Filing N-400: Steps to Follow after Application for Naturalization is Submitted
Published at 07/24/22 03:54:51AM · 7 min read
Apparently, those people who submitted their applications in order to become U.S. citizens through naturalization are concerned about the time required for earning the status and steps they need to take following the submission. While there are some general procedures for all the applicants, the actual timeframe of processing their papers depends on such aspects as the USCIS workload and office where the documents were submitted, as well as on the compliance with the agency requirements for filing the application....
Filing I-130: The Timeline of Petition for Alien Relative Approval
Published at 07/24/22 03:55:27AM · 6 min read
Submission of the Petition for Alien Relative launches the process of earning a green card on the grounds of family relationship. To that end, it needs to be verified that a petitioner and a person applying for the card are relatives, and thus the latter is eligible for permanent residence. How much time will that require? The answer depends on a number of factors, including: USCIS workload at the time the petition is filed;Applicant’s compliance with the agency requirements for the submission;The category of family members the applicant falls into;While the timeline can vary, most applicants have to undergo procedures described below....
Filing I-751: What Comes After a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Is Submitted?
Published at 12/11/22 05:36:27AM · 6 min read
Upon submission of papers for removing conditions on residence, applicants are eager to know how long they have to wait for the approval and what further actions they need to take. Though there is a general scheme for processing Form I-751 applications, the actual timeline depends on several factors, including the USCIS workload and office where the documents were submitted, as well as on the compliance with the agency requirements for filing the petition....
Filing I-485: What to Expect Next?
Published at 12/26/22 07:28:33AM · 6 min read
Needless to say, submission of documents for earning a green card is a matter of great concern, and many applicants would like to know what to expect next and how long they need to wait for the approval. While there are some general steps and procedures, several specific aspects influence the timeframe of processing: USCIS workload at the time the documents are submitted; basis of eligibility for the card; compliance with USCIS requirements; Depending on these factors, the timeline can vary, but the basic scheme is as follows....
Understanding the Form I-693 Requirement for Adjusting Status: Do I Need to Submit It?
Published at 05/22/23 06:06:00AM · 4 min read
Forms I-693, which encompasses the Reports of Medical Examination and Vaccination Records, are usually needed for nearly all individuals who undergo status adjustments to become legal permanent residents (green card holders). Suppose you are applying to USCIS to change your immigration status. In that case, you must establish that you are physically and mentally fit to enter the country by passing a medical test. What’s The Form I-693 For? Green card applicants are often asked to submit to a medical examination as part of the immigration procedure....
How to Find Your SSN: A Guide 2023
Published at 05/23/23 06:36:33AM · 3 min read
Everyone eligible to work legally in the United States—citizens, permanent residents, and temporary visitors alike—receives a Social Security Number (SSN), a nine-digit identification number. The Social Security Administration (or SSA) provides SSNs to maintain financial records and evaluate their eligibility for social benefits, including disability, survivor pension, and retirement. The SSN was originally intended as a payroll number. Nevertheless, it has gradually evolved into a de facto national ID used for taxes and other reasons....
A Comprehensive Guide to Form I-766, Employment Authorization Documents
Published at 09/12/23 03:15:34AM · 3 min read
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are essentially ID cards that the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) provides to eligible foreign individuals. This allows them to work in the United States. This document is commonly referred to as a "work permit." Within USCIS, they officially call this document Form I-766. Within the EAD card, you'll find a picture of the person allowed to work. This may also feature their fingerprint. Typically, having an EAD means you have the green light for open-market employment, but remember that there can be some exceptional cases....
A Guide to Creating a Sample Letter to Invite Someone to the USA
Published at 09/17/23 07:58:25AM · 4 min read
To get a visa for the U.S., you need to follow specific rules. Having an invitation letter from your American host isn't one of them. Even though you don't need it, your host can still send you a letter. This letter won't guarantee a visa, but it might help in some cases. Some people feel more at ease sending letters than sending emails. Keep reading to see an example letter for a visitor's visa....
Understanding U.S. Visa Stamps
Published at 09/17/23 05:37:09AM · 4 min read
If the American consulate or U.S. embassy issued you a visa, the official most likely stamped your passport with the visa. The consular representative physically inserts a visa stamp into your passport. If your visa stamp for the U.S. is valid and not expired, you can ask to enter the United States at the border. There, a U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) officer will check your visa in your passport and all your documents to decide if you can enter....
What You Need to Know About the USCIS Online Account ID Number
Published at 09/18/23 06:11:48AM · 4 min read
While submitting various USCIS forms and requests, you'll come across a section where they ask for your online USCIS account ID. The (USCIS) U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services handles immigration issues in the United States. In recent times, it has been moving towards an internet-based approach. This shift has brought the requirement of an online USCIS account identifier for individuals with an account. Remember that not everyone is obliged to have an account....
3 Convenient Methods to Reach USCIS Easily
Published at 10/03/23 12:35:28AM · 2 min read
Getting in touch with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be tricky when you're dealing with visas. They struggle with lots of visa applications, and the pandemic made things worse. Still, there are some easy ways to contact USCIS, as shared in a memo from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman. Unlock Direct Access: 3 Effortless Ways to Connect with USCIS Harness the Power of Online Resources: USCIS offers a treasure trove of information on its website, complete with an extensive FAQ section....
Registration for the 2024 Diversity Visa Lotto starts on October 5
Published at 10/04/23 07:54:26AM · 1 min read
The State Department in the U.S. will begin taking online entries for the Diversity Visa 2024 lottery on October 5th at noon EDT. People can apply until November 8th at noon EDT. In FY 2024, the State Department is offering 55,000 green cards to foreign individuals. The Diversity Visa plan allows individuals from nations with a lower immigration rate to the United States to obtain a green card. In 2024, certain countries are ineligible for application, including:...
Top 8 Dating Apps for Foreigners and Newcomers
Published at 10/05/23 08:14:29AM · 3 min read
Description: Whether you’re a single who has moved to the US or an American by birth, proven dating apps can come in handy! Dating these days has been through profound transformations. The area covered by dating applications is now almost unlimited. You can find a soulmate in any part of the globe and keep this connection anytime. If you look well, there is something to find for every person and ways to brighten up your life....
Diversity Visa Lottery: Things to Know If You’re the Lucky One
Published at 10/05/23 06:48:15AM · 2 min read
Have you taken part in the diversity visa program that the US government holds? Then, hurry up to check your name among the winners for 2024. They’ve already announced those lucky ones. The government has chosen over 50,000 people who can participate in the visa program for immigrants and get US resident status. So, how does it work? Who can get a green card? The visa program for immigrants refers to the citizens of foreign countries that don’t send many immigrants to the United States....
A Comprehensive Handbook for G-639 Form, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Application
Published at 10/08/23 06:45:42AM · 9 min read
Accessing USCIS immigration records is simple with Form G-639, the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request. This form empowers you to ask for government-held information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ensuring transparency. USCIS, or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, steers these records. Whether you seek your own records or those of others in specific situations, this form serves as your entry point. Many individuals utilize a FOIA request, like Form G-639, to uncover valuable insights within their USCIS files....
How to Get U.S. Citizenship: 4 Common Ways
Published at 10/09/23 12:34:15AM · 15 min read
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to citizenship is one of the fundamental rights. Still, by acquiring the status of a citizen, a person acquires a certain set of obligations. The USA is one of the leading democratic countries in the world, in which a citizen is considered a person who has received state-protected rights and obligations in accordance with the Constitution and laws. Features of the U....
What Do US Green Card Holders Need to Know to Travel to Canada Hassle-Free?
Published at 10/10/23 01:42:27AM · 5 min read
A green card is a document confirming the permanent residence status in the United States. It is considered an intermediate step in obtaining US citizenship. Such an ID gives the right to permanently reside in the USA, work on an official basis, get an education, start their own business, use insurance services, apply for social security, etc. A person can become a US citizen after 5 years of using the card....
US Visa Renewal Dropbox Centers in India 2023
Published at 10/14/23 08:53:00AM · 4 min read
Interview Waiver Programs for your US Visas are often called the Dropbox Visa Appointments. It is a convenient option for individuals seeking to renew their US visas. It enables applicants to submit their renewal applications and necessary documents at Visa Application Centers without undergoing an in-person visa interview.This method of visa renewal is ideal for those who want to expedite the process, especially as the waiting period for physical interviews is currently quite lengthy....
Civil Wedding Ceremony: Everything You Need to Know
Published at 10/29/23 06:10:44AM · 4 min read
Do you plan your wedding party but have a tight budget? Don’t start panicking. It isn’t a big problem. There is a great solution - a civil ceremony or a courthouse wedding. Nobody says that you don’t need to spend time on planning at all. But preparations are less time-consuming and 100% more cost-effective. Are you dreaming about your great day? Make it the perfect one with the valuable tips below....
Your Comprehensive Guide to Travel for DACA Recipients
Published at 11/13/23 10:37:53AM · 3 min read
Understanding travel nuances can be tricky for those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program or with a DACA application in progress. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the necessary travel guidelines and potential barriers to ensure a smooth journey and prevent any complications with your immigration status. Below is a compilation of pivotal travel advice tailored specifically for DACA recipients. Traveling Within the U.S. for DACA Recipients There's positive news for DACA recipients living in the U....
Employment Visa Backlog? Temporary Solutions Come to the Rescue
Published at 11/18/23 11:27:05AM · 2 min read
Are you a holder of an H-1B visa or waiting for a green card? According to new updates in the USCIS policy, you can get authorization documents (EADs) in certain situations. You shouldn't worry about a possible delay in your employment visa backlog. Whether you’re temporarily unemployed or don’t have an immigrant status, there is a solution for you. Find out if you have the right to get an EAD. You need to meet the obligatory requirements: ...
How Much Time Do You Need to Obtain US Citizenship?
Published at 11/19/23 11:35:14AM · 5 min read
Citizens are the basis of any state, regardless of its form of government. That is why the issue of citizenship is very relevant at all stages of state development. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to citizenship is one of the fundamental rights since by acquiring the status of a citizen a person receives a certain set of rights and obligations. About the Importance of a Green Card Obtaining a green card is the first important step to becoming an American....
Submitting a US Immigration Petition
Published at 11/20/23 04:56:35AM · 6 min read
The United States of America has traditionally been one of the most attractive countries in the world for immigrants. Thus, about 54 million people immigrated to the country in the period 1820-1987. It is worth noting that most immigrants tend to choose large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, and Houston as their place of residence. Immigration Petition: What Is It? An immigration petition is a special application form submitted by citizens (petitioners) to USCIS to obtain permission for permanent or temporary residence of applicants (beneficiaries) in America based on family relationships or employment....
Checking a Green Card Status: Everything You Need to Know
Published at 11/20/23 06:32:45AM · 5 min read
The US Green Card is an essential document for individuals who intend to move and live in America for a long period. In addition, a significant number of people who already live in the USA want to receive it. The advantage is that Green Card holders are forever exempt from the obligation to obtain a US visa since it allows permanent residence in the country. You can leave the country to visit relatives, travel to other countries, and then return without any problems....
Delving Deep into Form G-325A and Its Historical Significance
Published at 11/21/23 04:20:38AM · 3 min read
Form G-325A functioned as a medium for the USCIS to gather an applicant's biographical details. This supplementary form played a role only in unique circumstances, enabling the USCIS to perform background checks on either an applicant or petitioner. It was known for its straightforward completion process. However, post-2017, Forms I-485, I-130, and I-129F have assimilated the queries previously found on Form G-325A. Typically, this form won't be part of your submission unless specifically requested by the USCIS....
In-Depth Overview: The U.S. Border Crossing Card
Published at 11/21/23 07:02:58AM · 4 min read
For Mexican citizens seeking temporary entry into the United States, the Border Crossing Card (BCC) represents a vital travel and identification document. Designed as a B-1/B-2 visa, the card is a product of the U.S. Department of State's efforts to streamline legal border crossings for reasons such as business, tourism, or short-term visits. With its unique features and stipulations, this specialized card underscores the intricate nature of U.S.-Mexico relations, especially concerning mobility between the two nations....
Navigating Green Card Applications Without a Birth Certificate
Published at 11/22/23 08:45:48AM · 3 min read
Submitting proof of birth is a fundamental requirement for the majority of adjustment of status and immigrant visa applications, which are the principal pathways to obtaining a green card. While there are exclusions for individuals like asylees and refugees, the standard protocol for most applicants entails providing a foreign birth certificate alongside Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, or within the DS-260. However, certain circumstances, such as the absence of standardized birth certificate issuance in some countries, necessitate alternative means of verifying one's birth....
How to Sponsor Your Relative for a Green Card: Federal Poverty Instructions
Published at 11/22/23 04:50:55AM · 4 min read
Whether you want to help your relative get a green card or sponsor a non-immigrant US visitor, check the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). You should provide the data about your financial status, and the USCIS will decide if you can be a sponsor. Take into account that the Form I-864P is updated annually. Do you want to find out what the FPG is for you? Two things affect the FPG: the state you reside in at the moment and your household size....
Identifying the Specifics of Your Immigrant Visa Application or Adjustment of Status
Published at 11/23/23 08:17:12AM · 2 min read
Part 3, Question 1 of Form I-90, a crucial document in the process of replacing your Permanent Resident Card, seeks specific details about the origins of your immigrant visa application or adjustment of status. Essentially, this segment requests clarity on where your initial green card application process took place. To respond accurately, you'll need to trace back to the method you utilized to secure your green card: was it through consular processing or by adjusting your status while within the U....
Immigration to the USA from Ukraine
Published at 12/01/23 01:25:03AM · 3 min read
To fulfill their dreams or in search of a safe place of residence, thousands of Ukrainians decided to immigrate from Ukraine to the United States. Immigration has become a kind of hope for a better future and a chance to change one’s destiny. The process of immigrating to the United States from Ukraine can be long and complex. You need to follow many different legal procedures and carefully plan them in order to obtain a visa....
Everything You Need to Know About Form I-821, Request for Temporary (TPS) Protected Status
Published at 01/26/24 01:56:03AM · 10 min read
What's the Purpose of Form I-821? Some folks from other countries living in the USA can use Form I-821, also known as the "Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Application." This happens when the Department of Homeland Security in the United States allows people from certain nations to stay temporarily for the following reasons: Wars Natural disasters Epidemic Extraordinary and short-term conditions You can locate a comprehensive list of nations with TPS designation on the USCIS page for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)....
What Are the Photo Guidelines for a Green Card?
Published at 01/31/24 02:22:34AM · 4 min read
Your photo plays a vital role in your visa application. The government has specific rules for your picture. Keep reading to discover these rules, find out where to get your photo, and get answers to common U.S. visa photo queries. Understanding U.S. Visa Photo Guidelines The USCIS advises using a professional service for visa photos to ensure your photos follow all the criteria. However, if you're taking the picture yourself, here are the requirements:...
Exploring the Complex World of Proxy Marriages and Their Role in Immigration
Published at 02/01/24 03:55:31AM · 3 min read
The landscape of weddings shifted dramatically during the pandemic, and marriage rituals adapted to the new norms. While remote ceremonies gained prominence in 2020, a broader trend emerged: proxy marriages, even across international boundaries. Virtual unions have become a means of commitment for couples facing legal barriers, such as same-sex couples in countries like China and the Philippines, where same-sex marriage remains illegal. But can these proxy marriages serve immigration purposes effectively?...
Qatar's World Cup Overshadowed by Migrant Worker Debates
Published at 02/08/24 02:04:28AM · 5 min read
Last week, football enthusiasts worldwide turned their attention to the commencement of the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It was an occasion marked by grandeur and celebration still shaded by controversy. This was a pioneering move for the Middle East as Qatar became the first nation in the region to host this monumental sporting event. However, many in the global community raised eyebrows over the decision to select Qatar, a compact nation smaller than Connecticut, with a somewhat muted history in soccer accomplishments, as the ideal venue for the World Cup, especially since the announcement back in 2010....
From Application to Approval: A Comprehensive Overview of the H-1B Visa
Published at 03/14/24 04:11:53AM · 6 min read
The H-1B visa stands as a vital nonimmigrant visa classification that empowers United States employers to engage foreign professionals possessing specialized expertise to be employed within the U.S. for a designated duration. This visa is particularly designed for positions that necessitate a minimum of a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent in a relevant field. The array of occupations that are eligible for the H-1B visa encompasses a wide range of sectors, including but not limited to technology, finance, engineering, architecture, among others, highlighting the visa's significance in attracting global talent to contribute to the U....
Understanding Your USCIS Account Number: Casual Insights into the Immigration Process
Published at 03/19/24 04:48:37AM · 3 min read
What is the USCIS Online Account Number and How Does It Work? A "USCIS online account number" refers to a distinctive identifier allocated to a person when they establish an online account with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is utilized to monitor and organize the person's immigration requests and filings made through the internet. The function of the USCIS online account number is unique, setting it apart from the alien registration number (A-Number) and application receipt numbers....
A Closer Look at the Alien Registration Number: Distinguishing It from Your USCIS Case ID
Published at 03/25/24 12:32:36AM · 5 min read
Once you've submitted your initial green card application, you will need to include your Alien Registration Number on all subsequent forms or petitions submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This number, also known as an "A-number," "A#," or "USCIS number," serves as a unique identifier throughout the immigration process. It's important to keep this number handy, as it will be required for all your interactions with USCIS moving forward....
The Essentials of Form N-400: Processing Times, Expenses, and Criteria for Citizenship Application
Published at 04/03/24 04:29:29AM · 7 min read
Understanding Form N-400 Form N-400, also known as the "Application for Naturalization," is the form required for permanent residents (green card holders) seeking to become U.S. citizens, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. Unsure about your eligibility for citizenship? The first move is to assess your qualifications. Submitting Form N-400 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — initiates the naturalization process, marking your first step towards American citizenship....
Applying for the Green Card Lottery: Timeline, Expenses, and Procedure
Published at 04/08/24 09:07:57AM · 8 min read
A Beginner's Guide to the Diversity Visa Lottery The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, facilitated by the State Department, enhances the U.S. immigrant population's diversity. This annual program awards over 50,000 green cards to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States, enabling them to achieve permanent residency. It serves as a critical pathway for individuals and families without other means of legally immigrating to the U.S. To enter the Diversity Visa lottery, applicants complete a straightforward, no-cost online form available yearly from early October to early November....
Your Quick Guide to Achieving Dual Citizenship with the U.S.
Published at 04/16/24 10:04:10AM · 7 min read
What Does It Mean to Have Dual Citizenship? Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, occurs when an individual is concurrently recognized as a citizen of two distinct countries. This implies that in the U.S. context, one can hold citizenship in both the United States and another nation. However, it's important to note that not all countries permit their citizens to maintain dual citizenship, with policies differing widely from one nation to another....