Jonathan Petts.
2021 was in many ways a disappointing year for immigration reform. Although the White House rescinded some Trump-era restrictions on immigration, efforts to create a path to citizenship for Dreamers and undocumented agricultural workers failed. Despite these setbacks, immigration reform remains one of the Biden Administration’s top priorities for this year. This article predicts five things that will happen in immigration in 2022.
Read More →Over 60,000 Immigrants Still Waiting for USCIS to Approve Their DACA Applications
Written by Jonathan Petts.
President Biden reinstated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program soon after his election to the relief of eligible undocumented youth who missed their opportunity to get status under the Trump administration. Many eligible immigrant youths applied for DACA six months after Biden signed the Executive Order reinstating the program. However, as many as 60,000 and more of these new DACA applicants have yet to receive approved applications from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Read More →How To Change Your Status From a J-1 Visa to a Marriage Green Card
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many Americans and lawful permanent residents are married to foreign citizens. As a student exchange visitor on a J-1 visa, it's possible to meet and fall in love with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident during your time in the United States. If you marry someone who's a U.S. citizen or green cardholder, you can get a green card. In this article, we explain what the marriage green card process is like depending on your spouse's U.S. immigration status, and whether or not you've overstayed your visa. We'll also discuss some things you should consider before filing your application, like the home residency requirement and the 90-day rule.
Read More →What Is Direct Consular Filing (DCF)?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When your green card application goes through consular processing, U.S. immigration officials at an embassy or consulate in your home country handle your application. Consular processing is the default application method for green card applicants filing from outside the United States. Direct Consular Filing (DCF) is a fast-track process for filing Form I-130, the foundation of every family-based green card application. This article is a deep dive into direct consular filing, discussing eligibility, the application process, and processing timeframes.
Read More →How Long Do Immigration Applications Take and What Should I Do if Mine Is Taking Too Long?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many factors affect the time it takes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process immigration applications, including the type of benefit you’re applying for and which USCIS service center or field office is processing your forms. This article covers the factors that affect immigration application processing, how to check your case status throughout processing, and what to do if your application is taking longer than the average processing time.
Read More →How Can You Prove Continuous Residence on Your DACA Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you'll submit supporting documents with your forms to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your DACA supporting documents will prove to USCIS that the information you provided on your application is correct and confirm that you qualify to apply for DACA. One of the requirements to qualify for DACA is continuous residence in the United States. This article explains what continuous residence is and what the continuous residence requirement is for DACA. It also discusses the documents you can submit to prove your continuous residence on your DACA application.
Read More →A Guide to the Diversity Visa Lottery
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The Diversity Visa Program (DV Program) is one of the multiple ways for noncitizens to become U.S. permanent residents. The program is a free lottery that people from countries around the world can enter for a chance to apply for green cards and live and work legally in the United States. Winners of the lottery don't need to have family or employment relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply for their green cards. This article discusses the history of the diversity visa lottery and explains who can apply for it as well as the application process.
Read More →How to get a marriage green card if you have a TN visa
Written by Jonathan Petts.
As part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), nationals of Canada or Mexico can work in the United States through the special TN visa classification. Many of these NAFTA professionals build connections and form relationships with Americans that could end up in marriage. The TN visa is not a "dual-intent" visa. This means changing status to a green card after marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can be tricky, but it is still possible. This article explains how to get a marriage green card if you have a TN visa and some considerations to bear in mind.
Read More →How To Get a Marriage Green Card as a Military Spouse
Written by Jonathan Petts.
It’s common for active-duty military personnel to fall in love while stationed abroad. If the couple meets the requirements, the foreign spouse can get a marriage green card in three simple steps. They will apply for a green card either from the United States or abroad, attend a green card interview, and wait for a response from the U.S. government. This article explains the requirements for the military spouse green card and the application process to follow depending on where you live.
Read More →What Is the Form I-94 Travel Record?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Nearly every foreign traveler to the United States has an I-94 travel record (also known as “Form I-94” or “I-94 Form”). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials issue an I-94 to foreign travelers entering the United States. CBP officials use the I-94 to track arrivals and departures of non-citizens visiting the United States. This article explains Form I-94 in-depth, including how it is used, how to access yours, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Read More →Can a U.S. Citizen's Widow(er) Get a Marriage Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If your American spouse dies suddenly while you're applying for a marriage green card, or if you're considering applying for a marriage green card after your U.S. citizen spouse's death, it is still possible to get a green card. This article explains provisions in U.S. immigration law that allow widows and widowers of U.S. citizens to become lawful permanent residents. We also explain the green card process to follow depending on if you had started the process before your citizen spouse's death and if you're filing from the United States or abroad.
Read More →How To Get the Proof of Identity Document (ID) You Need for Your DACA Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Every application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must have both the official application forms and supporting evidence to back your case. One of the most important pieces of evidence you must submit with your application is a proof of identity document (ID). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes DACA applications, and they have requirements for what ID you can submit with your new DACA or DACA renewal application. This article explains what an acceptable ID is for DACA and how to get one for your application.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My Citizenship Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received and reviewed your Form N-400 citizenship case and decided not to grant you naturalization. If USCIS denies your citizenship case, it will send you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of waiting for USCIS to process your citizenship application only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps.
Read More →What Is the Public Charge Rule?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The Public Charge Rule is not a new U.S. immigration concept. From as early as 1882, U.S. Congress used the concept to deny visas to people who would become a “public charge” as immigrants. A public charge is anyone who would become dependent on the U.S. government after gaining immigrant status. In 2019, the Trump administration proposed a new Public Charge Rule, which began in 2020, and made it much tougher for immigrants to get permanent resident status. This article explains the history of the Public Charge Rule and what it means for you today.
Read More →How To Write a Cover Letter for a DACA Renewal
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you’ve already been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you are eligible to renew your status every two years. You’ll need to fill out Form I-821D and submit it along with other required forms and fees to renew. It’s also recommended that you prepare a simple cover letter to include with your application as well. The cover letter allows the USCIS officer to see what’s included with your application at a glance. This article explains what a DACA renewal cover letter is and the elements it should include. It also includes a template you can use to write your own.
Read More →What Is Form I-730?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your asylum application, you can apply for your immediate relatives to join you in the United States. To do that, you will have to file a Form I-730 petition on their behalf. This article explains Form I-730, including who can file it and when, which relatives qualify for it, and how to file a Form I-730 petition.
Read More →How To Apply for a Marriage Green Card From Abroad
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Foreign spouses of U.S. lawful permanent residents can only apply for their marriage green card through consular processing. This means that they will have to submit their green card application through the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate in their home country to become lawful permanent residents themselves. This article explains the step-by-step consular processing timeline for getting your green card as the spouse of a U.S. green cardholder.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Received” Mean for My Form I-129F Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When you see the case status “Case Was Received” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it means USCIS is acknowledging that it received your immigration application packet. This is just the start of USCIS processing your application. It hasn’t yet reviewed your application materials or determined your eligibility. Once you see this status, you’ll want to keep an eye on future status changes and respond to anything that requires your attention, such as a request for evidence. This article explains the “Case Received” USCIS status and what to do when your application is in this status.
Read More →USCIS Is No Longer Processing New DACA Applications - But You Can Still Apply!
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a vital immigration program. It allows undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children (called Dreamers) to live and work in America. DACA status keeps Dreamers free from the constant threat of deportation to unfamiliar countries. Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency responsible for DACA applications, is no longer processing new applications. However, USCIS will accept your application if you choose to send it in. This article will provide a brief legal history of DACA and explain why USCIS is accepting but not processing applications.
Read More →How To Get Advance Parole for Business Travel
Written by Jonathan Petts.
For many people applying for immigration benefits, Advance Parole is necessary to travel abroad while they wait for the U.S. government to process their application. Other immigrants, like recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), must also have an approved travel permit before leaving the United States if they'd like to return. Advance Parole makes it possible for immigrants with business ties abroad to leave the United States temporarily for work. In this article, we'll explain what business reasons you can get Advance Parole for as well as the step-by-step application process for getting the travel permit.
Read More →How To Get an Asylum Green Card — Permanent Residence for Asylees
Written by Jonathan Petts.
You can apply for an asylum green card one year after the U.S. government grants your request for asylum. When you apply for an asylum green card, you can also apply for green cards for your spouse and children if they received “derivative” asylum with you. You and your family are only eligible to adjust status to asylum green cards if you have been physically present in the United States for at least one year since you received asylum status. This article explains the eligibility requirements for asylum green cards and shows you the step-by-step process to apply.
Read More →Forms I-601 & I-601A: How To Apply for a Waiver of Inadmissibility
Written by Jonathan Petts.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may find you inadmissible for immigration based on different factors. You may have violated U.S. immigration law or simply not met the eligibility requirements for the immigration status you’re applying for. However, waivers of inadmissibility may be available to you. A waiver of inadmissibility asks the U.S. government to forgive your grounds of inadmissibility and grant you the immigration benefit you’re applying for anyway. This article introduces Forms I-601 and I-601A, which are the forms you’ll file for the waiver. It explains the requirements for each document and their respective application processes.
Read More →U.S. Immigration Stats - Citizenship by Naturalization
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Every year, about 860,000 U.S. green card holders apply for Citizenship by Naturalization, the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen after living in the U.S. for a period of time, usually 3–5 years. Like citizens born in the United States, naturalized citizens can vote in American elections and apply for American passports. And they can never be deported. Of the applications submitted each year, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves about 23%, denies about 2–3%, and leaves about 70% pending. This article covers the U.S. citizenship by naturalization process and statistics on that process.
Read More →What Supporting Documents Do You Need to Get a U.S. Green Card for Your Child?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you can sponsor your child for a Green Card. You and your child will need to submit certain documents to the U.S. Government when you apply. The application process and documents you will need are different when the child you are seeking a Green Card for is living inside of the United States and when they are living outside of the United States. This guide will serve as a document checklist for both processes.
Read More →How To Become a U.S. Citizen
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Every year, several people become U.S. citizens and enjoy the benefits that come with U.S. citizenship. There are four general ways to become a U.S. citizen: by birth, acquisition, derivation, or naturalization. This article explains each of the four ways of becoming a U.S. citizen and who qualifies to use each process.
Read More →How To Apply for Refugee Status in the United States
Written by Jonathan Petts.
As part of humanitarian provisions under U.S. immigration law, thousands of refugees come into the United States every year. These are people fleeing persecution in various forms from all around the world. This article explains what the legal definition of a refugee is, who is eligible for U.S. refugee status, and how to submit a refugee application to the United States.
Read More →How to get a Change of Status from an F-1 Visa to a Green Card After Marriage
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Some international students in the United States fall in love with, and marry, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents that they meet during their studies. You may consider adjusting your status from the nonimmigrant F-1 visa to a green card for immigrant visa status after you get married. This article explains some things to consider when adjusting your status from an F-1 visa to a marriage green card and explains the application process depending on your spouse's immigration status.
Read More →Form I-407 and Voluntary Green Card Abandonment
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many people lose their lawful permanent resident status every year. Some choose to give up their green card by voluntarily abandoning it. Others lose their green card involuntarily. This article explains what it means to abandon your green card voluntarily or involuntarily and describes the process to follow when you want to give up your green card and the consequences of giving it up.
Read More →Can You Apply for DACA With a Criminal Record?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The U.S. government conducts a criminal background check for most immigration applications. The reason is simple - to make sure that people who receive immigration benefits are people of good moral character. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is no different. As part of your application, you'll have to answer some questions about your criminal background. When U.S. Citizenshixp and Immigration Services (USCIS) is reviewing your DACA application, they'll check your criminal record for felonies, significant misdemeanors, and other crimes that disqualify you from getting DACA. This article explains what offenses will and may not disqualify you from DACA, and how to go about your application if you have a criminal record.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent” Mean for My Form I-129F Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you log in to your USCIS account online and see the case status “Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent,” it means that USCIS needs more information from you to process your Form I-129F and ensure you’re eligible for a K-1 fiancé visa. USCIS will mail Form I-797E: Notice of Action that outlines exactly what additional evidence is needed and why. The notice will also include a deadline for submitting the requested information. It’s important to submit the requested information before the deadline to ensure USCIS continues processing your application without too much delay.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Was Denied” Mean for My Form I-129F Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you see “Case Was Denied” as your USCIS case status online, it means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received and reviewed your Form I-129F and decided not to grant you a K-1 fiancé visa. If USCIS denies your case, it will mail you a denial notice explaining why. It can be disheartening to go through months of processing for a fiancé visa only to have your case denied. If this happens, you may want to get legal advice about the next steps.
Read More →How To Complete Your Address History on a DACA Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many immigrants who come to the United States have moved around and changed addresses. Most U.S. immigration applications, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application, ask for your address history as an applicant. This article explains what address information you need to fill out your DACA forms, how to find old address information, what happens if your address history is incomplete on your DACA forms, and what supporting documents should accompany your DACA application.
Read More →What are the Requirements for Naturalization in the United States?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
In addition to holding their green cards for a 3-year or 5-year minimum, lawful permanent residents of the United States must also meet specific requirements to naturalize as U.S. citizens. This article details each requirement for naturalization, how to meet it as a naturalization applicant, and any exemptions that may apply.
Read More →Same-Sex Couples and Marriage Green Card Applications: Common Questions and Concerns About the Process
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Same-sex couples must be treated equally under U.S. immigration law thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the United States v. Windsor case, which struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. Even further, in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that every state be required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Following both Supreme Court rulings, gay marriage is legal in every U.S. state. Accordingly, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will view same-sex marriages the same as opposite-sex marriages in deciding on family green card applications. USCIS will not factor in the spouses' genders or biological sexes in making visa application decisions. Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are welcome to apply for marriage green cards, just like heterosexual couples. However, gay and lesbian couples do face some unique challenges in applying for a marriage green card. This article discusses these challenges and explains how to address them.
Read More →How To Get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many U.S. citizens and their families live and work in countries all around the world. Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may meet the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). A CRBA is evidence of U.S. citizenship issued to a child of a U.S. citizen who was born abroad. This article explains the CRBA in detail, including the eligibility requirements and application process. The article also answers some frequently asked questions about CRBA.
Read More →How To Complete Form I-821D for Your DACA Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Form I-821D is officially called the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is the most important form to submit for Dreamers requesting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This article explains Form I-821D, including who needs to file it, what the filing fees are, and what supporting documents you need to file with it.
Read More →How To Pay USCIS Fees With a Credit or Debit Card
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The majority of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration forms carry a government filing fee. USCIS uses filing fees to cover the processing costs and biometric services for your application type. You can pay for your application’s filing fees using a traditional check or money order, or more recently, a credit or debit card. USCIS does not accept or process online payments, but you can still pay with a credit or debit card using Form G-1450. This article explains how to use Form G-1450 to pay your USCIS filing fees with a credit or debit card.
Read More →Removal of Conditions on Marriage Green Cards
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Years ago, the U.S. government instituted tighter measures to help prevent marriage fraud. Issuing conditional green cards (CR-1 visas) to newly-married couples was one of those measures. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) places conditions on your green card so they can re-assess whether your marriage is based on a bona fide relationship with your spouse. This article explains the removal of conditions process for marriage green cards and answers some frequently asked questions about the process.
Read More →What is President Joe Biden's Immigration Agenda?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Since taking office, Democratic President Biden and Vice President Harris have directed federal agencies to address immigration far differently than the previous administration. In late January of 2021, the Biden administration announced their new U.S. immigration reform plan, which focuses on increasing access to legal immigration and reforming immigration enforcement.
Read More →Green Card vs. Visa: How Are They Different?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
A common misconception is that a green card and a visa are the same thing. While the two are similar, there are differences between green cards and visas. To avoid confusion, you should first understand what a visa is and what a green card is. This article explains both, then highlights the differences between green cards and visas.
Read More →When Is a Proxy Marriage Valid in an Immigration Case?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
A proxy marriage occurs when one or both partners are not physically present for the marriage ceremony. Instead, a stand-in takes their place for the ceremony. Proxy marriages are legal in some U.S. states but not in others. This article will discuss how to ensure your proxy marriage is legal under state law, when your marriage is considered legal for immigration purposes, and alternatives to proxy marriages that may make more sense for you, depending on your immigration circumstances.
Read More →Can You Apply for Advance Parole With a Criminal Record?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Getting status and other U.S. immigration benefits may be out of reach for people with criminal records. If you have ever committed a felony, for example, you can't get immigration benefits. Advance Parole is a travel permit available to special immigrants and those adjusting status to green cards. For example, if you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, you can travel abroad and return with Advance Parole. This article explains how you can qualify for Advance Parole and whether or not a criminal record can keep you from getting Advance Parole.
Read More →Can DACA Recipients Apply for a Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Since President Obama introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, eligible undocumented youth have received protection from deportation. The Trump administration terminated the DACA program in 2017, but President Biden restored DACA at the start of his presidency. DACA recipients enjoy benefits like an employment authorization permit. But DACA status and the work permit are only temporary. They are valid for two years, after which DACA recipients have to renew their status. Plans to grant DACA recipients more long-term legal status in the United States have been on the docket for a while but have yet to pass into law. It is still possible for some DACA recipients to get green cards. This article explains the existing pathways for DACA recipients to get green cards.
Read More →How To Expunge Your Criminal Record as a DACA Applicant
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The U.S. government will check your criminal record for any crimes that disqualify you from getting the immigration benefit you’re applying for. It may be possible to take these crimes off your criminal record; this is called expunging your criminal record. Your crimes that would otherwise disqualify you from immigration benefits will no longer count against you. The U.S. government will still see your expunged records, but they possibly won’t harm your application. This article explains disqualifying criminal convictions for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and how to get an expungement of your criminal record to apply for DACA.
Read More →What Supporting Documents Do I Need for a DACA Application? Checklists for New Applications and Renewals
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When you file your DACA renewal or new DACA application, you will need to submit supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for DACA. The documents you need to submit will be different depending on whether you are renewing or applying for the first time. They will also vary based on your personal background. This article provides document checklists for all scenarios so that you can confidently apply for your DACA renewal or initial DACA status without an attorney.
Read More →Keeping You Out of the United States: Grounds for Inadmissibility
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The U.S. has special laws that dictate who may enter or stay in the country. These laws list reasons you may be barred from entering the country as an immigrant. If you’re already in the U.S., these laws may allow you to be deported. These reasons are often referred to as “grounds for inadmissibility,” and many exist. But even if one or more grounds for inadmissibility apply to you, you can still stay or enter the U.S. in certain situations. This article provides an overview of the grounds for inadmissibility. It also discusses exceptions and waivers to inadmissibility.
Read More →U.S. Immigration Stats - DACA Renewal
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — also known as DACA — is a program that allows undocumented immigrants who came to the United States without immigration status as children ("Dreamers") to get lawful status and work authorization. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump Administration’s attempt to end DACA. In 2018, the United Nations urged the U.S. to save the DACA program and protect Dreamers. DACA lets Dreamers live and work without the constant fear of deportation. Unfortunately, DACA does not provide a pathway to citizenship by naturalization, the process by which immigrants can become U.S. citizens. DACA recipients also are not eligible to become lawful permanent residents under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Every year, on average, 351,072 people apply to renew their DACA status and work authorization. Of these, from 2015 to 2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approved about 78% and denied or rejected about 7%, while about 14% remained pending. The denial rate remained relatively stable during those four years, ranging from 5.6% to 9.2%. Meanwhile, the total time that it takes to renew DACA and its work authorization has decreased from 4.3 months in 2016 to 1.4 months in 2020. USCIS usually processes applications within 120 days, although processing times have gotten slower because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Approved” Mean for My Form I-129F Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If your USCIS case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This status means USCIS has reviewed your Form I-129F application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your fiancé visa. You’ll often see several statuses before approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It can take anywhere from 4–22 months for USCIS to process and approve Form I-129F applications. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Read More →How To Get VAWA Self-Petitioner Status
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a U.S. immigration law that protects noncitizen abuse victims in the United States. This article explains what it means to self-petition under VAWA, including the eligibility requirements and the application process. The article also answers frequently asked questions about the VAWA self-petition, including whether your abusive relative will know about your petition.
Read More →How to Get a Credit Card as a DACA Recipient
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Building credit is important for making a living in the United States. Getting a credit card and building credit can be a little complicated for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients because many don't have any U.S. credit history. But it is still possible for DACA recipients to get a credit card! In this article, we explain how to check your U.S. credit history and options for getting a credit card with or without a U.S. credit history.
Read More →What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Rejected” Mean for My Marriage Green Card Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) case status “Case Rejected” means that you didn’t file your immigration paperwork correctly, so USCIS did not review your case. If USCIS rejects your case, it will return your original filing fee. To have your case reviewed, you’ll need to fix the issue that was causing the rejection. Common issues that lead to rejection include filing the incorrect form version, paying an incorrect fee amount, and not signing a form. If you see the “Case Rejected” status on your USCIS account, you’ll need to refile your application and pay your filing fee to move forward with your marriage green card case.
Read More →A Comprehensive Guide to the U.S. Citizenship Test
Written by Jonathan Petts.
The U.S. Citizenship Test is one of the most important aspects of your citizenship application. You'll need to pass the test to become an American citizen, and you can only take the exam twice. This article is a comprehensive guide to the U.S. Citizenship Test. It explains what to expect on the test, how you should prepare, whether you can request special accommodations if you have a disability, who's exempt from taking the test, and what happens after you take it.
Read More →All About the DREAM Act 2021
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Millions of undocumented immigrant youth called Dreamers live in the United States without legal status. A series of proposed laws, called the DREAM Act, could fix this problem by giving Dreamers a pathway to lawful status and, eventually, citizenship. Since 2001, the DREAM Act has never been passed into law. But the DREAM Act’s most recent version was approved by the House of Representatives on March 18, 2021, and could go to a vote before the Senate. If you're looking to learn more about the history and future of the DREAM Act, this article has you covered!
Read More →How to Get U.S. Citizenship if you have a Marriage Green Card
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Many immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process. When you have your marriage green card, you can begin to think about naturalizing as a U.S. citizen. All lawful permanent residents can apply to become U.S. citizens. As an American citizen, you'll be eligible to vote in all state and national elections, apply for federal jobs, and live abroad however long you want. You will also never be deported from the United States as a U.S. citizen. This article explains the requirements for naturalizing as a citizen if you hold a marriage green card. It also explains the naturalization process itself.
Read More →How To Apply for a US passport for Children Under 18
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you and your children recently became U.S. citizens, you may want to get your U.S. passports. The passport application process for children under age 18 is a little different from the process for adults, even though everyone must complete Form DS-11 for their U.S. passports. This article will explain the different requirements for children applying for U.S. passports.
Read More →All You Need To Know About Form I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you want to apply for asylum in the United States, you must submit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-589 within one year of arriving in the United States. You’ll also need to submit documents to support your application. This article will help you understand how to fill out form I-589 and what supporting documentation you’ll need to provide. It will also cover some tips to help ensure your application has the best chance of success.
Read More →Form N-600: How To Get a Certificate of Citizenship
Written by Jonathan Petts.
There are many benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen. You can work in federal jobs, vote in state and national elections, and live outside the United States for a prolonged time. You can become a U.S. citizen by birth in the United States, by birth to U.S. citizen parents, or by naturalization. In this article, you'll learn if you can apply for a certificate of citizenship with a Form N-600, what documents you'll need to apply, how much it costs, and how long it takes to get it.
Read More →U.S. Immigration Stats - Family Green Cards
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Every year, about 810,558 immigrants apply to become U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPRs,” better known as green card holders) through family members. Of these, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) approves about 88% and denies 12%. The denial rate has been relatively consistent over the past four years. Meanwhile, the total time it takes to get approved for a U.S. Green Card (also called “Lawful Permanent Residence,” a form of legal status) has increased from 12.8 months to 19.8 months from 2016 to 2020. Family Green Card applications have four basic phases: 1) Petition, 2) Application, 3) Interview, and 4) Final Decision. USCIS or the National Visa Center may reject or deny applications at any of these phases. Whether you are applying for a Family Green Card or researching U.S. Green Card trends, this article has you covered with the stats you need to understand and navigate each of these four application phases. Keeping family units together is a core policy of US immigration law, along with such other policies as refugee resettlement, attracting skilled workers, and promoting diversity. Unlike with asylum seekers (also called “asylees”) and economic migrants, however, the United States does not limit how many spouses, parents, and minor children of US Citizens it admits each year. Even some relatives of non-citizens with green cards get green cards of their own, a system called “family preference.” Keeping family units together is central to American immigration law.
Read More →How To Get a Green Card for Your Child (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Written by Jonathan Petts.
As a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or U.S. citizen, you can petition for your foreign-born child who is seeking U.S. resident status to immigrate to the United States and receive their own green card. The marital status and age of your children tend to be the largest factors for this application process.
Read More →How To Get an I-94 Extension and Extend Your Stay in the U.S.
Written by Jonathan Petts.
While on a temporary visit to the United States, it is essential to be aware of the terms of your stay. In particular, you should be conscious of your I-94 expiration date. If your I-94 expires before you leave the U.S., you must plan to get an I-94 extension so you don’t break U.S. immigration law. This article explains what the I-94 extension is and how to get one. It also covers what documents are required for an extension and how long it takes for the U.S. government to process your extension request.
Read More →Can I Get a Work Permit While Waiting for My Green Card?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Once you get a green card, you’ll enjoy many rights and privileges as a legal resident of the United States, including the right to have a job. But it often takes a long time for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process green card applications. During this waiting period, you can’t legally work in the United States unless you have authorization. If you want to work while you’re waiting for your green card to be approved, you have to apply for a work permit using Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization. In this article, we take a closer look at work permits, including how to get one while waiting for a green card.
Read More →What Is USCIS Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Every year, many U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor green card applications for their close family members who are foreign nationals. The first step in most family-based green card application processes is filing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130, officially called the Petition for Alien Relative. USCIS uses this form to verify a real and qualifying relationship between the green card sponsor and the green card applicant. In this article, we discuss the purpose of Form I-130, who can and can’t file Form I-130, the Form I-130 filing fees, and how long it takes USCIS to process the form.
Read More →Common U.S. Citizenship Interview Questions
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Separate from the civics questions and English language test you have to take, the USCIS officer will ask you other questions at your citizenship interview. Many of these questions will come up from the information on your A-File, and others will be follow-ups from the information you provide. This article explains what your A-File is, and also provides a sample list of common questions you can expect at your interview.
Read More →What Is Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for a Spouse?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
To file a marriage green card petition, you and your spouse will have to submit several forms to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The entire process begins when your U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse successfully files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf. Sometimes, depending on your unique background, you will have to provide important extra information with Form I-130. You’ll often do that with Form I-130A. This guide explains Form I-130A, who needs to file the form, and how to file it.
Read More →What Are the Photo Requirements for a Green Card Application?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
As part of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) requirements, you must submit photos of yourself with your green card application. This article explains the U.S. government’s green card photo requirements, how you can get a photo that meets these requirements, and the number of photos to include with your application.
Read More →How Do You Get Advance Parole for Humanitarian Reasons?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Advance Parole is a travel permit available to certain groups of immigrants to travel abroad and return to the United States without negatively impacting or abandoning their U.S. immigration statuses. With President Biden's executive order to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after the Trump administration halted new applications, many more people can get DACA and, by extension, Advance Parole. Adjustment of status applicants, as well as DACA status and other Temporary Protected Status (TPS) immigrants, can get Advance Parole for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. This article explains how to apply for Advance Parole based on humanitarian reasons.
Read More →What To Do if You Are Denied Entry Into the United States With Advance Parole
Written by Jonathan Petts.
For green card applicants based in the United States and people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Advance Parole is a welcome provision. With this travel document, you can leave the United States while in DACA status or while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes your green card application. Advance Parole provides a chance to visit ailing family, study abroad, attend forums and conferences abroad, and catch up with friends. But sometimes the U.S. government does not allow people with valid Advance Parole documents to reenter the United States. This article explains some reasons why the U.S. government would refuse to let you back into the country even with Advance Parole and some things you can do if you find yourself in this situation as an adjustment of status applicant or a DACA recipient.
Read More →How To Check the Status of Your U.S. Citizenship Application
Written by Jonathan Petts.
After submitting Form N-400 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), your next step will be waiting for updates on your citizenship application. You may check your U.S. citizenship application status in four ways — online, by phone, by mail, or in person. This article explains how to do each.
Read More →Green Card Applications and Criminal Records
Written by Jonathan Petts.
An important part of the green card application is the criminal background check that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs on every applicant. The U.S. Congress has compiled a list of crimes that can make an immigrant “inadmissible” to the United States under U.S. immigration law. For example, being convicted of an aggravated felony can disqualify you from getting a green card and any future naturalization benefits. This article explains how an applicant’s criminal record can affect their green card application, the types of criminal convictions that will impact their chances of approval, and how to use waivers of inadmissibility.
Read More →What is an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When you're applying for a marriage green card, you'll need a financial sponsor to submit an Affidavit of Support on your behalf. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will process your Affidavit of Support to determine that you have enough financial resources available to you as a U.S. immigrant. This article explains everything you should know about filing an Affidavit of Support using Form I-864. You'll learn the requirements and obligations of a financial sponsor and who is exempt from filing an Affidavit of Support.
Read More →May 2023 Visa Bulletin (Archive)
Written by ImmigrationHelp News Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
There is some good news for certain family-based green card applicants this month. Wait times in the first and third preference categories from all countries except Mexico and the Philippines decreased slightly from last month. Wait times are also down by 1 month and 17 days for F4 green card applicants (for siblings of adult U.S. citizens) except for applicants from Mexico, India, and the Philippines. There were both increases and decreases for employment-based green cards compared to last month. This varies by category and country. The most significant change from last month is in the EB-3 category. Applicants in China saw a decrease in wait times of five months. However, applicants for EB-3 green cards from Mexico, the Philippines, and all other countries (except India) saw wait times *increase* by 9 months and 21 days.
Read More →All About USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs): What They Are, How To Avoid Them, and What To Do if You Receive One
Written by Jonathan Petts.
When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines that it needs extra information to make a decision on your immigration case, it will send you a request for evidence, also called an RFE. USCIS will send it to the mailing address you listed on your application. In this article, we will explain what a USCIS request for evidence is, how to avoid RFEs, and how to respond to a USCIS RFE if you receive one.
Read More →How To Provide Proof of U.S. Domicile on an Affidavit of Support
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you want to sponsor someone for a family-based green card, you need to provide proof of a U.S. domicile in your Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). In other words, you need to prove that your principal residence is in the United States. In this article, we’ll explain how to prove U.S. domicile as part of your Affidavit of Support so you can successfully sponsor a family member for a green card.
Read More →What Happens to Your Immigration Status When You Get Divorced?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Getting divorced may affect your immigration status, depending on what type of marriage green card you have. Divorce won’t affect the status of people who have permanent green cards, but it can delay their application for naturalization. If you have a conditional green card and you get divorced, it may be more difficult to get a permanent green card. This article discusses how divorce can affect immigration status and how people with conditional green cards can still apply to become permanent U.S. residents, even after their marriage ends.
Read More →How To Get a Bank Loan With DACA: The Complete Guide
Written by Jonathan Petts.
It is generally difficult for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to get bank loans — but it's still possible. Many banks and lenders will consider you a high-risk individual because of your status. Many banks consider DACA to be temporary and not guaranteed because DACA is easily affected by U.S. immigration law. However, DACA recipients can borrow from other lenders. You can get personal loans, student loans, and home loans from banks and other lenders. This article explains how to get personal loans, student loans, and home loans as a DACA recipient.
Read More →Everything You Need To Know About U.S. Work Permits (EADs): What They Are, Who Is Eligible, and How To Apply
Written by Jonathan Petts.
A work permit is an official document from the U.S. government that allows immigrants to work in the United States. It's also known as an Employment Authorization Document or EAD. You do not need to be a permanent resident to get a work permit, but you need to have an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa that allows you to live and work in the United States. DACA recipients can also get work permits. It costs $410 –$495 to apply for a work permit and takes 2-7 months to get one. The cost and timing vary based on your reason for applying as well as where you live.Some applicants don't have to pay the application fee. This article explains everything you need to know about U.S. work permits.
Read More →How To Get a K-1 Fiancé Visa
Written by Jonathan Petts.
A K-1 fiancé visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows a U.S. citizen's fiancé to enter the United States to get married. After filing Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé and Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will attend a visa interview. After all of your filing fees have been paid and your interview is complete, you can come to the U.S. and get married! Once married, the foreign fiancé can apply for a marriage green card in the United States. Applying for a K-1 visa can be a good option if your U.S. citizen fiancé cannot travel abroad to get married. A K-1 visa costs $800 and usually takes 12–15 months to receive. The process of getting a marriage green card from a K-1 visa costs $1,225 and takes an additional 4–6 months.
Read More →Is U.S. Dual Citizenship Possible?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
While the United States does allow for dual citizenship, your country of origin may not. It's important to check with your home country prior to applying for citizenship by naturalization in the U.S. The process of applying for dual citizenship is the same as the process of applying to become a U.S. citizen. Being a dual citizen comes with both advantages and drawbacks, which we explore further in this article.
Read More →How Much Does It Cost To Become a U.S. Citizen by Naturalization?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but citizenship by naturalization is the most common. The naturalization application costs $725. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment. These fees will be increasing significantly soon. Some people do not have to pay these fees with their naturalization application, but most do. If you are a green card holder who wants to apply for citizenship by naturalization, you can either pay these fees online or by mail, depending on how you file your application.
Read More →How Long Does It Take for USCIS and the NVC To Process applications?
Written by Jonathan Petts.
If you would like to track your immigration application as it moves along the immigration process or if you are wondering how to check if your application's processing is outside the expected processing timeframes, we've got you covered! This article will explore how to check your application case status - both with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC) - and what to do if your application processing falls outside the normal processing time.
Read More →Everything You Need To Know About Forms DS-260 and DS-261
Written by Jonathan Petts.
Forms DS-260 and DS-261 are the forms you fill out once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your I-130 petition for a marriage green card. After USCIS sends your approved I-130 form to the National Visa Center (NVC), you can submit Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application and Form DS-261: Online Choice of Address and Agent. There is no filing fee for Form DS-261, but you will need to pay a $325 immigrant visa application processing fee and $120 Affidavit of Support fee to access Form DS-260. The usual processing time for DS-260 is three months, while the current marriage green card processing time ranges from 27 to 46 months.
Read More →What Is USCIS Form I-797: Notice of Action?
Written by Jonathan Petts. Legally reviewed by ImmigrationHelp Team
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-797: Notice of Action serves several purposes. If you file an application with USCIS, the agency will send you Form I-797: Notice of Action to inform you that it has received your application. This is often called a receipt notice. It’s also commonly used as a way to communicate that USCIS has approved your immigrant or nonimmigrant application. While these are common uses of Form I-797, USCIS also uses Form I-797 to notify you of case status changes. These notices have a letter at the end of the form name, such as Form I-797C, and each form provides information regarding the status of your application. In this article, we explain each of the uses of Form I-797.
Read More →How To Write a Cover Letter for Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)
Written by Jonathan Petts.
To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It’s not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. You can also use the cover letter to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your visa application. This article explains what a K-1 fiancé visa cover letter is and the elements it should include. There’s also a template you can use to write your own.
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